TTC Flame Red vs. Outemu Red Panda

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are various options to choose from, each with their own unique characteristics. Two popular switches worth comparing are the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Red Panda. The Flame Red is best known for its stunning visuals, particularly its dazzling light diffuser, making it the go-to choice for those looking to have a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on these switches offers a weighty smoothness and a satisfying clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Red Panda is known for its light-medium amount of tactility, accompanied by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. Categorized as neutral, mild, and polished, the Flame Red provides a smooth and polished typing experience, while the Red Panda, categorized as thocky and mild, offers a tactile feedback for those who prefer a more pronounced typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision when choosing the most suitable switch for your needs and preferences.

By the numbers

TTC Flame Red Linear

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

$3.40 per 10

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Housing materials

The TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Red Panda differ in terms of their housing materials. The Flame Red features a nylon top housing, while the Red Panda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The use of different materials affects the sound profile of the switches. With its nylon top housing, the Flame Red produces a deeper and fuller sound. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those who intend to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. Overall, the top housing materials of both switches offer distinct sound characteristics.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Flame Red and the Red Panda share a nylon bottom housing. This material choice provides similar sound characteristics for both switches. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Therefore, when pressing down on either switch, users can expect a similar deeper sound and feel. However, it's worth noting that the qualities of the bottom housing primarily affect the bottom-out sound and feel, rather than the sound when letting go of a key. Regardless, the nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent experience in terms of sound and tactile feedback for both the Flame Red and the Red Panda.

In summary, the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Red Panda differ in their top housing materials, with the Flame Red utilizing nylon and the Red Panda featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This leads to contrasting sound profiles, with the Flame Red producing a duller and rounder sound, while the Red Panda offers a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound when pressing down. These housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of each switch, providing users with options based on their sound preferences and lighting plans.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Flame Red has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Red Panda's 50 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, but the Flame Red is on the lighter side. In terms of bottom out force, the Flame Red requires 54 grams of force, while the Red Panda is slightly heavier at 60 grams. Therefore, the Red Panda provides a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. However, considering the weight aspect, for those who prefer a lighter feel for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Flame Red may be the preferable choice. Overall, although there are differences in force, both switches offer comparable results and can cater to different preferences and typing styles.

Travel distance

When it comes to comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we can see that there is a noticeable difference. The Flame Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Red Panda has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if you choose the Flame Red, you will experience a slightly deeper key press compared to the Red Panda.

The 4 mm travel distance of the Flame Red falls into the traditional range, offering a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the 3.3 mm travel distance of the Red Panda is considered more shallow. This shorter travel distance is favored by gamers who prioritize faster response times. So, if you are someone who values a quick and snappy key press, the Red Panda may be the preferred option for you.

However, it's important to note that personal preference plays a significant role in determining which travel distance is better suited for an individual. Some people may find the shorter travel distance of the Red Panda too abrupt, while others may appreciate the crispness it provides. If you prefer a more substantial depth to your key presses, the Flame Red with its 4 mm travel distance would be the better choice.

In conclusion, the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch have different travel distances. The Flame Red offers a 4 mm travel distance, providing a traditional feel, while the Red Panda has a shorter 3.3 mm travel distance, appealing to those seeking a faster response time. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on your personal preference for either a deeper or snappier key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Flame Red switch has a neutral profile, meaning it produces a moderate sound when pressed. This makes it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch is known for its "thocky" sound profile. When pressed, it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound, reminiscent of a deep "thud" or a soft "knock." It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Flame Red and Red Panda switches are described as having a mild typing experience. This means that they offer a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The qualities of both switches stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users. In addition, the Flame Red switch is described as polished, indicating that it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. It is unknown if the Red Panda switch has a similar polished finish.

In conclusion, the TTC Flame Red linear switch stands out for its dazzling light diffuser, making it ideal for backlit, RGB keyboards. It offers a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch provides a light-medium amount of tactility, a bassier bottom-out sound, and a clackier top-out sound. In terms of sound, the Flame Red has a neutral profile while the Red Panda has a thocky profile. Both switches offer a mild typing experience, with the Flame Red being described as polished for a smoother typing experience. When considering the available information, it appears that the Flame Red and Red Panda switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, providing users with options depending on their preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are seeking a visually stunning switch that goes perfectly with a backlit, RGB keyboard, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is your ideal choice. With its dazzling light diffuser, these switches will add an extra level of vibrancy to your typing experience. Additionally, the Flame Red offers a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing feel.

On the other hand, if you are someone who appreciates a more tactile typing experience, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer a light-medium amount of tactility, accompanied by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound.

In terms of sound, the Flame Red provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and regardless of whether you are using the switches at home or work. On the other hand, the Red Panda offers a thocky sound, which produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, adding to the tactile experience.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, both the Flame Red and Red Panda fall into the category of mild switches, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. However, the Flame Red has the additional benefit of a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch boils down to your preferences. If you prioritize visual aesthetics and a smooth, clacky typing feel, the Flame Red is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value tactile feedback and a thocky sound, the Red Panda will be a perfect fit.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flame Red Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more