TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it becomes evident that both offer unique typing experiences suited for different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro provides a subtle and nuanced feedback with a gentle tactile bump and a subdued sound profile, ideal for those who value understated tactile experiences and minimal distraction. On the other hand, the Red Panda offers a light-medium tactility with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, creating a different typing sensation altogether. While the Gold Brown Pro is polished, thocky, low-pitched, and silky, the Red Panda is described as thocky and mild. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Red Panda, we see that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is particularly useful for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for the light to shine through. Despite both switches using the same material for their top housing, the overall sound profile and feel may differ based on other factors such as the stem and spring used in the switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. While the top housing may have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a switch.
Overall, while both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Red Panda share similarities in their housing materials, they may still offer slightly different typing experiences due to other factors involved in the construction of the switches. The use of polycarbonate for the top housing creates a sharp and clear sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the sound. Whether these differences significantly impact the user's typing experience will ultimately depend on personal preferences and the specific components of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is evident that the Gold Brown Pro is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Red Panda is the heavier option with an actuation force of 50 grams. The Gold Brown Pro has an unknown bottom out force, whereas the Red Panda has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. Despite the slight difference in actuation force, both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback while typing. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Gold Brown Pro would be a suitable choice for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Red Panda offers a more robust feel, ideal for individuals seeking a stronger push sensation for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Red Panda has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gold Brown Pro. The difference may seem small, but it can have an impact on the overall typing or gaming experience. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Red Panda with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Gold Brown Pro with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, catering to a variety of preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
The Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Red Panda switches are described as "thocky," meaning they produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. However, the Gold Brown Pro is also noted for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, while the Red Panda's sound characteristics are not as detailed. The sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used, so individual experiences may vary.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown Pro offers a polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped typing experience, providing a smooth and refined finish with gentle resistance. On the other hand, the Red Panda is described as providing a mild typing experience, placing it in a safe middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users. While the Gold Brown Pro offers a more nuanced and multi-faceted feel, the Red Panda provides a simpler yet still pleasant tactile experience.
Overall, if you are looking for a quiet and understated tactile switch with a subtle bump and subdued sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more pronounced tactile feel and are fine with a less detailed description of sound characteristics, the Outemu Red Panda could still provide you with a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you value a subtle and nuanced tactile feedback with a quiet typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a light-medium amount of tactility with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, the Red Panda could be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a gentler and quieter typing experience or a slightly more pronounced tactile feedback with unique sound characteristics. Choose the switch that aligns best with your personal preferences and typing environment.
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