TTC Gold Pink vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a plethora of options available to cater to one's individual preferences. Two switches that stand out in the market are the TTC Gold Pink and the Outemu Red Panda. The Gold Pink is a linear switch, renowned for its 37g actuation force, making it one of the lightest switches around. This feature lends itself to a fast and effortless typing experience, which is ideal for those who engage in rapid typing or gaming. Additionally, the Gold Pinks provide a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound. On the other hand, the Red Panda is a tactile switch that offers a distinctive typing experience. With a light-medium amount of tactility, it provides a unique sensation while typing. Moreover, the Red Panda emits a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, enhancing the auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Pink and the Outemu Red Panda share similar housing materials, specifically for their top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches aiming for a distinct audible experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the implementation of RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. Therefore, users can expect a comparable sound and aesthetic experience when using both the Gold Pink and the Red Panda switches.
While the top housing material is the same for both switches, the Gold Pink and the Red Panda differ in their choice of bottom housing. The Gold Pink utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Red Panda also employs nylon as its bottom housing material. This choice contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches. Nylon's softer plastic nature allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out the keys. This choice is beneficial for users who prefer a more muted typing experience. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing sound and feel when using both the Gold Pink and the Red Panda switches due to the shared nylon bottom housing.
When considering the overall impact of the housing materials, it is important to acknowledge the distinction between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, as users will experience its qualities when pressing down on the keys. In contrast, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing the key. Thus, the differences in top and bottom housing materials could result in slight variations in the sound and feel of typing between the Gold Pink and the Red Panda switches. However, due to the shared properties of polycarbonate and nylon, users can anticipate relatively similar results in terms of sound and overall experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Pink has a light actuation force of 37 grams, meaning it requires a gentle touch to trigger a keystroke. In comparison, the Red Panda has a medium actuation force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier to activate.
Moving on to the bottom out force, which measures the force required to fully press down on the switch, the Gold Pink has a bottom out force of 45 grams. This indicates a relatively light and smooth typing experience for users who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Red Panda has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier key press.
Considering the weight factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods may lean towards the Gold Pink with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. This would be ideal for individuals who use their keyboards frequently for work or prolonged gaming sessions. However, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Red Panda's heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
In conclusion, the Gold Pink linear switch offers a lighter touch with a lower actuation and bottom out force, while the Red Panda tactile switch provides a slightly heavier typing experience with higher forces. Whether one prefers the lighter or heavier option depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is clear that the Gold Pink has a longer travel distance at 4mm, while the Red Panda has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3mm. The Gold Pink's 4.0mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, offering a greater depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Red Panda's 3.3mm travel distance is shallower and may be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Red Panda with its shorter travel distance would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial experience when pressing down on keys, the Gold Pink's longer travel distance would be more suitable. Both switches offer their own advantages and it is important to consider your own preferences and requirements before making a decision.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch delivers a clacky sound that offers a satisfying level of feedback. The Red Panda tactile switch, on the other hand, produces a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. The Gold Pink's sound is characterized as clacky, while the Red Panda's sound is described as thocky, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gold Pink switch is often described as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, while a mild switch offers a gentle typing sensation in the middle-ground zone. The feathery characteristic of the Gold Pink switch makes it exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The subtle aspect of this switch provides a gentle resistance, suitable for shared spaces. Additionally, the Gold Pink switch has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience.
On the other hand, the Red Panda tactile switch is also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience similar to the Gold Pink switch. Both switches fall within the safe and approachable middle-ground zone when it comes to feel.
In conclusion, the Gold Pink linear switch and the Red Panda tactile switch each have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Pink provides a clacky sound, while the Red Panda produces a thocky sound. Both switches offer a mild and gentle typing experience, with the Gold Pink having additional descriptors such as buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished. While they may have some differences, typing on either switch will provide similar results in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're in search of a light and lively typing experience that requires minimal effort, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch is the way to go. With a low actuation force and a satisfying level of feedback, these switches excel in rapid typing and gaming scenarios. Additionally, they produce a clacky sound that adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a light-medium amount of tactility accompanied by a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is the better choice. These switches offer a comfortable and approachable typing experience with their gentle feel and mild characteristics. Both switches have their unique sound profiles, with the Gold Pink switch delivering a yet-to-be-described sound, and the Red Panda switch offering a thocky sound. In terms of feel, the Gold Pink switch provides a buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience, while the Red Panda switch falls under the mild category. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and typing style when deciding between these two switches.
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