TTC Gold Red vs. Outemu Red Panda

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options worth considering are the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Red Panda. Both switches offer their own unique features and benefits, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. The Gold Red is best known for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium level of resistance. With a snappy sound profile, these switches add a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Red Panda provides a light-medium amount of tactility and offers a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. 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

TTC Gold Red Linear

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

$3.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Red Panda utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material. This choice results in a similar sound profile for both switches, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound production. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for RGB lighting effects. Therefore, users can expect comparable sound and aesthetic experiences when using either switch.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Gold Red and the Red Panda employ nylon as their material of choice. This commonality ensures a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on either switch. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, users can expect a consistent sound experience in terms of the bottom-out sound of the switch, regardless of whether they choose the Gold Red or the Red Panda.

It is important to note that when a switch has different materials for its top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material will be split between the two parts. While the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect nuanced differences in sound and feel between the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Red Panda due to the variation between their top and bottom housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Red has a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams, while the Red Panda requires a slightly heavier 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Gold Red requires 50 grams to press all the way down, while the Red Panda has a medium resistance of 60 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Red switch would be ideal as its actuation and bottom out forces are relatively low. This lightweight nature is particularly suitable for individuals who spend long periods typing, such as office workers or gamers. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch offers a stronger push feel, making it more suitable for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. The slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a tactile feedback that some users may find satisfying.

Although the actuation forces and bottom out forces of the two switches differ, individuals aiming for similar results can still achieve their desired typing experience with either switch. Those who prefer a lighter feel can still experience a smooth and responsive keystroke with the Red Panda switch, while users who enjoy a stronger push feel can attain that with the Gold Red switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the typing experience one wishes to achieve.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is clear that the Gold Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Red Panda has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Gold Red's 4.0mm travel distance falls into the range of traditional travel distances, offering a more familiar and expected key press experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda's 3.3mm travel distance is shallower, which is often favored by gamers seeking faster response times. Those who prefer a more responsive typing experience would benefit from the Red Panda's shorter travel distance. However, individuals who enjoy a more pronounced key press with a sense of depth may find the longer travel distance of the Gold Red to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch can be described as "thocky." This means that they produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. However, the Gold Red switch is also described as having a low-pitched sound profile, which means it features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the Red Panda switch. The Gold Red switch can be considered more neutral, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, both switches are described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience. They both fall within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of their tactile characteristics. However, the Gold Red switch is also described as silky and polished. A silky switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. A polished switch, on the other hand, has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Red Panda switch does not have these specific descriptors but still provides a gentle typing experience.

Considering the available information, it can be concluded that both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer desirable subjective qualities. They both provide a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying, thocky sound when pressed. While the Gold Red switch has a low-pitched sound profile and offers a silky and polished feel, the Red Panda switch lacks specific information regarding its sound profile and feel. However, based on the similarity in their descriptors as "mild," it can be inferred that the Red Panda switch may provide a comparable gentle typing experience. Ultimately, the final choice would depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, and appreciate a snappy sound profile without being too ostentatious, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is the right choice for you. This switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether at home or in a work setting. Additionally, the Gold Red switch provides a mild and silky feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of typing and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Its subtle and polished qualities result in a sleek and refined typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a light-medium amount of tactility alongside a bassier and raindrop-like bottom-out sound, with a clackier and higher-pitched top-out sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is more suitable for you. This switch also offers a thocky sound, which provides a deep and satisfying feeling when pressed and released. With a mild feel, the Red Panda switch ensures a gentle and approachable typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch depends on your personal preference for typing experience, sound profile, and feel. Consider factors such as the level of resistance, sound characteristics, and the overall smoothness of typing that you desire. By understanding these differences, you can select the switch that best aligns with your specific needs and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Red Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more