Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it's clear that each offers unique characteristics for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to consider. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon, creating a delightfully creamy yet lightweight switch that provides a slightly textured feel right out of the box. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda offers a light-medium amount of tactility, along with a distinctive bottom-out sound and top-out sound. While the Keygeek Raw is perfect for enthusiasts who prefer hand-lubing their switches, the Outemu Red Panda provides a satisfying typing experience with its thocky and mild characteristics. 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
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and the Outemu Red Panda switches offer contrasting qualities that affect the sound profile and overall feel of the switches. The Keygeek Raw's Nylon & UPE blend top housing provides a unique sound profile that is not as sharp or crisp as the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate material in the Red Panda switch creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, which is enhanced by its translucency that allows for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Nylon & UPE blend of the Keygeek Raw switch offers a different sound profile that may appeal to those looking for a deeper and fuller typing experience.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Keygeek Raw's UMPE & Si blend bottom housing and the Red Panda's nylon bottom housing also offer distinct characteristics. The UMPE & Si blend of the Keygeek Raw switch provides a unique typing experience, while the nylon material of the Red Panda switch offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper sound produced by the UMPE & Si blend. These differences in bottom housing materials can greatly impact the overall typing feel and sound of the switches.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and the Outemu Red Panda switches offer unique qualities, they both contribute to creating a distinctive typing experience. The differences in materials, such as polycarbonate and nylon for the top housing, and UMPE & Si blend and nylon for the bottom housing, result in varying sound profiles and typing feels. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, choosing between these switches will ultimately come down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Weight
The Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch have noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Keygeek Raw has a lighter actuation force of None grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda requires 50 grams of force to actuate, providing a more deliberate typing experience. When it comes to bottom out force, the Keygeek Raw requires 57.5 grams, while the Red Panda requires 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium weight category for bottom out force, giving a similar typing experience in that aspect. Overall, the Keygeek Raw is lighter in actuation force, while the Outemu Red Panda is heavier, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which makes them favorable among gamers for their quick response times. However, the Keygeek Raw has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Outemu Red Panda. If you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Keygeek Raw may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly shallower key press for faster response times, the Outemu Red Panda would be the suitable choice. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, with the Keygeek Raw being slightly longer by 0.1 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Keygeek Raw switch offers a neutral profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various settings and users. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch provides a thocky sound that is deep, rich, and satisfying, creating a different auditory experience. Both switches can produce pleasing sounds, but the Keygeek Raw may be more versatile due to its neutral nature.
In terms of feel, the Keygeek Raw switch provides a slightly textured experience right out of the box, offering a mild and subtle typing feel that appeals to many users. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda switch also offers a mild typing experience, aligning more closely with the Keygeek Raw in this aspect. Both switches fall into the mild category, making them suitable for a wide range of preferences.
Overall, while the Keygeek Raw and Outemu Red Panda switches differ in sound characteristics, they share similarities in their mild typing feel. Choosing between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference for sound profile and any other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Ultimately, both switches can provide a pleasant typing experience, with the Keygeek Raw offering a more neutral sound and unique material blend, while the Outemu Red Panda provides a thocky sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and lightweight switch that offers a slightly textured feel and is perfect for hand-lubing enthusiasts, the Keygeek Raw linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a light-medium amount of tactility, along with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch may be the better option for you. Consider your preference for sound and feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences, so choosing the one that aligns with your typing style will ensure a satisfying typing experience.
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