Keygeek Keylin vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a critical role in determining the typing experience that best suits your needs. The Keygeek Keylin linear switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and rich acoustics, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted typing experience. With its emphasis on a fluid keypress, the Keylin is well-suited for gamers and typists looking for responsiveness without tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a unique blend of light-to-medium tactility, accompanied by a distinct, bass-rich bottom-out sound and a higher-pitched clack during key release. This switch caters to users who enjoy feedback with each keystroke, making it a favored option for those who appreciate the satisfying sound and feel of tactile typing. While both switches have compelling features that cater to different preferences, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Red Panda switches demonstrate distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their overall sound profiles. The Keylin utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer composition, yielding a deeper, fuller sound signature. This is attributed to nylon's sound-absorbing qualities, which create a duller and rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the Outemu Red Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, a material recognized for its stiffness. This results in a sharper, more resonant, and crisper sound profile, offering a distinct auditory contrast to the warmer tones produced by the nylon. If desired sound characteristics lean towards clarity and brightness, the Red Panda's polycarbonate housing is preferable, while the Keylin’s nylon offers a more subdued and rich auditory texture.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Keylin and the Red Panda employ nylon, which ensures uniformity in the deeper sound profile associated with the switching mechanism. Nylon is a classic choice, and it serves to maintain the rounder sound quality found in both switches when bottoming out. Since the bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out feel and sound, both switches will exhibit similar nuanced qualities in this regard, regardless of the disparities posed by their top housing materials. Users can expect a complementary experience when pressing the keys, as both switches will deliver that familiar softness typical of nylon.
Ultimately, while the top housing materials of the Keylin and Red Panda diverge in their properties and resulting sound profiles, the use of nylon in the bottom housing creates consistency in the overall typing experience. A user can anticipate that, although the Keygeek Keylin would excel at evoking warmer, softer sounds with its nylon top, the Outemu Red Panda would articulate a sharper clarity, thanks to its polycarbonate top. This duality showcases how even with divergent materials and resulting sound profiles, the integration of nylon for both switches' bottoms ensures a similar tactile sensation during usage, thus blending aesthetics with functionality to cater to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as it minimizes fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which provides a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. This means that while the Keylin switch is better suited for those who favor a lighter touch, the Red Panda caters to those who appreciate a firmer keystroke. Overall, the Keylin is the lighter option, whereas the Red Panda is the heavier choice, appealing to different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it's clear that these two options cater to different preferences. The Keylin has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Red Panda measures slightly less at 3.3 mm. As a result, the Keylin offers a longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who favor a more pronounced keystroke and a tactile feedback typical of deeper switches. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Red Panda provides a quicker response time, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking rapid key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference—those who enjoy a more substantial feel during typing might lean towards the Keylin, while those prioritizing speedy execution may prefer the Red Panda.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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
The sound profile of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is characterized by rich acoustics that enhance the typing experience while producing a satisfying auditory feedback. This can create a feeling of fullness and depth in the sound, making each keystroke feel more impactful. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch exhibits a distinct sound signature, with a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound paired with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This combination gives the Red Panda a unique auditory appeal, especially for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound when typing. While both switches deliver engaging auditory experiences, the Keylin provides a smoother, richer sound, while the Red Panda offers a more dynamic range with its signature thock and clack.
In terms of feel, the Keylin linear switch boasts exceptional smoothness, promoting a frictionless experience as you type. This quality is ideal for typists who prefer a seamless keystroke without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda features a light to medium amount of tactility, providing a gentle bump that signals actuation without being overly aggressive. This makes the Red Panda more approachable and versatile for different typing styles. While the Keylin prioritizes a fluid typing experience, the Red Panda's mild tactility strikes a balance that can accommodate a wider range of preferences.
In summary, both the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch present unique qualities that cater to different typists. The Keylin emphasizes smoothness and rich acoustics, creating a luxurious typing experience, while the Red Panda combines a mild tactile feel with distinctive sound characteristics that many find appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and typing feel, and both switches can deliver enjoyable results in their own distinct ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light and smooth keystroke for fast-paced gaming or typing, the Keylin’s 48-gram bottom out force will suit you well, offering a premium experience characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness. This makes it ideal for someone who values speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a satisfying sound profile, the Outemu Red Panda may be the better choice for you. With its medium 60-gram bottom out force and a mild tactile sensation, it balances a gentle typing experience with a thocky auditory feedback that is both deep and rich, ideal for users who appreciate some tactile feedback without being overly harsh. Therefore, consider whether you want a seamless, airy feel or a more pronounced tactile experience as you decide which switch best aligns with your typing needs.
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