Durock Light Tactile vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Red Panda. The Light Tactile switch from Durock is renowned for its gentle tactility, providing a pleasant typing experience that differs from the sharper tactile switches commonly found on the market. This switch offers an angelic tactility and emits a jelly-like sound signature, making it a favorite among users seeking a smoother typing feel. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch from Outemu offers a light-medium amount of tactility, delivering a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. While both switches offer a tactile experience, they have unique characteristics that set them apart. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision and select the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Red Panda, it is clear that they both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the clear and translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better illumination. Therefore, in terms of their top housings, users can expect similar results and aesthetics from both the Light Tactile and the Red Panda.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of these switches differ, with the Light Tactile featuring a nylon housing and the Red Panda utilizing the same material. Nylon is widely regarded as a classic switch housing material due to its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, when pressing down on either switch, users will feel the qualities of the bottom housing, which will have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel.
It is important to note that the split between the top and bottom housings influences the overall sound experience of these switches. While the top housing, made of polycarbonate, primarily impacts the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing, made of nylon in the Light Tactile and the Red Panda, has a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. This distinction highlights the importance of considering both the top and bottom housing materials when selecting a switch, as the combination of materials affects the overall sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we can see a few similarities and differences between the two. Both switches have a relatively light actuation force, with the Light Tactile requiring 52 grams and the Red Panda requiring 50 grams. This means that users will experience a similar level of sensitivity when triggering keystrokes. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Light Tactile is slightly heavier at 67 grams compared to the Red Panda's 60 grams. This means that the Light Tactile switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, offering a stronger push feel when fully pressing down on the keys.
For individuals who prefer a lighter switch, allowing them to type for extended periods without experiencing fatigue, both the Light Tactile and Red Panda switches offer suitable options. However, for those seeking a more robust and substantial typing experience, the Light Tactile switch would be the better choice due to its heavier bottom out force. Overall, both switches provide reliable tactile feedback and a comfortable typing experience, but the Light Tactile switch offers a slightly heavier option for users who prefer a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we find that the Light Tactile has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Red Panda has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Light Tactile provides a deeper press when compared to the Red Panda.
Typically, a travel distance of 4 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.3 mm falls into the category of shorter travel distances that have become increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prefer faster response times. If you prioritize a more responsive feel, the Red Panda with its shorter travel distance would be the better choice. However, for those who enjoy a deeper key press, the Light Tactile's longer travel distance would be more suitable. It ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switches, we can observe notable differences. The Light Tactile switch from Durock offers a gentle and angelic tactility, creating a pleasant typing experience. Additionally, it produces a jelly-like sound signature, which adds to its unique character. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch delivers a light-medium amount of tactility accompanied by a bassier raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier higher-pitched top-out sound. These characteristics create a distinct auditory profile for the Red Panda switch, setting it apart from the Light Tactile.
In terms of feel, both switches share the descriptor of being mild, indicating that they offer a gentle typing experience. This makes them suitable for a wide range of users, as their qualities fall within a safe middle-ground zone. The Light Tactile switch also features a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This can be attributed to either the materials used or the factory lubing process. As a result, users can expect reduced friction and smooth key travel with these switches. Although the feel of the Red Panda switch is not explicitly described beyond being mild, we can expect a similar approachable and gentle typing experience as the Light Tactile switch.
In conclusion, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle and angelic tactility, producing a jelly-like sound when typing. With its polished finish, it offers a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch provides a light-medium amount of tactility and features a distinct bassier raindrop-like bottom-out sound and clackier higher-pitched top-out sound. Both switches offer a mild feel, making them suitable for most users. While the Red Panda switch lacks a description of its feel, it is plausible to expect a similar level of approachability and gentleness. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired sound and feel for one's mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch that offers a gentle and pleasant typing experience with a unique sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, it provides a satisfying level of tactility without being too overwhelming. The angelic tactility and jelly-like sound make it a refreshing option compared to sharper tactile switches on the market.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound along with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, the Outemu Red Panda switch would be a better fit for you. Its light-medium amount of tactility paired with the thocky sound profile creates a deep, rich, and satisfying typing experience.
In terms of sound, the Light Tactile switch has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of purposes and environments. It offers a moderate actuation force requirement, making it beginner-friendly and versatile for both work and home use. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch is described as thocky, providing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released.
When it comes to feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience, making them approachable to most users. The Light Tactile switch also boasts a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel, making it even more enjoyable for long typing sessions.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Light Tactile and Outemu Red Panda switches boils down to your personal preference. Consider your desired level of tactility, sound profile, and typing experience to make an informed decision. Happy typing!
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