KTT Mallo vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Mallo and Outemu Red Panda offer distinct qualities to consider. The KTT Mallo switch is praised for its subtle and gentle tactility, providing just enough feedback without being overwhelming. It also offers a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, making it a versatile option for different typing environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch is known for its light-medium tactility, accompanied by a unique bottom-out and top-out sound profile. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Mallo and the Outemu Red Panda both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. Despite these similarities, the differences in the overall switch design and construction may result in slightly varying sound profiles between the two switches, even with the shared polycarbonate top housing.
In contrast, the Mallo features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Similarly, the Red Panda also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound. While both switches feature nylon in their bottom housing, the overall switch feel and sound may still differ slightly due to other factors such as spring weight and stem design.
The split between the top and bottom housing materials of a switch can impact the overall typing experience. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. While both the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Red Panda share similarities in their housing materials, the overall typing experience may vary depending on the specific combination of materials and design of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mallo tactile switch to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is clear that there are differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mallo has a unique characteristic of having no specific actuation force, while its bottom out force is 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. On the other hand, the Red Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, both falling into the medium category. In terms of weight, the Mallo can be seen as the lighter option due to its lower bottom out force, making it suitable for long typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. In contrast, the Red Panda provides a slightly heavier push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out force preference for an optimal typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Mallo tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Mallo offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Red Panda provides a shallower feel. Both switches fall within the range of common travel distances, with the Mallo being slightly longer and the Red Panda a bit shorter. Gamers may prefer the Red Panda for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Mallo. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo switch offers a neutral and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for various environments without being too loud or too quiet. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch is known for its thocky sound, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience when typing. Both switches offer different sound characteristics, so choosing between them would depend on personal preference and the typing environment.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mallo switch is described as feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle, offering a light and gentle typing experience that is comfortable for extended use. Similarly, the Outemu Red Panda switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. While both switches fall into the mild category, the Mallo switch offers a bit more variety in terms of feel with its feathery and stepped characteristics.
Overall, both the KTT Mallo and Outemu Red Panda switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a neutral and subdued sound with a feathery and stepped typing feel, the Mallo switch would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a thocky sound and a mild typing experience, the Red Panda switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, it's all about personal preference and finding the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the KTT Mallo tactile switch or the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, think about your preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a subtle tactile feedback and a neutral sound profile, the KTT Mallo switches would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier actuation force with a thocky bottom-out sound, the Outemu Red Panda switches may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
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