Gateron Melodic vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, offers users a satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback while maintaining smoothness thanks to advancements such as factory lubing and dual-railed stems. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch, provides a light-medium amount of tactility with a unique bottom-out and top-out sound profile. While the Melodic is described as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', the Red Panda is categorized as 'Thocky' and 'Mild'. Both switches have their own appeal and advantages, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Red Panda feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the overall aesthetics of the keyboard. The similarity in top housing material between the two switches means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Melodic and the Red Panda utilize nylon for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its softer nature, which helps absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This material choice in the bottom housing of the switches contributes to the overall typing experience by providing a more satisfying and tactile sound profile. The matching nylon bottom housing further adds to the consistency in sound and feel experienced by users of both switches.
It is important to note that while the top housings of the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Red Panda are made of the same material (polycarbonate), the bottom housings differ in material (nylon). This means that the user experience may vary slightly between the two switches, as the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite this difference, both switches offer a unique typing experience with their combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings, catering to users who enjoy a mix of sharp, crisp sounds and deep, fuller tones during typing.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is evident that the Melodic has a lower actuation force of None grams, while the Red Panda requires 50 grams of force. This means that the Red Panda switch is lighter in terms of actuation force. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, suggesting that they provide a similar level of resistance when fully pressed down. The actuation force is crucial for quick and precise typing, while the bottom out force determines the overall typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Red Panda, while the Melodic may appeal to users who enjoy a bit more resistance while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Red Panda has a shorter travel distance compared to the Melodic. The shorter travel distance of the Red Panda may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Melodic may provide a more satisfying depth to the keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and how it affects typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch is praised for its resonant and crunchy qualities, providing a clean and sharp sound profile that is reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is known for its thocky sound, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying tone when pressed and released. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Melodic leaning towards a higher-pitched clicky sound and the Red Panda offering a bassier and clackier sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is described as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a milder typing experience, with a gentle feel that falls into a safe middle-ground zone, appealing to a wider range of users. The Melodic switch emphasizes a seamless and uniform typing sensation, while the Red Panda focuses on approachable qualities that cater to a broader audience.
Considering the information provided, it is clear that the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Melodic switch delivers a more resonant and crunchy sound with a buttery and invigorating feel, the Red Panda switch provides a thocky sound and a mild typing experience that appeals to a wider range of users. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a resonant and crunchy sound profile with a buttery and invigorating typing experience, then the Melodic switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound with a mild typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone, then the Red Panda switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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