KTT Miaowu vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the KTT Miaowu and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Miaowu and the Outemu Red Panda offer distinct experiences for users. The Miaowu, a linear switch, is praised for its enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action due to the utilization of POK in its stem. Known for its bouncy and clacky feel, the Miaowu is a popular choice for those who prefer a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch, provides a light-medium amount of tactility with a unique bassy bottom-out sound and a higher-pitched top-out sound, giving it a thocky and mild feel. Each switch has its own strengths and qualities, making them suitable for 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
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Miaowu and the Outemu Red Panda are quite similar, with both utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. The translucency of polycarbonate is also beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, making it an ideal material for the top housing. This means that users can expect a similar sound experience from both the Miaowu and the Red Panda when it comes to their top housing.
Where the Miaowu and the Red Panda differ is in their bottom housing material, with the Miaowu using nylon and the Red Panda also opting for nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound, making it a classic choice for switch housing material. Despite using the same material for their bottom housing, there may be subtle differences in sound and feel between the Miaowu and the Red Panda due to other factors such as switch design and overall construction.
In terms of functionality, the qualities of each housing material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the sound and feel when pressing down on a key, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users may notice differences in sound and feel between the Miaowu and the Red Panda based on the unique combination of polycarbonate and nylon in their housing materials.
Weight
The KTT Miaowu linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch with a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Miaowu requires 50 grams while the Red Panda needs 60 grams, making the Red Panda the heavier option overall. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Miaowu for extended typing or gaming sessions, while users looking for a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Red Panda for a stronger push experience. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, catering to the preferences of individuals based on their typing style and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Miaowu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. The Miaowu switch may provide a bit more depth with its slightly longer travel distance, making it a better option for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch's shorter travel distance may appeal to users who prioritize fast and precise keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key feel and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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
In terms of sound, the Miaowu linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, which provides a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp and bright auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a thocky sound experience, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying noise reminiscent of a deep "thud" or soft "knock". While the Miaowu provides a more percussive sound, the Red Panda offers a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Miaowu linear switch is characterized by its bouncy tactile feedback, offering a spring-like sensation that gives a lively and responsive feel when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch provides a milder typing experience, offering a more gentle tactile feedback that falls within a safe middle ground, making it approachable to most users. With the Miaowu switch providing a more pronounced rebound and elasticity, while the Red Panda switch offers a comfortable and consistent tactile feel, users can choose based on their preference for a more lively or subtle typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If one prefers a sharp and snappy sound with a bouncy tactile feedback, the Miaowu switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if a deep, rich sound paired with a milder and more gentle tactile feedback is preferred, the Red Panda switch would cater to that preference. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as both switches offer unique characteristics for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smoother keystroke action with a bouncy feel, the Miaowu switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a light-medium amount of tactility, alongside a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, then the Red Panda switch might be more suited to your tastes. Consider the sound and feel descriptions as well – clacky for Miaowu and thocky for Red Panda. Overall, both switches have their unique characteristics, so make your decision based on what features matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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