Cherry MX Brown vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Red Panda are two options worth considering. The MX Brown switches are known for their subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Red Panda switches provide a light-medium amount of tactility, accompanied by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. While both switches excel in their tactile feedback, the MX Brown is categorized as 'Textured', 'Bassy', and 'Low-pitched', while the Red Panda is categorized as 'Thocky' and 'Mild'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may appeal to different individuals' 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
45g
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
Nylon
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 housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Red Panda switches showcase distinct characteristics that contribute to their respective sound profiles. The MX Brown's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, allowing it to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the MX Brown and the Red Panda utilize nylon. This shared material results in deeper and fuller sound profiles for both switches, as nylon's softness allows for increased sound absorption. The bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, ensuring a satisfying and tactile typing experience.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Red Panda, it is important to note that these materials each play a distinct role in determining the sound profile of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing particularly affects the sound upon key release. Therefore, while the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Red Panda have differences in their housing materials, they ultimately achieve similar results in terms of producing deep and full sound profiles.
In conclusion, the choice between the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Red Panda switches largely depends on personal preference for sound. The MX Brown's nylon housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Red Panda's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, both switches share nylon as the material for their bottom housing, ensuring a consistent and satisfying bottom-out sound and feel. By considering these characteristics, individuals can select a switch that aligns with their desired typing experience and sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Red Panda has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams. As for bottom out force, the MX Brown requires 55 grams of force to fully press the key down, whereas the Red Panda is slightly heavier at 60 grams.
The MX Brown can be considered lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Red Panda. This lighter feel may be preferable for those who require a more effortless typing experience or engage in extended periods of typing or gaming. The Red Panda, although slightly heavier, offers a more substantial typing experience due to its increased actuation and bottom out forces.
Both switches fall under the medium weight category, but the specific differences in force can result in slightly varying tactile experiences. However, since the variances in force are relatively minimal, users can expect similar results when using either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, with the MX Brown offering a lighter touch and the Red Panda providing a slightly stronger push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is evident that the MX Brown has a slightly longer distance to travel at 4.0mm, while the Red Panda has a shorter travel distance of 3.3mm. The MX Brown falls into the range of a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Red Panda offers a shallower travel distance, which is becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you are someone who values quick responsiveness, the Red Panda's shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a more substantial and deeper key press experience, then the MX Brown's longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of key depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00, whereas the Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40.
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 Cherry MX Brown switches have a reputation for subtlety. This means that they offer a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. The sound produced by these switches is described as bassy and low-pitched, which adds a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switches have a light-medium amount of tactility and produce a distinct sound. When typing on these switches, you'll experience a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound, and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This gives the Red Pandas a unique audio profile that stands out compared to the more subdued sound of the MX Browns.
Moving on to feel, the MX Brown switches are often described as textured. This means that they have noticeable friction when pressed, which some users prefer for a tactile typing experience. However, others may prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. In contrast, the Red Panda switches offer a milder typing experience. They fall into a safe middle ground, providing a more gentle feel that most users would find approachable. The qualities of the Red Panda switches, such as their sound and feel, are in a middle-ground zone, making them versatile for a wider range of users.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown and Outemu Red Panda switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The MX Browns offer a subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, creating a lighter sound profile that is characterized as bassy and low-pitched. On the other hand, the Red Pandas provide a light-medium amount of tactility and produce a sound that is described as thocky, resembling a deep, rich "thud" or soft "knock". In terms of feel, the MX Browns are known for their textured nature, while the Red Pandas offer a milder typing experience. Overall, both switches have their unique characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their preferences and typing style. However, if you enjoy the subtlety and light typing experience of the MX Browns, you can expect to get similar results with the Red Panda switches, although with a different and more distinct sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities. If you value subtlety and a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, then the MX Brown might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light-medium amount of tactility alongside a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, then the Red Panda could be a better fit.
In terms of sound, the MX Brown offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Red Panda provides a thocky sound, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. If you prefer a deeper and richer sound profile, the MX Brown might be more appealing. However, if you enjoy the satisfying thock sound, the Red Panda could be a great choice.
When it comes to feel, the MX Brown has a textured or scratchy feel, which some users prefer for the noticeable friction it offers. On the other hand, the Red Panda offers a more mild typing experience, with qualities that stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. If you enjoy a textured feel and noticeable friction when typing, the MX Brown may be more suitable for you. However, if you prefer a gentler typing experience without pronounced characteristics, the Red Panda could be a better option.
Ultimately, the decision between the Cherry MX Brown and Outemu Red Panda tactile switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and feel. It's important to consider what qualities are most important to you and try out different switches if possible to determine which one suits you best.
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