Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB 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 Purple RGB and the Outemu Red Panda each offer unique tactile experiences, appealing to different types of users. The Cherry MX Purple switch stands out for its refined tactile feedback, featuring a short yet pronounced bump that is perfect for those who appreciate a solid feel with every keystroke. Designed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, this switch caters to gamers and typists alike who seek a balanced combination of feedback and performance. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda delivers a light to medium level of tactility, complemented by a distinctive sound profile that includes a bassy, raindrop-like bottom-out sound coupled with a clackier top-out sound. This makes it particularly attractive for users who enjoy a more auditory keystroke experience, often described as 'thocky' and 'mild.' Each switch offers compelling reasons to choose, depending on personal preferences for tactile feel and sound characteristics. 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
N/A
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Red Panda, one of the primary differences lies in their top housing materials. The MX Purple RGB uses a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic nature. This characteristic helps absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Red Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer composition. The increased clarity and resonance from the polycarbonate material can significantly change the typing experience, especially when RGB lighting is used, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances visual elements.
However, both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, creating a unifying element in their sound profile. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the deeper and fuller sound that typists may prefer. As a result, although the Cherry MX Purple RGB may produce a more subdued overall sound due to its nylon top, the Red Panda's enhanced clarity from the polycarbonate top may be tempered by the nylon nature of the bottom housing. This combination means that while the top housings differ significantly in creating distinct auditory experiences, the nylon bottom ensures that both switches share a common ground when it comes to the final sound profile experienced during typing.
Ultimately, the impact of these materials can be perceived differently based on the context of use. The Cherry MX Purple RGB’s nylon top lends itself to a more rounded sound when a key is released, whereas the Red Panda’s polycarbonate top delivers a brighter sound that contrasts sharply as the key is pressed down. Since both switches utilize nylon in the bottom housing, one can expect similar results in terms of foundational auditory depth and overall feel when bottoming out. Thus, the unique sound profiles produced by the top housings provide a varied yet interconnected typing experience where one can appreciate the nuances brought forth by the different materials employed.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch with the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option, which can be comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial tactile feedback that some users prefer for a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, while the Red Panda has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unavailable, leaving a gap in the comparison. Overall, users seeking a lighter switch may favor the Cherry MX Purple RGB, while those who appreciate a firmer keystroke may lean towards the Outemu Red Panda.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Cherry MX Purple RGB has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is closer to traditional standards and offers a more pronounced keypress feel. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, catering to those who prioritize quicker response times, particularly gamers who benefit from faster actuation. While shorter travel distances like that of the Red Panda may feel more responsive, some users might find them too abrupt compared to the deeper feel provided by the Cherry MX Purple RGB. therefore, those who prefer a more pronounced keypress experience would likely lean towards the MX Purple RGB, while gamers and users seeking heightened responsiveness might opt for the Outemu Red Panda. In this case, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers the longer travel distance, and the Outemu Red Panda presents the shorter option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are known for a refined acoustic experience that complements their tactile feedback. While specific sound descriptors for the MX Purple RGB are not detailed, their characteristic bump produces a pleasant auditory feedback that is often appreciated by typists. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda switches provide a more pronounced auditory experience, combining a bassier, "thocky" sound upon bottoming out, akin to a satisfying thud, with a clackier, higher-pitched sound when keys are released. The immersive sound produced by the Red Pandas can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy an engaging auditory environment.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a well-balanced tactile experience, endowed with a short, medium-strength tactile bump that many have found enjoyable. This enables users to maintain a rhythm while typing, promoting both speed and accuracy. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switches present a light-medium amount of tactility; described as mild, these switches provide a gentle and approachable typing experience. Their characteristics strike a balance that is comfortable for a wide range of users, making the feel of Red Panda switches accessible, albeit less pronounced than the Cherry MX Purple RGB.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Red Panda switches present different qualities, they both cater to specific preferences in typing sound and feel. The MX Purple RGB emphasizes a more refined tactile experience paired with pleasant auditory feedback, while the Red Panda switches offer a more pronounced sound profile with mild tactility. Whether you gravitate towards the structured refinement of the Cherry option or the engaging auditory satisfaction of the Outemu, both switches can provide enjoyable and effective typing experiences tailored to different styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switches largely depends on your preferences for tactile feedback, sound, and typing experience. If you're looking for a refined and engaging tactile experience, the Cherry MX Purple is an excellent option, particularly if you enjoy a switch that offers a short, but effectively crisp bump without excessive force at bottom out. This switch is ideal for typists who appreciate a medium-strength tactile feel without the distraction of excessive sound, making it suitable for both work and gaming environments where quiet operation is valued. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that boasts a rich, bassy bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out, the Outemu Red Panda could be more appealing. The Red Panda provides a mild typing experience, giving you that satisfying thock sound with each keypress, which can enhance your overall typing enjoyment, especially if you appreciate auditory feedback. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what you value most: refined tactile precision with the Cherry MX Purple or the thocky and engaging sound profile of the Outemu Red Panda.
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