Cherry MX Red vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Red Panda offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Cherry MX Red is a linear switch known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that is both responsive and satisfying to the ears. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda is a tactile switch that offers a light-medium amount of tactility along with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. Each switch is categorized differently - the MX Red as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured' and the Red Panda as 'Thocky', 'Mild'. While both switches have their own unique characteristics that may appeal to different users, diving deeper into their nuances will help determine the best switch for your specific needs.
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
The Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Red Panda both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Cherry MX Red features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda comes with a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The difference in housing materials leads to distinct auditory experiences when typing on these switches, catering to different preferences in sound characteristics.
While the Cherry MX Red and Outemu Red Panda have different top housing materials, they both share a nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. Despite the difference in top housing materials, the use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound characteristics.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and overall feel of the typing experience. The distinction between the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Red and the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Red Panda highlights the unique auditory qualities each switch offers. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound produced by nylon or a sharper and crisper sound from polycarbonate, both switches provide a customizable typing experience based on housing material preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is clear that there are some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Red Panda's 50 grams, making the MX Red the lighter option. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Outemu Red Panda requires 60 grams, while the MX Red force is unknown. This means that the Outemu Red Panda has a heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether a lighter actuation force or a heavier bottom out force is preferred by the user. Either way, both switches offer a unique typing experience that is sure to suit different preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is evident that the Red Panda has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the MX Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Red Panda will provide a quicker response time when typing or gaming compared to the MX Red. Gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness may lean towards the Red Panda due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress and a deeper typing experience may prefer the MX Red with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Cherry MX Red switch is known for its low-pitched thocky sound that provides a deep and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch also offers a thocky sound profile, which adds a rich and deep element to typing. The Red Panda's bottom-out sound is described as bassier and raindrop-like, while the top-out sound is clackier and higher-pitched. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, with the Red Panda offering a unique twist on the traditional linear switch sound with its tactile feedback.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as having a textured feel, providing a tactile feedback that some users appreciate for its friction when pressed. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda switch offers a milder typing experience, falling in the middle ground in terms of tactility. This makes the Red Panda an ideal choice for users who prefer a smoother and less pronounced feel while typing. Overall, the feel of both switches caters to different preferences, with the MX Red offering a more textured experience and the Red Panda providing a gentler typing sensation.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it is clear that the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Red Panda switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Red provides a more textured and slightly heftier typing experience with its low-pitched thocky sound, the Red Panda offers a milder tactile feedback alongside its thocky sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience and provide a satisfying option for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Red linear switch or the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it really comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a smoother, linear typing experience with a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a light-medium amount of tactility with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, the Outemu Red Panda switch might be more appealing. The Cherry MX Red is also known for its low-pitched, thocky sound, while the Outemu Red Panda offers a thocky sound as well but with a milder typing experience. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and tactile feedback desired to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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