Cherry Nixie vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Red Panda stand out with their unique characteristics. The Cherry Nixie is adored for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, thanks to the updated materials and springs from Cherry's MX2A update. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda offers a light-medium amount of tactility, producing a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. The Nixie is categorized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', while the Red Panda falls under 'Thocky', 'Mild'. Each switch has its own appeal, with Nixie providing a traditional yet modern experience, and the Red Panda offering a unique tactile feedback. 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
63.5g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Red Panda switches use nylon for their bottom housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality, allowing for a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke.
In terms of the top housing material, the Cherry Nixie utilizes nylon while the Outemu Red Panda features polycarbonate. The nylon top housing of the Nixie contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Red Panda creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This contrast showcases how the choice of top housing material can significantly impact the overall sound profile of a switch, with the polycarbonate in the Red Panda offering a more clear and resonant typing experience compared to the Nixie's nylon top housing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a crucial role in the sound profile and typing experience they offer. While both the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Red Panda switches use nylon for their bottom housing, their differing top housing materials result in distinct sound profiles. The Nixie's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in a switch determines the overall typing experience, making it important for users to consider these factors when selecting a switch for their keyboard.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is evident that the Nixie is heavier while the Red Panda is lighter. The Nixie has an actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Red Panda boasts a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Nixie catering to users who prefer a heavier touch and the Red Panda catering to those who appreciate a lighter touch. Whether choosing the Nixie or the Red Panda, the results will vary based on the user's personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is clear that the Nixie has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.3 mm travel distance of the Red Panda. The Nixie's 4 mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, offering a bit more depth when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Red Panda's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking a faster response time. Both switches offer their own advantages, with the Nixie providing a more substantial press and the Red Panda offering a quicker key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 Nixie linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched typing experience, resulting in a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch also provides a thocky sound, but with a raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. Both switches offer a pleasant acoustic experience, but the Nixie leans towards a deeper and bassier tone compared to the Red Panda.
Moving on to the feel, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its textured typing experience, providing users with a noticeable friction when pressed. This texture may appeal to users who prefer a bit of resistance in their switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a mild typing experience, with a gentle feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. This makes the Red Panda a versatile option that can cater to a wide range of preferences, from those who enjoy a smooth typing feel to those who prefer a bit of texture.
In conclusion, both the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Nixie provides a deep and textured typing experience with a thocky and low-pitched sound, the Red Panda offers a milder feel with a mix of raindrop-like and clackier sounds. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference, with the Nixie catering to those who enjoy a more substantial and textured typing experience, while the Red Panda appeals to users looking for a smooth and approachable feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience and sound. If you enjoy a heavy switch with a textured typing experience and a deep, low-pitched sound, the Nixie would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a mild tactile feel and a thocky sound, the Red Panda would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile. Consider trying out both switches to see which one aligns better with your preferences.
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