Bsun Olive vs. Outemu Red Panda

Overview

When comparing the Bsun Olive and Outemu Red Panda mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Bsun Olive is renowned for its all-POM housings, delivering a deep and resonant sound that enhances the typing experience. With pronounced tactile feedback and a sharp bottom-out, users can enjoy a satisfying feel and auditory sensation while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda offers a different typing experience with a light-medium amount of tactility, a bassier bottom-out sound, and a clackier top-out sound. While both switches provide unique benefits, such as the Olive's accentuated tactile feedback and the Red Panda's thocky typing experience, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Olive Tactile

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

$3.40 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Bsun Olive and the Outemu Red Panda switches offer a stark contrast in sound profiles. The Olive's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, providing a unique and pleasing auditory experience. In comparison, the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a crisper tone. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a clearer and more resonant sound profile, making it ideal for switches that prioritize a distinct sound profile. While both materials offer durability, the choice between POM and polycarbonate ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Olive's POM material maintains its characteristic deep and pleasing sound profile. Meanwhile, the Red Panda's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and deeper sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound profile. This difference in sound quality between the two bottom housings adds another layer of distinction between the Bsun Olive and Outemu Red Panda switches.

When considering the impact of having different top and bottom housing materials on a switch, it becomes evident that the bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down a key. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housing materials underscores the complexity of switch design and the importance of selecting the right materials to achieve the desired sound profile and tactile feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is evident that the Olive is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Red Panda's 50 grams. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Olive is heavier at 65 grams compared to the Red Panda's 60 grams. Both switches provide a medium typing experience, with the Olive leaning towards a heavier feel and the Red Panda being slightly lighter. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, the Red Panda may be the better option. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Olive would be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, slightly longer than the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored for quicker response times, especially by gamers. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to all users, but those looking for a slightly longer keypress may prefer the Bsun Olive, while those looking for a slightly quicker response may lean towards the Outemu Red Panda. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to users who prefer a more responsive typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

Overall, the BSUN Olive switches are best known for their accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feel, providing a pronounced feedback, moderate actuation force, and a snappy and reactive typing experience. In terms of sound, the Olive switches deliver a resonant, deep sound that sets them apart, creating a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switches offer a light-medium amount of tactility with a thocky sound profile that is bassier on bottom-out and clackier on top-out. While the Olive switches provide a sharper and more tactile typing experience, the Red Panda switches offer a milder and gentler feel for a broader audience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for a more intense and snappy typing experience with the Olive switches or a softer and more approachable feel with the Red Panda switches.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the BSUN Olive tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced tactile feedback with a sharp bottom-out, the Olive switch with its unique design and deep sound may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more gentle typing experience with a thocky sound profile, the Red Panda switch with its light-medium tactility and bassier bottom-out sound may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall feel and sound you desire from your mechanical keyboard switches.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Olive Tactile

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more