Everglide Oreo vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Everglide Oreo and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Oreo and the Outemu Red Panda are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Oreo, a tactile switch, provides a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. With its medium light tactility, it strikes the perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and a comfortable typing experience. Furthermore, the Oreo offers a subtle and mellow sound profile while typing. On the other hand, the Red Panda, also a tactile switch, offers a different typing experience. It provides a light-medium amount of tactility and produces a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound, along with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. Categorized as 'Thocky' and 'Mild', the Red Panda delivers a unique auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
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
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Oreo and the Outemu Red Panda both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches feature a clear housing, which is a common characteristic of polycarbonate materials. This transparency is especially beneficial for users planning to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup. Therefore, whether you choose the Oreo or the Red Panda, you can expect a comparable sound experience from the top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Oreo and the Red Panda differ in material. The Oreo utilizes polycarbonate, contributing to a sharper sound profile and enhanced resonance. On the other hand, the Red Panda's bottom housing is made of nylon. Nylon is a softer plastic, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users of the Red Panda can expect a distinct typing experience compared to the Oreo, with a deeper and more resonant sound.
It's important to note that the qualities brought by the top and bottom housing will impact different aspects of the switch. When pressing down on either the Oreo or the Red Panda, the bottom housing will have a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. The properties of the nylon bottom housing in the Red Panda will contribute to a softer and more rounded sensation when keys are pressed. Conversely, the top housing, whether polycarbonate in the Oreo or in the Red Panda, will play a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. So while the housing materials differ, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Oreo has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Red Panda's 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Oreo requires a slightly heavier force of 55 grams compared to the Red Panda's 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, but the Oreo can be considered as the lighter option for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda provides a slightly more substantial push feel, making it a favorable choice for individuals who enjoy a stronger typing sensation. Overall, while the actuation forces vary slightly, the results obtained from both switches will be similar, as they fall within a similar range.
Travel distance
The Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm. In terms of travel distance, the Oreo is longer than the Red Panda. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, offering a deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda's 3.3mm travel distance is slightly shallower, which some gamers may prefer for faster response times. It is important to note that both options offer tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. If you prefer a more responsive and shallow key press, the Red Panda would be suitable. However, if you prefer a more hearty and deeper key press, the Oreo would be the better option for you.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a subtle and mellow sound profile. It is described as chirpy, meaning it has a slight squeak that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This is known as thocky, which produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is described as accented and stepped. Accented switches provide a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Stepped switches, on the other hand, have two stages in their tactile feedback, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This results in a more mild feeling compared to switches with a big bump throughout the keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is described as mild. It offers a gentle typing experience and falls into a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of its characteristics.
Taking into consideration the information provided, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. It provides a medium light tactility and a subtle, mellow sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a light-medium amount of tactility, a bassier bottom-out sound, and a clackier top-out sound. It provides a mild typing experience with a thocky sound.
Although there are some differences in sound and feel between the two switches, both can deliver satisfying keystrokes and comfortable typing experiences. If you prefer a more subtle and mellow sound with a medium light tactility, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch would be a good choice. If you prefer a switch with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, alongside a mild typing experience, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on personal preference and the overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities. If you value a medium-light bottom out force and a satisfying keystroke with a comfortable typing experience, the Oreo switches would be a great choice for you. With their crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top and a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out, these switches strike a perfect balance. Additionally, the subtle and mellow sound profile of the Oreos adds to the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force and enjoy a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, then the Red Panda switches would be more suitable for you. These switches offer a light-medium amount of tactility and provide a thocky sound that is deep, rich, and satisfying when pressed and released.
Consider the sound and feel characteristics described above as well. If you appreciate switches with a unique acoustic signature and a little squeak to them, the Oreo switches are known for their chirpy sound. Alternatively, if you prefer a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, the Red Panda switches have a thocky sound.
Lastly, in terms of feel, the Oreo switches are described as accented and stepped, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. In comparison, the Red Panda switches have a mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch depends on your personal preferences and what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and feel characteristics to make an informed decision that suits your typing style and overall typing experience.
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