Outemu Cream Pink vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Pink and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Pink and the Outemu Red Panda offer distinct experiences for users. The Cream Pink, a linear switch, is best known for its smooth keystrokes and lack of tactile feedback, making it ideal for fast typists and gamers seeking a consistent key press. On the other hand, the Red Panda, a tactile switch, provides a light to medium amount of tactility, accompanied by a unique bottom-out and top-out sound profile that adds a satisfying auditory element to typing. While the Cream Pink is categorized as a linear switch, the Red Panda falls under the categories of thocky and mild. These general pointers can help guide your decision when choosing between the two switches; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best determine which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Partial box
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Pink and the Outemu Red Panda, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softer nature, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This quality is consistent in both switches, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, the top housing of the Cream Pink features nylon, while the Red Panda utilizes polycarbonate. This difference in material leads to a contrast in sound profiles, with the Cream Pink offering a duller and rounder sound, while the Red Panda produces a sharper and crisper sound.
While both switches have nylon bottom housings that contribute to a deep and full sound profile, the distinction lies in their top housings. The Cream Pink's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature, while the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing generates a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in sound profiles is significant when considering the overall typing experience and preference for a specific sound. Additionally, the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing is beneficial for those interested in utilizing RGB lighting due to its translucency, offering an aesthetic appeal that the Cream Pink may lack.
In summary, the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Pink and the Outemu Red Panda play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, the difference in their top housings sets them apart. The Cream Pink's nylon top housing provides a duller and rounder sound, while the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile, feel, and aesthetic considerations such as RGB lighting compatibility.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch have similar actuation forces, both requiring 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Pink is heavier at 65 grams compared to the Red Panda at 60 grams. This makes the Cream Pink switch slightly heavier overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Red Panda may be the better choice due to its lower bottom out force. On the other hand, the Cream Pink may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Both switches provide a different typing experience based on the actuation and bottom out force, catering to individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Cream Pink has a slightly longer distance compared to the Red Panda. The Cream Pink's 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional key press feel, while the Red Panda's 3.3 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, potentially appealing to gamers looking for faster response times. Choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with the Cream Pink providing a deeper key press sensation and the Red Panda offering a slightly quicker response. Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences based on their respective travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Cream Pink comes in at $3.10, whereas the Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40.
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 Cream Pink and Red Panda switches offer different auditory experiences. The Cream Pink switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing sound. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch is described as "thocky," producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. This makes it a great option for those who enjoy a more pronounced and bass-heavy typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Cream Pink and Red Panda switches also provide contrasting tactile sensations. The Cream Pink switch's feel is not specified, so we can assume it offers a standard linear typing experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch is described as "mild," offering a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. This makes it a comfortable option for most users, as it strikes a balance between being too light or too heavy in terms of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Cream Pink and Red Panda switches each have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a linear feel, the Cream Pink switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you enjoy a more pronounced and bass-heavy typing sound along with a mild tactile feedback, the Red Panda switch would be more fitting. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a smoother keypress with no tactile feedback and a slightly heavier actuation force, the Cream Pink may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a light-medium amount of tactility, along with a unique sound profile featuring a bassier bottom-out and a clackier top-out, the Red Panda could be the switch that suits your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a linear switch with a heavier actuation force or a tactile switch with a unique sound and feel.
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