Outemu Dustproof Brown vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Outemu Red Panda mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that they both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Dustproof Brown switch is best known for its durable design that prevents dust from entering the switch, ensuring a longer lifespan. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch stands out for its light-medium tactility, combined with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. The Dustproof Brown switch falls under a different category, while the Red Panda switch is categorized as 'Thocky' and 'Mild'. Both switches have their advantages, but ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences. 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
45g
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
Polycarbonate
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
Both the Outemu Dustproof Brown and Red Panda switches feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting due to its translucency. This similarity in top housing material ensures that both switches will offer a similar sound experience, emphasizing clarity and sharpness in keystrokes.
On the other hand, the two switches diverge in their bottom housing material, with the Dustproof Brown utilizing a nylon bottom housing and the Red Panda featuring the same material. Nylon bottom housings are known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a muffled and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material means that while the sound profile may vary between the two switches, both will offer a unique typing experience that complements the top housing's characteristics.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in the Outemu Dustproof Brown and Red Panda switches showcases a blend of different sound profiles. While the top housing material contributes more to the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. This dual housing setup ensures that each keystroke on both switches provides a distinct and dynamic typing experience, catering to individuals with preferences for clear, resonant sounds or deeper, fuller tones.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the Dustproof Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Red Panda has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Dustproof Brown will provide a lighter initial press but a heavier feel when fully pressed, offering a different typing experience compared to the Red Panda, which has a consistent medium feel throughout. Both switches provide a tactile feedback but cater to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether one prefers a lighter initial press or a more consistent medium feel throughout typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feel when pressed, but the Dustproof Brown provides a slightly deeper travel distance for those who prefer a more substantial keystroke. On the other hand, the Red Panda offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking fast and precise inputs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Dustproof Brown 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 comparing the sound of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the Red Panda stands out for its unique thocky sound profile. Typing on Red Panda switches produces a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, giving a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Dustproof Brown's sound profile is currently unknown. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can vary based on factors such as the keyboard used and the keycaps chosen.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dustproof Brown's tactile feel is currently unknown. In contrast, typing on the Outemu Red Panda tactile switches provides a mild tactile experience. These switches offer a gentle typing feel that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users. Without more information on the Dustproof Brown's feel, it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switches excel in providing a thocky sound profile and a mild tactile typing experience. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches remain unknown, based on the provided information, it can be assumed that you will get a unique sound experience with the Red Panda switches and a comfortable typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, alongside other factors such as build quality and keycap compatibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are not looking for any particular standout feature, the Dustproof Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force alongside a distinctive sound profile with a mix of lower and higher tones, the Red Panda could be the switch for you. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired tactile feedback when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the best switch for you will be the one that enhances your typing experience and suits your individual preferences.
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