Outemu Dustproof Purple vs. Outemu Red Panda

Overview

When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Purple, a clicky switch, to the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch, there are distinct differences to consider. The Dustproof Purple is best known for its clicky sound, perfect for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Red Panda offers a light-medium amount of tactility, along with a unique bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. The Red Panda falls into the categories of 'Thocky' and 'Mild', providing a different typing experience compared to the Dustproof Purple. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Dustproof Purple Tactile

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$3.10 per 10

$3.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the Outemu Red Panda feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this polycarbonate top housing, the bottom housing is where they differ. The Dustproof Purple utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer properties that absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Red Panda also features a nylon bottom housing, providing similar qualities in sound profile to the Dustproof Purple.

When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall switch performance, it's essential to note that the top and bottom housing each play a crucial role. The qualities brought by the bottom housing material, whether polycarbonate or nylon, will significantly influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when depressed. In contrast, the material of the top housing will have a more pronounced effect on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while both the Dustproof Purple and Red Panda share similar top housings, the differing bottom housing materials may result in subtle variations in typing experience and sound profile.

In conclusion, the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the Outemu Red Panda both offer polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharp, high-pitched sound profile ideal for RGB lighting. Additionally, their nylon bottom housings deliver a deeper and fuller sound due to the material's softer properties that absorb more sound. These differing bottom housing materials may impact the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon releasing a key. Ultimately, both switches offer distinctive qualities in sound profile and feel, making them suitable choices for different preferences in mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is clear that the Dustproof Purple is slightly heavier than the Red Panda. The Dustproof Purple has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. In contrast, the Red Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Dustproof Purple offers a slightly heavier touch, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. However, both switches fall within a similar weight range, so users can expect comparable results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing experience and desired force feedback.

Travel distance

The Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Dustproof Purple has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Red Panda. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Dustproof Purple is more in line with traditional switch travel distances, providing a slightly deeper key press feeling. On the other hand, the 3.3 mm travel distance of the Red Panda is shallower and may appeal more to gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer a different feel in terms of travel distance, with the Dustproof Purple being slightly longer and the Red Panda being slightly shorter, allowing users to choose based on their preference for depth in key press feeling.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch is known for providing a unique experience with a satisfying blend of bottom-out and top-out sounds, bringing a distinctive and pleasant auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a thocky sound profile, characterized by a deep, rich, and satisfying tone that resonates with each key press. Both switches have their own distinct sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, providing users with a variety of options depending on their preferences.

Moving on to feel, the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch offers a tactile typing experience, but specific information regarding its feel is not readily available. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is described as providing a mild tactile feedback, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. This means that the Red Panda switch may appeal to a wider range of users who prefer a more subtle tactile response while typing.

Overall, both the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Dustproof Purple switch provides a satisfying clicky sound and a tactile typing experience, the Red Panda switch offers a thocky sound profile and a mild tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. To achieve similar results in sound and feel, it is recommended to consider factors such as the keyboard layout, keycap material, and typing style to enhance the overall mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, here are some guidelines to consider. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and are looking for a switch with no specific standout features, the Dustproof Purple may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, enjoy a light-medium amount of tactility, and appreciate a thocky sound profile with a gentle typing experience, the Red Panda could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Dustproof Purple Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more