Outemu Gold vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Gold and the Outemu Red Panda come to mind. The Gold switch is a clicky switch, known for its sharp and audible click sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch is a tactile switch, offering a light to medium amount of tactility along with a unique bassy bottom-out sound and a clacky top-out sound. While the Gold switch is preferred by those who enjoy the satisfying clicky feedback, the Red Panda switch is favored for its thocky and mild tactile experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, both the Outemu Gold and the Outemu Red Panda feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they differ in their choice of bottom housing. The Gold opts for a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Red Panda's nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound for a duller and rounder sound.
The choice of housing materials in the Outemu Gold and Outemu Red Panda switches showcases how different materials can impact sound profiles. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the Gold's nylon bottom housing elicits a different typing experience with a deeper sound compared to the Red Panda's nylon bottom housing, which creates a more subdued sound. This highlights how the combination of housing materials can affect the overall typing experience, with the qualities of each material being split between the top and bottom of the switch to influence both the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound upon key release.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Outemu Gold and Outemu Red Panda switches demonstrates how variations in material composition can result in distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for sharp and crisp sound, the differences in their choice of bottom housing – nylon for the Gold and the Red Panda – showcase how softer plastics can create deeper and fuller sound profiles compared to harder plastics that absorb more sound for a rounder tone. This emphasizes the importance of considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the Gold has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Red Panda's 50 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that despite the slight difference in actuation force, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the force required to fully press the key. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Gold for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier actuation force of the Red Panda for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation force and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Gold clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Red Panda switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gold switch. A 0.7 mm difference may not seem like much, but it can have a noticeable impact on the typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Red Panda switch can provide a quicker response time, which is preferred by gamers looking for faster reactions. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Gold switch can offer a more substantial and satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, as both can provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Gold 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 Outemu Gold clicky switch is known for providing a unique auditory experience that may vary depending on factors such as your keyboard and keycaps. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is characterized by a satisfying "thocky" sound, producing a deep and rich noise when pressed and released. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance your typing experience, with the Red Panda having a more pronounced and bassier bottom-out sound compared to the Gold's potentially varied sound output.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Gold switch lacks a specific descriptor for its tactile feel, leaving its typing experience open to interpretation. Meanwhile, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is described as offering a mild typing experience that falls into a safe middle ground zone in terms of its tactile feedback. This gentle typing experience makes the Red Panda switch approachable to most users, providing a satisfying feel without being overly pronounced or aggressive in its feedback.
Overall, the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold switch may provide a more varied sound experience depending on external factors, the Red Panda switch stands out for its satisfying "thocky" sound profile and mild tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and can enhance your typing experience in different ways, allowing you to choose based on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a clicky switch with a medium bottom out force and are focused on a specific typing sound, the Gold switch might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a light-medium amount of tactility, a bassier bottom-out sound, and a clackier top-out sound, the Red Panda switch may be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision should be based on personal preference and the specific qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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