Outemu Lotus vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Lotus, a linear switch, with the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch, there are distinct differences to consider. The Lotus is best known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who prefer a linear feel without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the Red Panda is recognized for its light-medium tactility, providing a satisfying feedback with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. The Red Panda falls under the categories of 'Thocky' and 'Mild', offering a unique typing experience for those who enjoy a bit of feedback. Both switches have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
35g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lotus and the Outemu Red Panda, we see a stark difference between the nylon top housing of the Lotus and the polycarbonate top housing of the Red Panda. The nylon top housing of the Lotus provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Red Panda creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. While the Lotus offers a duller and rounder sound, the Red Panda delivers a more clear and resonant sound, making them suitable for different preferences in sound quality.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Lotus and the Red Panda feature nylon bottom housings that offer a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound as you type on the switches. With this similarity in housing material, users can expect consistent sound quality and typing experience across both switches. However, it's important to note that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, influencing the overall typing experience.
In summary, the choice between the Outemu Lotus and the Outemu Red Panda ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Lotus with its nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, the Red Panda with its polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound or a more clear and resonant sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Outemu Lotus linear switch is lighter than the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Lotus has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Red Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Lotus make it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Red Panda's slightly heavier forces provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on individual preferences, with the Lotus being lighter and the Red Panda being medium in terms of force required for key activation and bottoming out.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch have a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. The Lotus and Red Panda switches are equal in this aspect, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance. This similarity ensures that whether you choose the Lotus or the Red Panda, you can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and travel distance, making them both reliable options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Lotus 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 Lotus switch is known for producing a subtle and quiet typing experience, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter keyboard. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch is famous for its thocky sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying noise when typing, which can be quite enjoyable for users who appreciate a more pronounced sound while typing.
In terms of feel, the Lotus switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who prefer a linear typing experience. Conversely, the Red Panda switch provides a light to medium level of tactility, giving users a gentle bump when typing, which can make for a more engaging typing experience. This tactile feedback can also help users type with more precision and accuracy.
Overall, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with no tactile feedback, the Outemu Lotus switch would be a suitable option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced sound profile and a light to medium level of tactility, the Outemu Red Panda switch would be the better choice. Both switches offer their unique qualities, and your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound and feel while typing. Remember that the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and personal typing style can also impact the overall experience with these switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smoother typing experience without any tactile feedback, the Outemu Lotus may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force, along with a light-medium amount of tactility, a bassier bottom-out sound, and a clackier top-out sound, the Outemu Red Panda could be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force. Both switches offer unique characteristics, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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