Outemu Milk Peach vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Peach and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Peach and the Outemu Red Panda offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Milk Peach is a linear switch, providing a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke that appeals to gamers and typists who prefer a fast response without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda is a tactile switch, renowned for its light to medium tactility that enhances the typing experience by giving a satisfying bump at the actuation point, coupled with a unique bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound that many enthusiasts find pleasing. While the Milk Peach excels in speed and fluidity, making it perfect for those who prioritize rapid key presses, the Red Panda’s tactile feedback and sound profile create a more engaging sensory experience for those who enjoy the mechanics of typing. 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
N/A
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Milk Peach and Outemu Red Panda both feature a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a brighter and more resonant sound profile. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, allows these switches to produce a sharper and crisper sound, making it an ideal material for enhancing acoustic clarity. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind, as it allows for a more vibrant display. Since both switches use polycarbonate for their top housings, users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing, especially regarding how the sound resonates when releasing a key.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Milk Peach and Red Panda switches utilize nylon, a material well-regarded for its ability to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, which results in a noise that is duller and rounder. This characteristic makes the nylon bottom housing perfect for balancing the overall acoustics of the switch, as it primarily influences the bottom-out sound and the feelings experienced during key presses. Therefore, while both switches share structural characteristics that enhance their acoustic properties, the bottom housing's nylon material creates a distinct contrast to the polycarbonate top in terms of sound output.
Ultimately, the combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing in both the Milk Peach and Red Panda switches leads to a unique yet consistent typing experience. The polycarbonate top lends a crispness to the sound when keys are released, while the nylon bottom provides a warmer sound upon bottoming out. As both switches utilize the same materials for their respective housings, their sound profiles will exhibit a shared quality of clarity paired with warmth, allowing users to appreciate the blended acoustic effect achieved through this material combination. Thus, while there are differences in the tactile and auditory sensations provided by each switch, the material choices ensure a harmonious typing experience overall.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Peach linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Milk Peach has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Red Panda features a higher actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may enjoy. However, the bottom out force of the Milk Peach remains unknown, while the Red Panda has a bottom out force measured at 60 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when pressing the key all the way down. Overall, those looking for a lighter switch will find the Milk Peach preferable, while those who appreciate a bit more resistance and feedback may lean towards the Red Panda.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Peach linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch both feature a travel distance of 3.3 mm, meaning that the distance you feel when pressing down on either key is identical. This equal travel distance suggests that users can expect similar actuation experiences with both switches, allowing for consistent performance whether typing or gaming. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that offers the same travel feel and engagement point, you can confidently choose either the Milk Peach or the Red Panda without concern for differences in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Milk Peach 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 Red Panda switch stands out with a distinctive acoustic profile. It produces a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound coupled with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, creating a pleasant auditory experience that many typists appreciate. The term "thocky" best describes this switch, evoking a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. In comparison, the sound characteristics of the Outemu Milk Peach switch are unknown, leaving potential users in the dark regarding its auditory appeal. As sound is influenced by various factors like keycaps and keyboard construction, it’s essential to note that the Red Panda's thocky notes will likely resonate more deeply with users looking for an engaging sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Red Panda provides a light-medium amount of tactility, contributing to a typing experience that balances feedback without overwhelming the user. This mild feel ensures a gentle typing experience, making it approachable for most typists and accommodating of a variety of touch preferences. On the other hand, the tactile qualities of the Milk Peach switch are unknown, which may make it difficult for users to determine how it compares to the Red Panda. While the Red Panda's mild profile is likely to satisfy a wide audience, the lack of information about the Milk Peach’s feel leaves a degree of uncertainty for those considering it.
In conclusion, the Outemu Red Panda switch delivers a distinctive, thocky sound, along with a mild tactile feedback that makes it versatile and user-friendly. Conversely, the subjective qualities of the Milk Peach remain unknown, particularly concerning its sound and feel. For potential users, choosing between these switches may hinge on their sound preferences and tactile enjoyment—leaning towards the Red Panda for a more defined auditory and tactile experience. Those who might be interested in the Milk Peach should consider seeking more information or firsthand experiences to understand its potential qualities.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile bump, and if silence is a priority for you, the Milk Peach would be the better option. Its linear characteristic allows for rapid key presses, making it ideal for gamers who require speed and a fluid typing experience without any distractions. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit of tactile feedback that can enrich your typing experience and a unique sound profile that gives you auditory satisfaction with every press, the Red Panda is likely the switch for you. Its mild tactile response and thocky sound add character to each keystroke, which can enhance your overall typing enjoyment, especially for those who type lengthy documents or engage in creative writing. Thus, consider these attributes when making your decision, and choose the switch that aligns best with your style and needs.