Outemu Silent Green vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Green linear switch to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is important to consider their unique characteristics. The Silent Green is best known for its silent operation, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Red Panda is recognized for its tactile feedback, offering a satisfying sensation while typing. The Red Panda also produces distinct sound profiles, with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. While the Silent Green provides a smooth keystroke experience, the Red Panda offers a more pronounced tactile response. 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
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
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Green and the Outemu Red Panda, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetics of the switches. However, the Silent Green also features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Red Panda utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Red Panda contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than the stiffer polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
The difference in bottom housing materials between the Outemu Silent Green and the Outemu Red Panda leads to noticeable variations in sound and feel when typing on the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Red Panda provides a softer and more muted bottom-out sound compared to the sharper and more resonant bottom-out sound of the Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing. Additionally, the tactile feedback and overall typing experience are influenced by the bottom housing material, with the Red Panda offering a smoother and more rounded typing feel. On the other hand, the impact of the top housing material is felt when releasing a key, with both switches delivering a clear and crisp sound due to the polycarbonate top housing.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Silent Green and the Outemu Red Panda share a polycarbonate top housing that enhances the sound profile with its stiffness and clarity, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper bottom-out sound, while the Red Panda's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. These differences in housing materials give each switch a unique typing experience, with the Silent Green focusing on a clear and resonant sound, and the Red Panda prioritizing a softer and more muted sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a medium weight with the same bottom out force of 60 grams. However, the Silent Green has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Red Panda has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Silent Green may feel lighter and more responsive when typing, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Red Panda provides a stronger push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding the desired actuation force for typing.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Green linear 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 Red Panda has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Green. The shorter travel distance of the Red Panda may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, whereas the Silent Green with its longer travel distance may offer a deeper and more satisfying key press for those who prefer a more substantial feel. Both switches provide different experiences in terms of travel distance, so choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for key feel and performance. Ultimately, both switches will offer similar results in terms of functionality, but the key distinction lies in the tactile experience provided by their respective travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Green 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 Silent Green linear switch is known for providing a quiet typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more discreet keyboard. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a unique thocky sound profile, giving users a satisfyingly deep and rich sound when typing. Both switches will produce different acoustic results, with the Silent Green being quieter overall thanks to its linear design, while the Red Panda will offer a more pronounced and bassy sound.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Green switch lacks defined characteristics in the provided information, making it difficult to give a specific description. Conversely, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that most users will find approachable. This suggests that while the Silent Green may lack distinct tactile feedback, the Red Panda provides a comfortable typing experience with just the right amount of tactility for users who enjoy a more subdued but satisfying feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Green is quieter and lacking in specific tactile attributes, making it a good option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Red Panda provides a unique thocky sound profile along with a mild tactile feel, catering to users who enjoy a deeper and more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, consider your typing preferences. If you enjoy a smooth and quiet typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Silent Green might be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a more tactile feedback with a unique sound profile that is described as "thocky", along with a gentle typing experience, the Red Panda switch would be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize a silent linear switch or a tactile switch with a distinct sound profile. Remember to consider your typing style and preferences when choosing between these two switches.
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