Outemu Tom vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Outemu Tom and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Tom and the Outemu Red Panda stand out as popular choices among users. The Tom switch is recognized for its unique characteristics, while the Red Panda is highly regarded for its thocky and mild tactile feedback. Typing on the Red Panda provides a light-medium amount of tactility with a distinctive bottom-out sound reminiscent of raindrops and a satisfying top-out sound that is higher-pitched and clackier. On the other hand, the Tom switch offers a different typing experience with its unmatched qualities. 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 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 Tom and the Outemu Red Panda both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. However, while both switches share this top housing material, the differences lie in their bottom housings. The Tom employs a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature and its ability to absorb sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Red Panda also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing similar sound characteristics as the Tom.
In terms of sound and feel, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing in both the Outemu Tom and Red Panda switches play a significant role. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a unique sound profile, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound experience. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing influences the sound when a key is released, with its stiffer nature creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Despite the differences in their bottom housings, the overall typing experience between the Tom and Red Panda may be quite similar due to the shared polycarbonate top housing and their use of nylon for the bottoms.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Tom and the Outemu Red Panda may come down to personal preference for sound and typing experience. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharp, high-pitched sound, the nylon bottom housing in each switch provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether one prefers a crisp sound with a resonant quality (Tom) or a softer, rounder sound that absorbs more noise (Red Panda), both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in these switches ensures a diverse and customizable typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch reveals some key differences. The Tom has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Red Panda's 50 grams, making it a bit lighter to the touch. However, the Red Panda has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a firmer typing experience when compared to the Tom's unknown bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Tom for longer typing periods, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Red Panda for a stronger typing experience. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience and preference for keyboard users.
Travel distance
The Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making them equally responsive to the touch. The travel distance of a switch is crucial for typing comfort and efficiency, as it determines how far you need to press down to register a key press. With both switches having the same travel distance, you can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and tactile feedback. Whether you choose the Outemu Tom or the Outemu Red Panda, you can count on a consistent and satisfying typing experience with a travel distance that offers just the right balance between responsiveness and comfort.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Tom 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 tactile switch stands out for its thocky sound profile, offering a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. In contrast, the Outemu Tom switch's sound qualities are unknown. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard design and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone suitable for most users. On the other hand, the tactile qualities of the Outemu Tom switch are unspecified. This indicates that the Red Panda switch may offer a more universally appealing feel compared to the Tom switch.
In conclusion, while the sound profile of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is characterized as thocky with a bassier bottom-out and clackier top-out, the tactile qualities and sound characteristics of the Outemu Tom switch remain unknown. For those looking for a switch with a mild feel and a satisfying sound, the Outemu Red Panda may be a more reliable option. However, if the feel and sound of the switch are not critical factors in the decision-making process, both switches may provide similar results in terms of performance and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with no defined bottom out force and are looking for a customizable option, the Outemu Tom switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a light-medium amount of tactility with a satisfying thocky sound, the Outemu Red Panda switch could be the perfect choice for you. Consider your typing experience, desired sound profile, and preference for tactility when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience based on your individual preferences.
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