KTT Peach vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the KTT Peach and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are plenty of options to consider. Two popular choices in the market are the KTT Peach, a linear switch, and the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch. The KTT Peach is best known for its syrupy smooth typing experience and deep, thocky sound profile. With a low-pitched, neutral, and mild categorization, it offers a balanced feel for those seeking a linear switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda stands out with a light-medium tactility, accompanied by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. Categorized as thocky and mild, it provides a unique typing experience for tactile switch enthusiasts. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Peach and the Outemu Red Panda, it is evident that they both use polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound quality and aesthetic appeal from the polycarbonate top housing of both the Peach and the Red Panda.
On the other hand, while the top housings are the same, the bottom housings of these switches differ. The KTT Peach utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively soft nature allows for better sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Conversely, the Outemu Red Panda also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which similarly delivers a deeper and fuller sound. The ability of nylon to absorb more sound than harder plastics contributes to the Red Panda's distinctive sound profile.
Considering the impact of each housing material, it's important to note that the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. Therefore, both the Peach and the Red Panda will exhibit the qualities of their respective bottom housings during typing. However, the top housing of the switch plays a more significant role in the sound when a key is released. Thus, the characteristics of the polycarbonate top housing will be more noticeable when users let go of a key for both the Peach and the Red Panda.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Peach linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we can see both similarities and differences. The Peach has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Red Panda's 50 grams, making the Peach more responsive and requiring less force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Peach has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Red Panda has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that the Red Panda provides a more substantial typing experience when pressing all the way down.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Peach switch would be more suitable, as its lower actuation force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, whether for work or gaming. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Red Panda switch, with its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces.
It is important to note that both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a balance between lightness and heaviness. Therefore, if a user is looking for a tactile switch with similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, either of these switches would be a suitable choice.
Travel distance
The KTT Peach linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch have different travel distances. The Peach has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Red Panda has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Peach's 4.0 mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Red Panda's 3.3 mm travel distance is shallower, which can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the Red Panda with its shorter travel distance may be the better option. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the Peach with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming needs of the individual.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Peach comes in at $2.91, 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 KTT Peach linear switch provides a low-pitched tone that is bass-heavy and mellow. This creates a deep, thocky sound profile which is highly satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a different sound experience. It produces a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. While both switches have distinct sound profiles, the Peach switch leans towards a deeper and more mellow tone, while the Red Panda switch has a unique combination of bassier and higher-pitched sounds.
Moving on to the feel, both switches are described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience. They both offer a safe and approachable middle ground, making them suitable for most users. The Peach switch, with its syrupy smooth typing experience, is known for its mild and easy-to-use characteristics. Similarly, the Red Panda switch offers a light-medium amount of tactility, giving users a pleasant and comfortable typing feel. Both switches strike a balance between being comfortable to use while still providing tactile feedback, making them versatile options for any user.
In conclusion, the KTT Peach linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Peach switch brings a deep, thocky sound profile with a syrupy smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch provides a combination of bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, alongside a light-medium amount of tactility. While they have distinct characteristics, both switches fall into the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience. Whether you prefer a deeper, mellow sound with smooth typing or a unique combination of sounds with light tactility, both switches provide options to suit your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth typing experience and a deep, thocky sound profile, then the KTT Peach linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a medium-light actuation that many find comfortable. The Peach switches are known for their syrupy smooth feel and a low-pitched sound that is bass-heavy and mellow. These switches provide a gentle and approachable typing experience suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you're using them at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a light-medium amount of tactility, a raindrop-like bottom-out sound, and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, then the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is the better choice. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it falls into the medium range for actuation force. The Red Panda switches offer a mild and gentle typing experience with a thocky sound when pressed and released. This switch is suitable for those who enjoy the satisfying feeling and sound of a deep "thud" or soft "knock" when typing.
In conclusion, the KTT Peach linear switch is ideal for those seeking a smooth typing experience and a deep, thocky sound profile, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is perfect for those who prefer a light-medium amount of tactility and a satisfying, bassier sound. Consider your preferences in terms of sound and feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Whether you choose the Peach or the Red Panda, both switches offer a gentle and approachable typing experience that will meet the needs of most users.
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