Outemu Red Panda vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing style, the Outemu Red Panda and Everglide Rice Pudding switches present compelling yet distinct options. The Outemu Red Panda is renowned for its tactile feedback and a unique auditory profile, offering a light-medium amount of tactility that results in a bassy, raindrop-like sound upon bottoming out, coupled with a higher-pitched clack at the top-out. This switch is often favored by typists who appreciate a balanced feedback mechanism, making it ideal for both casual typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch excels in providing a smooth, consistent feel while producing a deep, satisfying sound that caters to enthusiasts seeking precision and performance. Notably, its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards adds a layer of versatility that can appeal to more specialized users. While both switches offer unique advantages, they cater to different preferences, giving potential buyers much to consider. 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
50g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Red Panda and Everglide Rice Pudding switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which impart similar acoustic characteristics to each switch. The use of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer material properties. This quality enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch, allowing typists and gamers to experience a more dynamic response when key presses are executed. The translucence of the polycarbonate also allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making both switches visually appealing when illuminated. Consequently, users of both the Red Panda and Rice Pudding switches can expect comparable sound performance if they install them within a keyboard designed to showcase these features.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Outemu Red Panda and Everglide Rice Pudding are both made from nylon, which introduces a deeper and fuller sound profile to each switch. This softer plastic material absorbs sound more effectively than its harder counterparts, resulting in a duller and rounder tonal output when typing. As such, while both switches offer a high-pitched and resonant sound from their polycarbonate tops, their nylon bottoms provide a balanced contrast that enhances the overall acoustic experience. The combination of these two different materials results in a rich auditory profile that caters to various user preferences, giving both the Red Panda and Rice Pudding a well-rounded sound signature.
When considering the overall performance and acoustic characteristics of these switches, it's essential to note how the combination of the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom significantly influences user experience. The polycarbonate contributes to the audible "ping" during key release, while the nylon bottom mitigates that sound with a fuller bottom-out effect. This synergy allows for a unique playing experience, catering to those who enjoy a pronounced thock as well as a pronounced click on release. If users appreciate the sound profiles of both the Outemu Red Panda and the Everglide Rice Pudding, they can easily transition between the two while enjoying a similar tactile feedback that remains satisfying regardless of their choice.
Weight
The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch present a notable contrast in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Red Panda features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, classifying it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Rice Pudding is lighter, with an actuation force of only 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This difference means that the Rice Pudding is more suitable for those who prefer longer typing sessions with less strain, while the Red Panda caters to users looking for a more robust tactile feedback with a heavier push feel. Overall, if users seek a lighter typing experience, the Everglide Rice Pudding would be the ideal choice, whereas those preferring a more substantial feel should consider the Outemu Red Panda.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, we see a distinct difference. The Red Panda has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Rice Pudding measures slightly longer at 3.5 mm. This means that the Red Panda offers a shorter travel distance, which can provide a quicker response time favored by gamers seeking rapid execution in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding's longer 3.5 mm travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and depth when typing, which can feel more substantial and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in your typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
The Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 comparing the sound of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, the Red Panda is noted for its distinct audio profile that combines a low, bassy thock at bottom-out with a sharper, clackier sound at top-out. This duality creates a unique auditory experience that is rich and satisfying, reminiscent of raindrops hitting a surface. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Rice Pudding switches haven’t been explicitly detailed, but they are known to deliver a deep sound that complements their smooth operation. Sound perception can vary based on the keyboard construction and keycap material, so users could find parallels or notable differences based on their specific setups.
In terms of feel, the Red Panda switches offer a mild tactile response, which provides a gentle typing experience that sits nicely between more aggressive tactile options. This middle-ground tactile feedback makes it approachable for a wide audience, balancing a satisfying experience without overwhelming the user. The Rice Pudding switches, while their tactile feel is not specified, are recognized for their smooth operation, implying a seamless pressing experience that would appeal to users who prefer less resistance during typing. The lack of sharp interruptions in feel with Rice Pudding could lead to an equally durable and pleasant touch experience, albeit without the same pronounced tactile feedback.
Overall, both the Outemu Red Panda and Everglide Rice Pudding switches seem to cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Red Panda offers a more defined tactile sensation with a unique sound environment, while the Rice Pudding promises a smooth and deep auditory experience, with the potential for a comfortable feel. Depending on your priorities—be it sound, tactile feedback, or smoothness—either choice has its unique merits, inviting enthusiasts to explore which switch best aligns with their typing preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch should hinge on what you prioritize in your typing experience. If you prefer a keystroke that offers a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, along with a distinct and satisfying tactile feedback complemented by a deep, thocky sound profile, then the Red Panda will likely meet your needs. This switch is especially great for typing sessions where you enjoy a more robust tactile sensation and a unique audio experience. Conversely, if you are looking for a lighter typing feel with a bottom out force of just 48 grams, coupled with a smooth operation and a satisfying sound that’s more balanced, the Rice Pudding is the way to go. The gentle action of the Rice Pudding can be particularly advantageous for long typing sessions or gaming, especially if you're using Wooting keyboards that enhance its capabilities. Ultimately, your preferences for resistance, sound, and tactile feedback will guide your decision, ensuring you select the switch that aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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