Outemu Red Panda vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch, and the KTT Rose, a linear switch. The Red Panda is best known for its light-medium amount of tactility, alongside a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. Categorized as 'Thocky' and 'Mild,' these switches provide a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Rose switches offer a unique typing experience with the use of progressive springs, resulting in a substantial yet not heavy feel while typing. These switches are praised for their low-pitched and polished characteristics, aiming to provide a smooth and seamless typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision based on your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Red Panda and KTT Rose keyboards, particularly their top housings made of polycarbonate, share several similarities. Both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a distinct auditory experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it an attractive option for users interested in customizable lighting features.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Red Panda and the Rose keyboards feature nylon. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material, and typing on switches made of nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its relatively softer composition, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This acoustic quality can provide a different typing experience, allowing users to enjoy a more muted and immersive audio feedback.
It is important to note that the combination of different housing materials for the top and bottom housings influences the overall typing experience. While the Red Panda and the Rose keyboards have the same housing materials, the effects of each material will be distributed between the top and bottom parts of the switch. The bottom housing primarily impacts the sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing is responsible for the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect variations in these aspects based on the specific design and construction of each keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, there are several notable differences. The Red Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a relatively light and responsive touch when triggering a keystroke. In comparison, the actuation force of the Rose switch is currently unavailable, making it difficult to determine its specific responsiveness. Regarding the bottom out force, the Red Panda requires 60 grams of force for a full depression, offering a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Rose switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Red Panda. Despite the lack of information on the Rose's actuation force, it is evident that the Red Panda offers a lighter overall touch for extended typing sessions, while the Rose provides a heavier and more pronounced keystroke for those seeking a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the KTT Rose linear switch have different travel distances. The Red Panda has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Rose has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Rose switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Red Panda switch. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while a travel distance of 3.0 mm is shallower. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, as it allows them to press the keys more quickly. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Red Panda switch with its shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. However, some individuals find short travel distances to feel too abrupt, preferring a switch with more depth. In this case, the KTT Rose switch with its longer travel distance would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40, whereas the KTT Rose comes in at $3.01.
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 Red Panda and the Rose switches offer different qualities. The Red Panda has a light-medium amount of tactility, resulting in a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This produces a satisfying and deep "thocky" sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Rose switches have a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It provides a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and users. It's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, both the Red Panda and the Rose switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a gentle and approachable typing sensation, suitable for most users. The Red Panda specifically falls into a safe middle-ground zone, offering a more generic typing experience with its mild characteristics. On the other hand, the Rose switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smoother and refined typing experience. This could be due to materials used and/or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
Considering the available information, the Red Panda and Rose switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Red Panda switches provide a thocky sound with light-medium tactility, while the Rose switches offer a low-pitched sound with progressive springs for a substantial yet not heavy typing experience. Both switches have a mild feel, but the Rose switches also have the advantage of a polished finish for enhanced smoothness during typing. Overall, if you prefer a deep and satisfying thocky sound with light-medium tactility, then the Red Panda switches are a great choice. If you prefer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, along with a unique and substantial typing experience, the Rose switches will be the better option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force and a light-medium amount of tactility, along with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, then the Outemu Red Panda switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique typing experience provided by progressive springs, the KTT Rose switch would be the way to go. In terms of sound, the Red Panda switch offers a thocky sound, which produces a deep and satisfying sound, while the Rose switch has a low-pitched sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, both switches provide a mild typing experience, but the Rose switch is further enhanced by its polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the KTT Rose linear switch depends on your preference for tactility, sound, and typing experience.
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