Outemu Red Panda vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch, with the HC Studio Roselle, a linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Red Panda is renowned for its light-medium amount of tactility, providing a unique typing experience with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. On the other hand, the Roselle stands out for its inherent smoothness and ethereally wispy sensation while typing, accompanied by a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. The Red Panda falls under the categories of 'Thocky' and 'Mild', while the Roselle is classified as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Each switch offers distinct characteristics, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Red Panda and the HC Studio Roselle, one noticeable difference is the choice of materials for the top housing. The Red Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Roselle utilizes a POM top housing that creates a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the Red Panda is more likely to enhance RGB lighting due to its translucency, providing a different aesthetic appeal compared to the POM top housing of the Roselle.
Moving on to the bottom housings of the two switches, the Red Panda boasts a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Roselle's POM bottom housing also generates a deep and muted sound, creating a similar experience to that of the Red Panda. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience with their unique bottom housing materials, but the choice between nylon and POM may come down to personal preference for sound profile and feel.
When considering the overall typing experience, it's important to note how the qualities of each housing material affect different aspects of using the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, which is influenced by the softer nylon in the Red Panda and POM in the Roselle. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate of the Red Panda delivering a sharper sound compared to the more muted POM of the Roselle. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to individual preferences for sound profile, aesthetics, and typing feel.
Weight
The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch have some key differences when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Red Panda has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Roselle's 45 grams, making the Roselle the lighter of the two switches in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Red Panda requires a higher force of 60 grams compared to the Roselle's 52 grams, making the Red Panda the heavier switch in this regard. Both switches fall under the medium actuation force category, but the Roselle is considered medium-light when it comes to bottom out force. Overall, the Red Panda offers a slightly heavier typing experience with a more substantial push feel, while the Roselle provides a lighter touch that may be preferable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. The Red Panda may appeal to those seeking a slightly shallower keystroke, while the Roselle provides a slightly deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for either a quicker, more responsive press or a more substantial keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is best known for its thocky sound profile, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a bassier and low-pitched sound signature, providing a richer and mellow tone during key presses. While the Red Panda offers a raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, the Roselle delivers a smooth and ethereally wispy sound that is subtle and low-pitched. Both switches provide unique sound experiences, with the Red Panda leaning towards a more tactile and distinct sound, and the Roselle offering a smoother and more neutral sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, providing a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. Conversely, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is known for its frictionless typing experience, offering an extremely smooth and effortless feel with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Both switches fall under the category of mild switches, ensuring that the sound and feel are comfortable and suitable for a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch present distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Red Panda offers a thocky sound profile with a light-medium amount of tactility, while the Roselle provides a bassier and low-pitched sound that is incredibly smooth. In terms of feel, the Red Panda offers a mild typing experience, whereas the Roselle delivers a frictionless and effortless feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences, providing users with a variety of options to choose from based on their sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force and enjoy a light-medium amount of tactility, along with a bassier bottom-out sound and clackier top-out sound, the Outemu Red Panda would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a lighter bottom out force and an incredibly smooth and wispy typing experience, along with a subtle low-pitched sound signature, then the HC Studio Roselle would be the better option for you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your preferences carefully to choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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