Outemu Red Panda vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Red Panda and the Huano Sakura present two compelling yet distinct options that cater to different preferences. The Red Panda is celebrated for its light to medium tactility, which provides feedback that many typists appreciate, along with a unique acoustic profile featuring a deep, raindrop-like bottom-out sound complemented by a higher-pitched top-out sound. This switch is often described as "thocky" and "mild," making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience without overwhelming noise. In contrast, the Huano Sakura offers an entirely different typing experience with its linear design, providing a feather-light touch and medium acoustics. This makes the Sakura particularly appealing for extended typing sessions, where smooth key presses can reduce finger fatigue. Both switches have their dedicated fan bases for a reason, and selecting one over the other hinges on your typing style and sound preferences. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Red Panda and Huano Sakura keyboard switches exhibit distinct material characteristics that significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The top housing of the Red Panda is made from polycarbonate, which is known for its stiff and resonant qualities, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound when typing. This material is particularly advantageous when RGB lighting is employed, as its translucency allows for vibrant illumination. In contrast, the Sakura switch uses POK material, which offers a smoother typing experience thanks to its low coefficient of friction of 0.04. While it lacks the pronounced translucency of polycarbonate, the POK top housing contributes to a more muted sound profile characterized by clackiness and durability due to its impressive wear resistance.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, a classic choice in switch design that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being relatively soft, absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, yielding a duller and rounder auditory experience. This shared material in the bottom housing means that both the Red Panda and Sakura will exhibit similar acoustic qualities when keys are bottomed out, where the characteristics of nylon allow for a satisfying thump. Thus, the depth of sound produced during the actuation of both switches will reflect this commonality, despite their upper housing differences aimed at distinct sound profiles.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate in the Red Panda's top housing and nylon in both switches results in a balanced acoustic experience that highlights the unique strengths of each housing. The different top housings contribute contrasting sonic characteristics, with the polycarbonate projecting sharper notes and the POK providing a smoother, muted response. However, the presence of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches retain a cohesive foundation with their deeper sound profile. In summary, users can expect both switches to provide engaging tactile experiences, each with its distinct flair while sharing a common sound depth attributed to nylon.
Weight
The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying user preferences. The Red Panda features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Sakura is noticeably lighter with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Red Panda well-suited for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, offering greater resistance for tactile feedback, which can be preferable for longer typing sessions or intense gaming. In contrast, the Sakura's lighter forces make it ideal for those who favor a quicker response and less fatigue during extended use. Overall, if you seek a more tactile and pronounced feel, the heavier Red Panda may be the right choice, while the lighter Sakura can facilitate faster typing with less effort.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Red Panda provides a shorter travel distance, which can lead to a more responsive feel, ideal for gaming where quick keystrokes can enhance performance. In contrast, the Sakura's longer travel distance might cater to those who appreciate a more pronounced key press, offering a deeper, more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences, selecting the Red Panda will likely yield faster response times due to its shorter travel distance compared to the Sakura.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 and Huano Sakura switches, the Red Panda is notable for its unique auditory profile, characterized by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound that can evoke a deeper thocky sensation, coupled with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This combination creates a rich and satisfying acoustic experience, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Sakura switch features medium acoustics, offering a feather-light touch that is suitable for prolonged typing sessions but lacks the distinctive depth and character present in the Red Panda’s sound profile. Consequently, while both switches can produce pleasant sounds, the heavier emphasis on thock and clack in the Red Panda may appeal more to enthusiasts who relish auditory nuances.
When it comes to feel, the Red Panda tactile switch provides a light to medium level of tactility, delivering a typing experience that is mild and approachable for most users. This gentle feedback gives typists a sense of engagement without overwhelming them with pronounced resistance, making it an excellent choice for general use. On the other hand, specific characteristics of the feel of the Huano Sakura switch are not detailed, but given its feather-light touch, it can be inferred that it offers a smoother, less tactile experience overall. Those who prefer an effortless keystroke may lean towards the Sakura, while others who appreciate even mild tactile feedback might prefer the Red Panda.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Red Panda and Huano Sakura switches cater to different preferences, their subjective qualities differentiate them significantly. The Red Panda stands out with a unique blend of sound and mild tactility, appealing to users who enjoy both auditory feedback and a gentle typing experience. In contrast, the Sakura’s feather-light touch and more subdued acoustics may suit individuals focused on comfort during long typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a rich sound and slight tactility or prefer a lighter touch with balanced acoustics.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a tactile feel combined with a satisfying thocky sound, and you don’t mind a medium actuation force of 60 grams, then the Red Panda would be an excellent choice. Its mild tactility and unique sound profile make it ideal for both typing and gaming where some feedback is beneficial without being overly pronounced. On the other hand, if you prefer a feather-light touch for prolonged typing sessions, the Huano Sakura's lower actuation force of 45 grams makes it an exceptional option. The Sakura's medium acoustics allow for quieter operation while still providing a comfortable experience, making it perfect for those who prioritize speed and minimal finger fatigue over tactile feedback. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you—whether it’s a tactile bump and deeper sound with the Red Panda or the light touch with the Sakura—as that will guide your decision effectively.
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