Outemu Red Panda vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Red Panda and the Jerrzi Salt Ice are two popular options to consider. The Red Panda is a tactile switch that offers a light-medium amount of tactility, producing a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. On the other hand, the Salt Ice is a linear switch known for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, paired with a light touch for effortless actuation. While the Red Panda is categorized as 'Thocky' and 'Mild', the Salt Ice falls into a different category. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences for typing experiences. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Red Panda and the Jerrzi Salt Ice utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that use RGB lighting, as it allows for a visually appealing aesthetic when illuminated. However, while the Red Panda has a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound, the Salt Ice opt for a polycarbonate bottom housing for consistency in sound quality throughout the switch.
The use of different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch can impact the overall typing experience. In the case of the Red Panda, the nylon bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the polycarbonate top housing affects the sound when a key is released. The Jerrzi Salt Ice, on the other hand, maintains a consistent polycarbonate construction for both the top and bottom housings, ensuring a uniform sound profile throughout the typing process. This highlights the importance of housing material selection in creating a specific typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Red Panda and the Jerrzi Salt Ice in terms of housing materials comes down to personal preference. While both switches offer a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile with their polycarbonate top housing, the Red Panda provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing, creating a more rounded typing experience. In contrast, the Salt Ice maintains a consistent sound profile due to its polycarbonate bottom housing, appealing to users who prefer a more uniform typing sound. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on whether one prioritizes a varied sound experience or a consistent typing feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch are quite different. The Red Panda has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Salt Ice's 45 grams. However, the Red Panda also has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, while the bottom out force of the Salt Ice is unknown. The Red Panda provides a more substantial typing experience with its higher forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Salt Ice offers a lighter actuation force, which may be preferred by those who type for longer periods of time or engage in extended gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers may prefer the Red Panda for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times during gameplay. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which some users may find provides a more satisfying key press with a bit more depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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 it comes to sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is known for its thocky nature, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offers exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, creating a lively and energetic typing experience. Both switches have distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Red Panda offering a deeper and bassier sound compared to the Salt Ice's brighter and clackier tones.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Red Panda switch is described as mild, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. On the contrary, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch offers a light touch with vibrant feedback, contributing to an effortless actuation and responsive feel. While the Red Panda focuses on a mild tactile experience, the Salt Ice prioritizes a smooth linear feel that enhances typing speed and precision.
In conclusion, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Red Panda provides a thocky sound and mild tactile feel, appealing to those who prefer a softer typing experience. Conversely, the Salt Ice excels in brightness and clackiness, delivering a more energetic and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, with both options offering unique qualities that enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider your typing preferences and priorities. If you value a light-medium tactility, a bolder typing sound with a thocky bottom-out, and a clackier top-out sound, the Red Panda may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize bright and clacky characteristics, along with a light touch and vibrant feedback, the Salt Ice could be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences, so choose based on what best suits your typing style and preferences. Happy typing!
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