Outemu Red Panda vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Outemu Red Panda and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers users distinct typing experiences shaped by their tactile and linear designs. The Red Panda is characterized by its light to medium tactility and a unique auditory profile, featuring a bassier, raindrop-like sound when bottoming out and a clackier, higher-pitched sound upon release. This switch caters to those who appreciate a tactile feel while still enjoying a satisfying auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie shines with its medium weight all-POM composition, delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience without sacrificing quality at an attractive price point. Its thocky sound profile makes it a favorite among users who prefer a more linear typing sensation without the distraction of tactile bumps. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences—whether you lean towards a tactile or a smooth experience is a matter of personal choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.40 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When it comes to the housing materials used in the Outemu Red Panda and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, notable differences can be observed in their top housings, while similarities are found in their bottom materials. The Red Panda switch features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to other materials. This stiffer plastic not only enhances sound clarity but also shines brightly under RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie incorporates a POM top housing, which creates a more muted and deeper sound profile. The softer characteristics of POM lend themselves to a distinct auditory experience that diverges from the sharper notes found in the Red Panda.

However, both switches utilize POM for their bottom housing, which leads to an interesting intersection of sound profiles. While the nylon bottom housing of the Red Panda contributes to a deeper and fuller sound due to its propensity to absorb sound, the POM bottom housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie also produces a deeper and unique sound, albeit with a more muted quality. Consequently, when pressing the switches, the bottom-out sound and feel are influenced heavily by the nylon in the Red Panda and by the POM material in the Sea Salt Smoothie, giving both switches a grounding perception in terms of auditory feedback. This signifies a shared quality in how each switch can still produce a pleasing sound.

When combining the respective top and bottom housing materials, we can see how the sound profiles of these switches diverge and converge. The Red Panda’s polycarbonate top housing allows it to excel in producing sharp pitches when releasing keys, while the nylon bottom absorbs and rounds out the impact upon actuation. Meanwhile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie benefits from the consistency of POM across both the top and bottom housings, leading to a cohesive deep sound with a uniform feel. If one is seeking to achieve similar auditory results, both switches can be enjoyed for their unique characteristics; yet, users will find that the Red Panda excels in a brighter spectrum, while the Sea Salt Smoothie leans towards a more subdued and gentle auditory experience.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the differences in actuation force and the available bottom out force illustrate their unique typing experiences. The Outemu Red Panda features an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a moderately strong push that some users may find preferable for a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams, which could appeal to those who prefer a gentler keystroke for extended typing sessions. While the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown, the Red Panda's bottom out force is measured at 60 grams, indicating a firmer feel upon fully pressing the key. Therefore, for users who enjoy a heavier switch with a tactile response, the Red Panda might be the better choice, whereas those who favor a lighter touch may lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie, especially considering the uncertainty of its bottom out experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Red Panda measures 3.3 mm while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Red Panda offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Sea Salt Smoothie could be preferable for users who enjoy a more pronounced key press, providing a deeper and potentially more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference: the Outemu Red Panda for those who favor speed and responsiveness, and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie for those who appreciate a more substantial travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Red Panda switch features a unique auditory profile that combines a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound with a higher-pitched, clackier top-out. This creates a dynamic sound experience, where both the deep tones during actuation and the crispness at the release contribute to a satisfying keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is characterized by its thocky sound, which produces a rich, deep "thud" upon pressing, reminiscent of a soft knock. However, the exact sound profile of the Smoothie may slightly vary depending on the keyboard build and keycap materials used, which is also true for the Red Panda. Overall, while both switches deliver satisfying sound experiences, the Red Panda leans more towards a complex blend of tones, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a pronounced thocky sound.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Red Panda offers a mild tactile experience, characterized by a light to medium level of tactility. This makes it approachable and suitable for users who prefer a gentle typing experience, as it balances tactility with comfort. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, while primarily linear, delivers exceptional smoothness throughout its travel without any noticeable bumps. This difference between the mild tactility of the Red Panda and the smoothness of the Smoothie creates distinct typing experiences, with the Red Panda providing feedback and the Sea Salt offering a seamless glide during key presses.

In summary, both the Outemu Red Panda and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches have their unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Red Panda excels with its multi-faceted sound and mild tactility, making it a pleasant choice for those who enjoy a nuanced auditory experience alongside gentle feedback. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie stands out for its thocky sound and exceptional smoothness, appealing to users who prioritize a seamless and fluid key press. Ultimately, both switches offer enjoyable experiences, and the choice between them will depend largely on whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Red Panda or the smoothness of the Sea Salt Smoothie.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, your choice largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more tactile feedback while typing, the Red Panda will likely suit you best, as it provides a mild tactility that balances well with its thocky sound and gentle typing experience. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want to feel a bit of feedback without being overwhelmed, making it particularly appealing for typing-centric tasks. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a more seamless keystroke without the tactile bump, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers an incredibly smooth experience that is less intrusive, perfect for gamers or individuals who prefer rapid key presses without the distraction of a tactile response. The Sea Salt Smoothie also boasts a versatile sound profile, likely appealing if you appreciate a cleaner auditory feedback while you type. In the end, your ideal choice will depend on whether you find satisfaction in tactile feedback and a distinctive sound (choose the Red Panda), or if you lean towards a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience (opt for the Sea Salt Smoothie).

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more