Outemu Red Panda vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a plethora of options available on the market. Two popular choices include the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch, and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, a linear switch. The Red Panda stands out for its light-medium amount of tactility and unique sound profile, with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear is renowned for its innovative design, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. It provides a silky smooth typing experience without being overly polished. Both switches have their merits, giving users different options based on their preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Red Panda and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches are quite similar. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for the use of RGB lighting, as it is translucent. This means that visually, both switches will have a similar aesthetic when it comes to their top housings.
On the other hand, the switches differ in terms of their bottom housing material. The Red Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Semi-Silent Linear also incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. It absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, typing on both switches will elicit a similar sound experience due to their nylon bottom housings.
It is worth mentioning that the contribution of each housing material to the overall sound and feel of the switch is different. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Consequently, although the Outemu Red Panda and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear have similar top and bottom housing materials, their individual performance may vary slightly due to these specific differences in housing design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we can observe both similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Red Panda is 50 grams, while the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear is unknown. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Red Panda measuring 60 grams and the Semi-Silent Linear measuring 62 grams.
Weight plays a crucial role in the typing experience, and it is worth considering for various reasons. For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Red Panda would be a suitable choice as it allows for extended typing sessions without causing excessive fatigue. This feature makes it ideal for individuals who frequently use their keyboards for work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. For these individuals, options with heavier forces, such as the Semi-Silent Linear, would be a better fit.
While the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear switch is not specified, we can presume that it is comparable to the Red Panda switch since both switches have a medium bottom out force. Additionally, as both switches belong to the same medium range, it is likely that users will experience similar results in terms of keystroke activation.
In conclusion, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch differ in their actuation forces and have slightly varying bottom out forces. The Red Panda offers a lighter actuation force, while the Semi-Silent Linear is slightly heavier. Both switches provide a similar experience due to their comparable medium bottom out forces, but users with specific preferences for actuation force should take note of these disparities.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we find that the Red Panda has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches deviate from the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, with the Red Panda being closer to the shallow end at 3.0 mm. These shorter travel distances are favored by gamers seeking faster response times. If speed and responsiveness are your priorities, the Red Panda would be a suitable choice. However, it is worth noting that some individuals may find the shorter travel distances to feel abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the Semi-Silent Linear with its longer travel distance would be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 best known for its bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This creates a unique and satisfying auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offers a semi-silent topping-out sound, meaning it produces a whisper-quiet sound when the key is released, while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. This offers a more subdued and subtle sound signature compared to most switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the Red Panda and Semi-Silent Linear switches fall under the category of mild switches. This means they offer a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The qualities of these switches stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users. However, the Semi-Silent Linear switch also possesses additional descriptors such as snappy, buttery, and polished. With longer or dual-staged springs, the typing experience feels more alive and responsive. The switch provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation due to its smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. It's worth noting that the Red Panda switch does not have any additional descriptors, indicating a more straightforward typing experience.
Overall, both the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer unique subjective qualities. The Red Panda switch provides a light-medium amount of tactility and a distinct bassier and clackier sound profile. It offers a mild typing experience suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch introduces innovation with its semi-silent topping-out sound and clacky bottom-out sound. It possesses a silky smooth feel, and additional descriptors such as snappy, buttery, and polished contribute to the typing experience. While these switches have their own distinctive qualities, both deliver a satisfying and approachable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, you should consider your preferences for sound and feel.
The Red Panda offers a light-medium amount of tactility, accompanied by a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. It is best known for its thocky sound, which produces a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the Red Panda provides a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users.
On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is known for its innovative design. It offers a whisper-quiet top-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. The switch has a silky smooth type feel without being over-polished. In terms of sound, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as subdued, providing a dampened and subtle sound signature. The switch also falls under the neutral category, making it suitable for various purposes and user levels.
Ultimately, if you prefer a deeper and more satisfying sound with a gentle typing experience, the Red Panda tactile switch is a great choice for you. However, if you value a quiet topping-out sound and a smoother typing experience, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch would be a better fit. Consider your sound and feel preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
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