Outemu Red Panda vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that frequently come up for consideration are the Outemu Red Panda and the TTC Silent Brown. Both switches fall under the tactile category, providing users with a satisfying tactile bump during typing. The Red Panda is known for its light-medium tactility, offering a unique raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches provide a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium resistance and a pleasing rounded tactile bump. Additionally, users appreciate the muted sound profile of the Silent Brown switches. However, let's take a deeper dive into these switches to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Red Panda and TTC Silent Brown switches both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice leads to similar characteristics in terms of sound profile, as polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile in both switches, making them ideal for users who prefer a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it compatible with RGB lighting setups, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both switches.
On the other hand, the housing materials for the bottom of the switches differ. The Red Panda incorporates a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Brown features nylon as well. Nylon is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Due to its nature as a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. As a result, users of both the Red Panda and Silent Brown switches can expect a more muted and rounded sound when bottoming out the keys.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the combination of the top and bottom housing materials in each switch determines the outcome. The Red Panda and the Silent Brown distribute the qualities of their respective housing materials between the top and bottom, influencing different aspects of the sound and feel. While the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, despite their varying housing materials, both switches offer distinctive typing experiences that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The Red Panda has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Brown's 45 grams, making the Red Panda require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Silent Brown is slightly heavier with 63.5 grams compared to the Red Panda's 60 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Brown would be the better option, as it has a lower actuation force. This lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for those who use keyboards extensively for work or gaming. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel and enjoy a stronger push may find the Red Panda more to their liking. The higher actuation force of the Red Panda gives a bit more resistance, providing a more tactile and pronounced typing experience.
It's worth noting that both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. This means that while there are slight differences between the two, they will likely yield similar results in terms of overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired feel while typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is clear that there is a notable difference. The Red Panda has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Silent Brown has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Silent Brown has the longer travel distance compared to the Red Panda. However, it is important to note that both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular recently. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Red Panda a suitable choice for those seeking a more responsive typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance of the Red Panda to feel too abrupt and prefer a switch with more depth. For those seeking a more substantial keypress feel, the Silent Brown, with its longer travel distance, would be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 offers a unique combination of sounds. When typing on these switches, there is a light-medium amount of tactility accompanied by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This creates a satisfying and distinct sound profile that some may describe as "thocky." On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch provides a more muted sound experience. These switches have been specifically designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The result is a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you are looking for a more unique and pronounced sound, the Red Panda would be a great choice, while the Silent Brown would be more suitable for those seeking a quieter and more understated typing experience.
In terms of feel, both the Outemu Red Panda and TTC Silent Brown switches offer a light-medium level of resistance and a comfortable typing experience. The Red Panda switches are described as having a mild feel, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. With its qualities falling in a safe and middle-ground zone, these switches provide a satisfying balance between responsiveness and ease of use. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches are often referred to as "buttery." This indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, resulting in a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. This can be attributed to the polished finish of the switches, which reduces friction and allows for smooth key travel. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, with the Red Panda leaning towards a mild feel and the Silent Brown providing a buttery and polished experience.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Outemu Red Panda and TTC Silent Brown tactile switches have their own unique qualities. While the Red Panda stands out for its distinct sound profile with a bassier bottom-out and clackier top-out sound, the Silent Brown is known for its muted sound profile that minimizes keyboard noise. In terms of feel, the Red Panda offers a mild typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone, while the Silent Brown provides a buttery and polished feel with smooth and fluid keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel. However, it's worth mentioning that if one is seeking a similar level of resistance and a comfortable typing experience, both switches are likely to deliver comparable results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are seeking a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and enjoy a bassier bottom-out sound, along with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch would be a great choice for you. It provides a light-medium amount of tactility, giving you a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, along with a muted sound profile, then the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is the switch for you. It offers a more gentle typing experience and produces a softer and quieter sound compared to other mechanical switches. Overall, both switches have their unique characteristics and it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of the feel and sound you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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