Outemu Red Panda vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch, and the TTC Silent Frozen, a linear switch. The Red Panda is best known for its light-medium amount of tactility and distinct bottom-out and top-out sounds. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen is characterized by its extremely quiet sound profile, super smooth typing experience, and a pillowy feel. The Red Panda falls into the category of being 'Thocky' and 'Mild', while the Silent Frozen is described as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Buttery', 'Muted', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their unique advantages, making it a tough decision to choose between the two. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Red Panda and the TTC Silent Frozen, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This means that they will both provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for the translucency needed for RGB lighting. Therefore, in terms of sound and aesthetics, both switches will yield similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Red Panda employs nylon while the Silent Frozen uses polycarbonate. This difference in material will have an impact on the sound and feel of the switches. The Red Panda with its nylon bottom housing will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Frozen will contribute to a clearer and more resonant sound. This means that while both switches will have a similar top-out sound, the bottom-out sound and feel will differ.
In terms of functionality, the qualities brought by each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, one will feel the impact of the bottom housing, which means that the Red Panda's nylon bottom housing will provide a different tactile experience compared to the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate bottom housing. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the sound produced will be influenced more by the top housing. Therefore, while the top housing material is the same for both switches, the bottom housing creates a distinction in the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Red Panda has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Frozen's lighter actuation force of 39 grams. This means that the Red Panda requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, in terms of bottom out force, the Red Panda has a heavier force of 60 grams, while the Silent Frozen has a lighter force of 43 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Frozen would be the more suitable choice, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. This can be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods, such as during work or long gaming sessions, as it reduces fatigue. On the other hand, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel and appreciate a stronger push, the Red Panda would be the preferred option with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
It is worth noting that while the forces of these switches differ, they both fall into the medium-range category. Therefore, individuals who may find the Red Panda too heavy or the Silent Frozen too light can still achieve similar results by selecting a switch with a force closer to their preference. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Frozen has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Red Panda has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference may seem minimal, but it can make a noticeable impact on the overall typing or gaming experience. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, allowing them to act quickly in fast-paced scenarios. Therefore, if responsiveness is your priority, opting for the Red Panda with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more immersive and deep keystroke experience may find the Silent Frozen switch appealing due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the preference for shorter or longer travel distances depends on individual comfort and usage requirements.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.33.
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
The subjective sound qualities of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch differ slightly. When typing on the Red Panda switches, users will experience a light-medium amount of tactility alongside a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. The sound produced by the Red Panda switches can be described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switches are characterized by an extremely quiet sound profile. They are considered muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The Silent Frozen switches also have a low-pitched sound, which is more bass-heavy and mellow. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Red Panda switches offer a mild and approachable typing experience. These switches have a gentle typing feel, falling in the safe mid-ground zone in terms of their tactile characteristics. The Silent Frozen switches, on the other hand, provide a smooth and buttery typing experience. Described as creamy and buttery, these switches offer a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. They are exceptionally smooth and reduce finger fatigue due to their light actuation force. The Silent Frozen switches also have a subtle and polished feel, indicating a gentle resistance, reduced friction, and smooth key travel.
Overall, while the Red Panda and Silent Frozen switches have similar thocky sound profiles, the Red Panda switches provide a slightly bassier and clackier sound experience. In terms of feel, the Red Panda switches offer a mild and approachable typing experience, while the Silent Frozen switches provide a creamy, buttery, and feathery smooth typing experience. Both switches are known for their smoothness, but the Silent Frozen switches are particularly praised for their extremely quiet sound profile. Whether using the Red Panda or Silent Frozen switches, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with subjective differences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium bottom out force and a light-medium amount of tactility, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is a great option. These switches offer a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet sound profile, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is the way to go. These switches are not only super smooth but also extremely quiet. They offer a pillowy type feel while typing. In terms of sound, both switches are described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. However, the Silent Frozen switches are also characterized by their low-pitched and muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. In terms of feel, the Red Panda offers a mild typing experience, standing in a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switches are described as creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished, providing a smooth, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize medium tactility with a unique sound profile or a quiet, smooth, and comfortable typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and cater to different preferences.
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