Outemu Red Panda vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Red Panda and Dareu Sky POM offer distinctive features that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Red Panda is a tactile switch known for its light-medium amount of tactility and unique sound profile, with a bassier bottom-out and clackier top-out sound. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM stands out as a linear switch crafted entirely from POM material, offering premium quality at an accessible price point. It is praised for its clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force. While the Red Panda is categorized as 'Thocky' and 'Mild', the Sky POM is described as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Silky'. Both switches have their own strengths and reasons to be chosen, 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
40g
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
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Red Panda and the Dareu Sky POM differ in their top housing materials, with the Red Panda featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the Sky POM sporting a POM top housing. Polycarbonate housings create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to their stiffness, while POM housings produce a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials have their own unique characteristics, with polycarbonate being more resonant and suitable for RGB lighting, while POM creates a pleasing and distinctive sound profile.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches use nylon which is known for creating a deep and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that utilize this material for their bottom housing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Red Panda and the Sky POM enhances the overall typing experience by providing a satisfying sound and feel to the switches.
When considering how the top and bottom housings affect the overall sound and feel of a switch, it's clear that the choice of materials plays a significant role. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Both the Outemu Red Panda and the Dareu Sky POM leverage the unique properties of their top and bottom housing materials to create distinctive typing experiences for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that the Sky POM is lighter while the Red Panda is heavier. The Red Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium resistance level. In contrast, the Sky POM has an actuation force of 40 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The actuation force of a switch is crucial as it determines the force required to register a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the amount of force needed to fully press the key. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Sky POM for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may enjoy the heavier resistance of the Red Panda for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force sensitivity.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that the Red Panda has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sky POM has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Red Panda offers a quicker key press response due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster reaction times. On the other hand, the Sky POM provides a more substantial key press depth, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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 thocky experience with a deep, rich sound that is both satisfying and bass-heavy. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch provides a low-pitched, mellow tone that is characterized by its clacky sound. The choice between these switches will ultimately depend on whether you prefer a deeper, thocky sound or a smoother, lower-pitched sound, both of which can be influenced by your keyboard and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the Red Panda switch offers a mild typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone, appealing to a wide range of users with its gentle tactility. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch provides a buttery, creamy, and silky smooth typing sensation that is fluid, effortless, and uniform. If you enjoy a more pronounced and smooth keystroke, the Sky POM may be the better choice for you.
Overall, the Outemu Red Panda and Dareu Sky POM switches offer different sound profiles and tactile feels. The Red Panda is best suited for those who enjoy a light-medium amount of tactility with a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound, while the Sky POM caters to users who prefer a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a light-medium amount of tactility with a bassier bottom-out sound, and a clackier top-out sound, the Red Panda may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing sensation with a gentle actuation force, the Sky POM switch crafted from POM material could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility and sound profile or smoothness and actuation force in your typing experience.
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