Outemu Red Panda vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Red Panda and the Dareu Sky V3 stand out as popular choices for enthusiasts seeking different typing experiences. The Red Panda is a tactile switch known for its light-medium amount of tactility, producing a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 is a linear switch praised for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, providing a comfortable and precise typing experience. While the Red Panda offers a 'Thocky' feel and mild tactility, the Sky V3 is characterized by its neutral, subdued nature. Each switch caters to different preferences, offering unique qualities beneficial for various typing needs. 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
4.00 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Red Panda and the Dareu Sky V3, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Red Panda uses nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile with a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature. In contrast, the Sky V3 also employs nylon for its bottom housing, offering similar sound characteristics as the Red Panda.
Despite both switches having polycarbonate top housings, the difference in bottom housing materials between the Red Panda and the Sky V3 affects the overall sound profile and feel. The Red Panda's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound and softer feel when typing, while the Sky V3's nylon bottom housing provides a similar experience in terms of sound quality and tactile feedback. The split between the top and bottom housing materials showcases how each component influences the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel and the top housing affecting the sound upon key release.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Red Panda and the Dareu Sky V3 share a common polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and resonant sound profile, the difference in bottom housing materials contributes to unique characteristics in their typing experience. The Red Panda's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Sky V3's nylon bottom housing provides a similar rich sound profile. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel can help users make informed decisions when selecting switches based on their preferences for typing sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch. The Red Panda requires 50 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 60 grams to bottom out, providing a medium feel. On the other hand, the Sky V3 needs only 40 grams of force to actuate a keystroke, with the bottom out force being unknown. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Sky V3 for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier feel of the Red Panda for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, we can see that the Red Panda has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sky V3 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Red Panda offers a more responsive typing experience with its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Sky V3 provides a deeper and more substantial key press with its longer travel distance, catering to those who prefer a more pronounced typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and the desired level of key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Sky V3 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 V3 for $4.76.
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 known for its thocky sound profile, characterized by a deep and satisfying thud or knock when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offers a more neutral and subdued sound, making it suitable for various typing preferences without being too loud or distracting. Depending on the user's preferences, the Red Panda will provide a more pronounced and bassier sound, while the Sky V3 will offer a milder and more understated typing experience.
In terms of feel, both the Red Panda and Sky V3 switches are described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. This means that users can expect a comfortable typing experience without any extreme characteristics that may be off-putting. Whether typing on the Red Panda's tactile switches or the Sky V3's linear switches, users can expect a consistent and pleasant typing feel that is suitable for extended typing sessions.
Overall, when comparing the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, users can expect different sound profiles with the Red Panda offering a thocky bottom-out sound and the Sky V3 producing a more neutral and subdued noise. In terms of feel, both switches provide a mild typing experience that is comfortable and approachable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but users can expect quality performance and reliability from both options.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a light-medium amount of tactility and a unique sound profile with a bassier bottom-out and clackier top-out, the Red Panda may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound signature with medium-light weight for a comfortable and precise typing experience, the Dareu Sky V3 may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you're looking for. Regardless of your decision, both switches offer quality options for enthusiasts and professionals in the mechanical keyboard community.
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