Outemu Red Panda vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Red Panda and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer distinct experiences for users. The Red Panda is a tactile switch known for its light-medium tactility, bassier bottom-out sound, and clackier top-out sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is a linear switch known for its short travel distance, lightning-fast actuation, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch, making it a preferred choice for users looking for a smooth and responsive typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Red Panda and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, we see that the Red Panda features a polycarbonate top housing while the Smoothie Silver has a POM top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Red Panda creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition, making it ideal for those who prefer a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the Red Panda is more likely to be used in switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Red Panda uses a nylon bottom housing while the Smoothie Silver features a POM bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Red Panda creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its relatively softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver also produces a deep and muted sound profile. Both materials offer a unique sound experience, with nylon providing a duller and rounder sound compared to the slightly muted sound of POM. Overall, both housing materials contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of the Outemu Red Panda and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, we see that each material brings its own qualities to the switch. The bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, with the nylon bottom housing of the Red Panda offering a fuller sound while the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver provides a deeper and muted sound. On the other hand, the top housing material will have more of an impact on the sound when a key is released, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Red Panda delivering a sharp and resonant sound profile compared to the deep and muted sound of the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in the actuation and bottom out forces. The Red Panda has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Smoothie Silver's 45 grams, making the Red Panda the heavier option. However, the bottom out force of the Red Panda is 60 grams, while the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unknown. This means that while the actuation force of the Smoothie Silver is lighter, the overall typing experience may feel more substantial with the Red Panda due to the higher bottom out force. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Red Panda providing a slightly heavier feel, while the Smoothie Silver may be more suited for those who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. However, the Smoothie Silver has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more pronounced keypress feel compared to the Red Panda. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 offers a distinctive raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, providing a unique auditory experience for the user. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is known for producing a thocky sound that is deep, rich, and satisfying. Both switches offer different sound profiles, catering to users who prefer a bassier sound with the Red Panda or a smoother thocky sound with the Smoothie Silver.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Red Panda offers a light-medium amount of tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience without being too overwhelming. The Smoothie Silver, on the other hand, features a short travel distance for lightning-fast actuation, coupled with unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch. While the Red Panda offers a mild typing experience with a safe, middle-ground feel, the Smoothie Silver provides a faster and smoother typing experience for users looking for a swift and effortless keystroke.
Overall, the Outemu Red Panda and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. Choosing between the two will depend on personal preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing speed. Both switches provide quality performance and can enhance the typing experience on a mechanical keyboard. Ultimately, whether you prefer the raindrop-like bottom-out sound and light-medium tactility of the Red Panda or the thocky sound and lightning-fast actuation of the Smoothie Silver, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience and sound. If you prefer a light-medium tactility with a bassy bottom-out sound and a clacky top-out sound, the Red Panda would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer lightning-fast actuation with a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, then the Smoothie Silver might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing style and sound preferences.
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