Outemu Red Panda vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer unique typing experiences are the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch, and the Jwick Splash Brothers, a linear switch. The Red Panda is known for its light-medium amount of tactility, providing a satisfying feel with each keystroke. It also produces a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, adding an auditory element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switches offer a different typing feel with their shorter activation and long pole stem. This combination results in a smooth and responsive typing experience that is complemented by a creamy sound signature. These switches are categorized as offering a neutral, mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished feel. Both switches have their own unique advantages, but 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Red Panda and Jwick Splash Brothers both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, which enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a clear housing and plan to use RGB lighting, both the Red Panda and the Splash Brothers would provide similar results in terms of sound and visual experience.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Red Panda features a nylon material, while the Splash Brothers also use nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, if you prioritize a switch with a bottom-out sound that is deeper and fuller, both the Red Panda and the Splash Brothers would offer comparable results.
It's important to note that the distinction between the top and bottom housing materials plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of these switches. The qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the housing materials may differ between the Red Panda and the Splash Brothers, the overall experience of using these switches would be similar in terms of their sound profiles and the sensation of pressing down and releasing keys.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Red Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams, which provides a medium level of resistance to trigger a keystroke, while the Splash Brothers has an unknown actuation force. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Red Panda requires 60 grams of force for a full press, while the Splash Brothers only requires 48 grams, making it lighter in comparison.
Considering the weight factor, some users may prefer a lighter switch like the Splash Brothers for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming sessions, as it allows for easier and quicker keystrokes. This can result in reduced finger fatigue and increased comfort. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Red Panda, as its higher bottom out force provides a greater sense of satisfaction with each keystroke.
Overall, the difference in actuation force and bottom out force between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offers users distinct options based on their preferences. Whether seeking a lighter typing experience or a more robust feel, both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring a personalized typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed down. In the case of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. In comparison, the traditional travel distance for switches is typically around 4.0 mm, while the most shallow distance is 3.0 mm. Both the Red Panda and the Splash Brothers have shorter travel distances than the traditional ones.
Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. In this case, the Red Panda would be the preferred choice with its 3.3 mm travel distance. However, it's important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke, the Jwick Splash Brothers with its slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm would be a better option. It's all a matter of personal preference and what feels more comfortable for the individual.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40, whereas the Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49.
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 Red Panda switch produces a raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound when typing. This creates a unique sound profile that can be described as thocky, with a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the sound of the Splash Brothers switch is more neutral, with a moderate sound profile. It is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the switch at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, both the Red Panda and the Splash Brothers switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The qualities of these switches fall within a safe middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users. Additionally, the Splash Brothers switches have some additional descriptors that contribute to their feel. They are snappy, which means they are super responsive, giving the typing experience a sense of liveliness. They are also bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation and giving the keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. The Splash Brothers switches are also described as subtle, meaning they have a gentle resistance and a light typing feel. Lastly, they are polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Red Panda and Splash Brothers switches have different sound profiles, with the Red Panda producing a thocky sound and the Splash Brothers having a more neutral sound. Both switches offer a mild typing experience, but the Splash Brothers have additional descriptors such as snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. These qualities contribute to a more responsive, lively, and smooth typing experience. While they have some differences, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, and depending on your personal preferences and the setup you choose, you can achieve similar results with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force, the Outemu Red Panda is an excellent choice. Its light-medium tactility provides a satisfying typing experience, accompanied by a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. The Red Panda produces a thocky sound when pressed, which offers a deep and rich auditory experience. In terms of feel, it is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter linear switch with a shorter activation and long pole stem, the Jwick Splash Brothers are the way to go. These linear "speed" switches offer a great typing feel, giving you a creamy sound signature. They are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and environments.
Overall, the Red Panda is ideal for those who prioritize tactile feedback and a medium typing force, while the Splash Brothers are perfect for individuals seeking a lightweight linear switch with a faster and more responsive typing experience.
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