Outemu Red Panda vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, selecting the right option can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Outemu Red Panda stands out with its unique combination of light to medium tactility and an expressive sound profile, featuring a deep, raindrop-like bottom-out noise that contrasts with its higher-pitched top-out clack. This makes the Red Panda a favorite among those who appreciate a thocky, yet mild, typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) presents a different approach with its refined, balanced feel and neutral sound signature, providing a smooth keystroke thanks to its dustproof stem that minimizes wobble and maintenance issues. This switch is ideal for users seeking a tactile sensation that enhances typing fluidity without sacrificing the desired feedback. While both switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, your ultimate choice will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of both the Outemu Red Panda and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) employ polycarbonate for the top housing, lending them similar sound profiles characterized by sharpness and clarity. The use of polycarbonate results in a higher-pitched and crisper sound due to the material's stiffness, which enhances resonance. Moreover, both switches benefit aesthetically from this translucent material, making them particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups. In this sense, users of both switches can expect comparable acoustic performance when it comes to the upper section of the key switches, as well as visually appealing effects under backlighting.
Conversely, the bottom housing material distinguishes the two switches, with both the Red Panda and the Sticky Rice (V2) featuring nylon. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound more effectively than its harder counterparts, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast in materials leads to a unique interaction between the two housing components. While the top polycarbonate contributes to the higher-pitched tones achieved during keystrokes, the nylon bottom housing influences the overall typing experience by softening the sound and feel upon bottoming out, which is particularly noticeable when pressing the keys down.
In summary, while both the Outemu Red Panda and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) share common ground in their polycarbonate top housings, they leverage their different bottom materials to create distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The nylon base enhances the sound and feel during key presses, resulting in a fuller auditory experience, while the polycarbonate top ensures a sharper sound during release. Thus, while the switches align in sound clarity thanks to their polycarbonate tops, the use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a pleasant contrast that enriches the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Red Panda requires an actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which positions it in the medium-weight category. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) is lighter, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter feel can be advantageous for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. Conversely, the Red Panda's heavier forces provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a firmer push for their keystrokes. Overall, users seeking a softer touch will find the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) more suitable, while those desiring a stronger tactile feedback should opt for the Outemu Red Panda.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we find a slight difference between the two. The Red Panda boasts a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that, for gamers or users seeking quicker response times, the Red Panda may be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance, promoting a more responsive feel. Conversely, those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke might opt for the Sticky Rice (V2) for its greater depth, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision will hinge on individual preferences regarding sensitivity and tactile feedback, as both switches cater to distinct user needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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 switch delivers a unique auditory experience characterized by its distinct bassier bottom-out sound and a brighter top-out tone. This switch notably produces a clackier sound during key release, creating a contrasting auditory profile that can be both satisfying and engaging, especially for those who enjoy a bit of acoustic flair while typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switch offers a more neutral sound signature that leans towards the beloved "thock" quality sought by enthusiasts. While the Red Panda’s sound is more varied and dynamic, the Sticky Rice facilitates a balanced auditory experience, one that likely produces a softer and more subdued sound during actuation.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Red Panda switch provides a light-medium level of tactility, which strikes a balance that makes it approachable for various users. The mild tactile feedback is complemented by a sound profile that is engaging yet not overwhelmingly loud. This mild characteristic makes the Red Panda versatile for both typing and gaming. Conversely, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is designed to enhance the overall typing experience with its super smooth keystroke. While the tactile feedback specifics are not detailed, the emphasis on performance due to the dustproof stem suggests that it offers a refined tactile sensation that may appeal to those who prioritize a buttery typing feel without losing the tactile response.
In summary, both switches present unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Red Panda leans into a more pronounced sound with a lightly tactile feel, appealing to those who appreciate dynamic auditory feedback during their typing. Alternatively, the Sticky Rice (V2) focuses on an elegant, thocky sound profile and a super smooth keystroke, ideal for users who seek a more understated yet refined typing experience. Ultimately, while the overall enjoyment from each switch may differ, both can provide rewarding results depending on the user’s priorities in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a moderate level of tactility combined with a unique auditory experience, the Red Panda is an excellent option. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and its distinctive thocky sound can enhance your typing experience, making it a solid choice for general typing and gaming where you want to feel more connected to each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a smoother keystroke and a more refined sound profile, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its 50-gram bottom-out force, is likely to suit your needs better. The neutral sound signature and the enhanced performance from the dustproof stem make it an ideal choice for users who appreciate a crisp, clean typing experience without excessive noise. Thus, your selection should align with whether you prioritize tactile feedback and auditory richness or smoothness and subtlety in your keyboard experience.
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