Outemu Red Panda vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between opting for tactile feedback or a smooth, linear experience. The Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its light-medium tactility that provides satisfying feedback during typing, accompanied by a unique auditory character—characterized by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This switch is ideal for users who enjoy a slightly bumpy typing experience and appreciate a deeper acoustic profile, often categorized as 'Thocky' and 'Mild.' In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte, a linear switch, offers an exceptionally smooth keystroke devoid of tactile bumps, utilizing the latest molds from Huano to achieve a balanced sound profile—not too quiet, yet avoidably resonant. This makes it a perfect choice for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and smoothness without the interruption of tactile feedback. Both switches have distinct advantages: the Red Panda for those seeking tactile nuance and auditory satisfaction, and the Strawberry Latte for users favoring seamless fluidity in their typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Red Panda and the Huano Strawberry Latte keyboards, the differences in their top housings stand out significantly. The Red Panda utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for clarity and resonance that is especially pronounced in RGB lighting setups due to its translucent properties. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte employs a POK (polyketone) top housing, known for its smoothness and durability. The POK material not only has a higher coefficient of friction than some alternatives but also showcases impressive wear and shock resistance, creating a sound profile that is smooth and clacky. Thus, while both top housings aim for a high-quality auditory experience, they achieve this through distinctly different material characteristics.
On the other hand, both the Red Panda and Strawberry Latte feature nylon for their bottom housings, which means they share a key component of sound production. Nylon, as a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. This shared element of housing means that when users type on switches from either keyboard, they will experience a similar bottom-out feel and sound, as nylon plays a significant role in dampening vibrations and creating a rounder auditory experience. Therefore, despite the differences in their top housings, the commonality in bottom housings ensures a consistency in sound quality that typists may appreciate.
The overall performance of each switch can be understood as a combination of the unique contributions made by their respective housing materials. While the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing lends a bright and resonant tone, the robust properties of the Strawberry Latte's POK top housing facilitates a smoother keystroke experience. However, with both switches sharing nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a rich, rounded sound regardless of their choice. Therefore, even with distinct characteristics in the top materials, both keyboard options can provide satisfying results in terms of overall typing experience and sound profile, leading to a nuanced yet enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch present a notable contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Red Panda features a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is lighter, boasting an actuation force of only 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those seeking a lighter touch that eases extended typing or gaming sessions. This difference means that users of the Strawberry Latte will likely find it less fatiguing during prolonged use, while those who favor the Red Panda may appreciate the tactile feedback of a heavier switch. Overall, if you prefer a lighter switch, the Huano Strawberry Latte is the clear choice, whereas the Outemu Red Panda is better suited for those who enjoy a more robust feel in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This comparison reveals that the Red Panda has a shorter travel distance, making it a more responsive option for gamers seeking quicker key actuations. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a deeper typing experience. Both switches present distinct choices: the Red Panda is ideal for those who favor speed and quick response, while the Strawberry Latte caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback during use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 delivers a distinctive auditory experience characterized by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound complemented by a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This results in a sound profile that can be described as thocky, producing a satisfying, deep "thud" or soft "knock" each time a key is pressed and released. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch produces a balanced sound profile that does not lean towards being overly quiet or loud, making it versatile for various typing environments. However, it lacks the richness of the Red Panda’s thocky characteristic, providing more of a straightforward and neutral auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Red Panda offers a mild tactile response that is more gentle compared to more sharply pronounced switches. This gentle tactility creates an accessible and comfortable typing experience, ensuring that the sound and feel of the switch won’t intimidate new users. The Strawberry Latte, however, is known for its super smooth action, providing seamless keystrokes. The absence of mention of tactility suggests that the Strawberry Latte may lack the tactile feedback that defines the Red Panda, favoring a smoother, uninterrupted typing experience instead.
Overall, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch excels in delivering a rich and thocky sound combined with a mild tactile feel, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch prioritizes a smooth and balanced performance with an uncomplicated sound profile. Choosing between the two will ultimately come down to personal preferences regarding sound and typing experience. Those who appreciate deep, resonant feedback might lean towards the Red Panda, while users seeking a smoother and more straightforward experience may find the Strawberry Latte more to their liking.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch should heavily depend on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a tactile feel with a satisfying sound profile, the Red Panda is the way to go. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams strikes a balance between being responsive and providing enough resistance for a more deliberate typing experience. The distinct raindrop-like sound on bottom-out and the clackier top-out will appeal to those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch and an ultra-smooth typing experience, the Huano Strawberry Latte is better suited for you. With only 45 grams of bottom-out force, these switches allow for quick, effortless key presses, making them ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing scenarios. Their balanced sound profile provides pleasant feedback without being intrusive. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you prioritize tactility and sound richness with the Red Panda or prefer the lighter, smoother action of the Strawberry Latte.
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