Outemu Red Panda vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Outemu Red Panda and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Red Panda is a tactile switch known for its light-medium amount of tactility, producing a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound, and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) is a linear switch with resonant and clacky notes, featuring an impeccable factory lube job that ensures each keystroke is silky smooth. While the Red Panda is categorized as 'Thocky' and 'Mild', the Strawberry Wine (V2) is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Resonant', 'Silky', and 'High-pitched'. Each switch has its own appeal, but ultimately the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Red Panda and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), one noticeable difference lies in the top housing material. The Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2)'s POM top housing creates a more pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and relatively more muted. Despite these differences, both housing materials offer distinct advantages: the polycarbonate allows for clearer and resonant sound, while the POM provides a deeper and fuller sound experience.
Another point of comparison is the bottom housing material utilized in both switches. Both the Red Panda and the Strawberry Wine (V2) feature a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches contributes to the overall typing experience by enhancing the bottom-out sound and feel, showcasing the importance of housing materials in switch design.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Outemu Red Panda and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), they both play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of the switches. The utilization of polycarbonate for the Red Panda's top housing creates a sharper sound, while the POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a more unique and muted sound. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing in both switches enhances the depth and fullness of the sound during typing. Despite these differences, both switches demonstrate the impact that housing materials can have on the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is evident that the Red Panda is heavier while the Strawberry Wine (V2) is lighter. The Red Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. The actuation force for both switches is relatively close, so users can expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between a lighter or heavier switch will depend on personal preference and typing habits.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is slightly shorter at 3.3 mm compared to the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. While the difference of 0.1 mm may seem small, it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for quicker response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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 provides a thocky bottom-out sound with a clackier top-out sound, giving a satisfying deep and rich auditory experience. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offers a clacky, resonant, and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp typing sound that creates a lively and immersive auditory atmosphere. The choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference for sound, with the Red Panda offering a deeper and bassier sound while the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a brighter and sharper sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a mild typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone, providing a gentle and approachable feel for most users. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch boasts a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its impeccable factory lube job, which enhances the overall smoothness and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Depending on individual preferences for typing feel, the Red Panda may appeal to those who prefer a gentler typing experience, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) may cater to users seeking an exceptionally smooth typing feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Red Panda provides a thocky and mild typing experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) delivers a clacky and silky smooth typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a deeper and bassier sound with a gentler feel or a sharper and crisper sound with an exceptionally smooth feel. Regardless of the choice, both switches promise a unique and enjoyable typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Outemu Red Panda and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches, consider the following: opt for the Red Panda if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a light-medium amount of tactility and a mix of bassier bottom-out and clackier top-out sounds. On the other hand, choose the Strawberry Wine (V2) if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with an exceptional factory lube job for a silky smooth typing experience, accompanied by resonant and clacky notes. Additionally, if you enjoy a thocky sound profile, the Red Panda may be more suitable, whereas the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a combination of clacky, resonant, and high-pitched sound profiles for a unique auditory experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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