Outemu Red Panda vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Red Panda and the Everglide Sunset Yellow. The Red Panda is a tactile switch, known for providing a light-medium amount of tactility and producing a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound, as well as a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow is a linear switch with a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. It offers a rich, bassy, and indulgent sound, making typing an enjoyable experience. The combination of a unique POM stem and a proprietary factory lube method contributes to a distinct gliding feel. Additionally, its very short travel and long-pole stem ensure a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. While these general pointers provide some insight into each switch's characteristics, it's important to dive deeper beyond generalities to determine which switch will best suit your needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.40 per 10

$3.09 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Outemu Red Panda and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Red Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the Red Panda delivers a brighter and more distinct sound, while the POM of the Sunset Yellow provides a deeper and subtler tone.

Moving to the bottom housing, the Red Panda incorporates a nylon material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Similarly, the Sunset Yellow employs a POM bottom housing, which contributes to the same deep and muted sound as its top housing. In this aspect, both switches exhibit similarities, as the nylon and POM materials create a similar quality of sound, albeit the Red Panda's nylon may offer a slightly more pronounced and resonant effect.

When considering the overall impact of the housing materials, it's important to note that if the top and bottom housings differ, each will impart its unique characteristics to different aspects of the switch's sound and feel. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing, such as the material used, will influence the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing's properties will primarily affect the sound when releasing a key. So, while the Red Panda's polycarbonate and nylon combination may provide a contrasting experience between pressing down and letting go, the Sunset Yellow's consistent use of POM throughout ensures a more cohesive sound profile for both actions.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Red Panda is slightly heavier than the Sunset Yellow. The Red Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which places it in the medium range. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it slightly lighter, falling into the medium-light category.

The actuation force of a switch refers to the force required to trigger a keystroke. In this case, both switches have a relatively lightweight actuation force, with the Sunset Yellow being even lighter than the Red Panda. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for extended periods without fatigue. However, if one prefers a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, they may opt for switches with heavier actuation forces.

On the other hand, bottom out force measures the force required to press the switch all the way down. The Red Panda has a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Sunset Yellow, with a difference of 9 grams. This means that when using the Red Panda switch, there will be a slightly more significant resistance when pressing the key all the way down. However, the Sunset Yellow still falls into the medium-light range, indicating that it is not too far off in terms of providing a satisfying bottoming out experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference. If one enjoys a lighter typing experience and values a lower actuation force, the Everglide Sunset Yellow may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, if one prefers a slightly heavier keystroke and desires a more substantial typing feel, the Outemu Red Panda could be the better option. Nonetheless, both switches provide a decent balance between actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a smooth and responsive typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is clear that they have slight differences. The Red Panda has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Although both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the more traditional distance being 4.0 mm, the Sunset Yellow is slightly shorter than the Red Panda by 0.1 mm. In terms of responsiveness, gamers may prefer the Sunset Yellow due to its shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the Red Panda with its slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch produces a raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This creates a unique and dynamic auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, typing becomes an indulgent experience. Both switches are described as "thocky," which means they produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Overall, both switches offer desirable sound qualities, providing an enjoyable acoustic experience for users.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is described as offering a mild typing experience. This means it provides a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Red Panda switch falls into a safe, middle-ground zone that can be appreciated by a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a distinct gliding feel. This is achieved by the unique combination of a POM stem and proprietary factory lube method. The switch's very short travel and long-pole stem also contribute to a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. The Sunset Yellow switch is described as creamy, frictionless, and polished, all indicating a smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the Sunset Yellow switch provides a luxurious tactile experience.

Considering the available information, both the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch have their own unique qualities that make them appealing choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Red Panda offers light-medium tactility and a raindrop-like bottom-out sound, the Sunset Yellow switch provides a captivating sound profile with a rich, bassy tone and a distinct gliding feel. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles. Whether you prefer a mild typing experience or a smooth, polished sensation, these switches offer a range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and desired typing experience.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you prioritize a light-medium amount of tactility and enjoy a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound, as well as a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, then the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, with a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, then the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch would be a perfect fit. The Sunset Yellow's unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, while its medium-weight makes it suitable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on whether you prefer the tactile feel and sound of the Red Panda or the smooth, bassy sound and gliding feel of the Sunset Yellow.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more