Outemu Red Panda vs. Bsun Taichi

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Red Panda and the Bsun Taichi offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Outemu Red Panda is a tactile switch recognized for its light-to-medium tactility, providing a satisfying feedback sensation with a unique sound profile that features a bassy, raindrop-like bottom-out sound complemented by a higher-pitched clack at top-out. This combination makes it an appealing choice for typists who appreciate both tactile feel and acoustic feedback while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi is a linear switch that emphasizes a smooth keystroke, featuring a long-pole stem and extended springs that deliver an enchanting, high-pitched bottom-out sound. This switch is aimed at users who favor a seamless typing experience without tactile interruptions, making it suitable for both gaming and fast typing. While the Red Panda may be preferred by those who enjoy a tactile sensation and auditory feedback, the Taichi is ideal for smoothness and silence. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

Bsun Taichi Linear

$3.40 per 10

$2.75

$2.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Red Panda and Bsun Taichi switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles that are characterized by sharper, higher-pitched tones and enhanced clarity. The use of polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, contributes to a more resonant overall sound. This is particularly valuable for users who prefer a clear auditory feedback while typing, especially when utilizing RGB lighting, as the translucency of the material allows light to pass through effectively. Therefore, both switches can provide similar aesthetic and sound-related benefits due to their shared polycarbonate top housing, making them visually appealing and audibly crisp when activated.

In contrasting their bottom housings, both the Red Panda and Taichi are designed with nylon, a material recognized for controlling sound emission by producing deeper and fuller sound profiles. The inherent softness of nylon allows for sound absorption, which results in a rounder and more subdued acoustic experience compared to the sharpness associated with polycarbonate. As a result, both switches leverage the properties of nylon to enhance the tactile quality during key presses, which affects the bottom-out sound and feel. The similarity in materials for both the bottom housings leads to a consistent experience across both switch types, underscoring that users can expect a similar audible response and tactile feedback when pressing the keys.

When analyzing the combined effect of the materials in each switch, it's clear that both the Red Panda and Bsun Taichi create a harmonious interplay between the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom structures. While the top housing's crispness and transparency are ideal for visual illumination and sharp sound that enhances initial key presses, the nylon’s sound-dampening properties ensure the auditory experience remains rounded and satisfying on release. This shared design philosophy not only means that users can anticipate excellent performance from either option, but also allows for a cohesive typing experience, where each component — top and bottom — complements the other to deliver a blending of crispness and depth in sound.

Weight

The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Red Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, classified as medium, making it suitable for users who enjoy a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Taichi features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, which may appeal to those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, especially for extended periods of use. However, the bottom out force for the Taichi is unspecified, leaving an incomplete picture of its overall performance. Despite the unknowns, based on the available information, the Red Panda is the heavier option, while the Taichi is lighter. Users seeking a softer touch may find the Taichi more comfortable, while those who prefer a more substantial feedback will likely favor the Red Panda.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, it is clear that they differ, with the Red Panda having a travel distance of 3.3 mm and the Taichi measuring 3.6 mm. The Red Panda's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, providing a more rapid bottoming out and enabling faster key presses. On the other hand, the Taichi's longer travel distance offers a deeper feel, which can be more satisfying for users who prefer a substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference: if you favor the responsive nature of shorter switches, the Red Panda would be the better option; conversely, if you enjoy a more pronounced key press, the Taichi should be your pick.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Red Panda switch offers a unique auditory experience that blends a deep, bassy, raindrop-like bottom-out with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out. This thocky sound signature is satisfying, providing a rich auditory feedback that many typists find appealing. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch is noted for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, which is achieved through its long-pole stem and other design features. The higher-pitched tone of the Taichi may appeal to those who prefer a more crisp auditory feedback while typing. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by any switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard it is paired with and the materials used in the keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Red Panda switch is characterized by a light-medium level of tactility, delivering a mild typing experience. This makes it approachable and comfortable for a wide range of typists, balancing feedback without being overly pronounced. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch does not have any specific feel descriptors available, leaving this aspect unknown. The smoother operation of Taichi, attributed to its long-pole stem and extended springs, may also create a different tactile sensation, potentially favoring users who prioritize a seamless typing experience.

Overall, the Outemu Red Panda and Bsun Taichi switches present distinct auditory and tactile characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Red Panda’s thocky sound and mild feel may resonate with those who appreciate a grounded typing experience, while the Taichi’s high-pitched audio offers a more crisp response that could attract a different user base. If you’re seeking a specific sound or feel, understanding these differences will help guide your choice. Ultimately, trying both switches in-person would provide the best insights to fit your personal preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the type of experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you enjoy a blend of tactile feedback and a richer sound profile while typing, the Red Panda is the better option. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, coupled with its mild tactile feel and thocky sound, makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more traditional typing experience that is still accessible and pleasant. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a quiet, seamless keystroke, the Bsun Taichi is an ideal pick. Although specific force metrics are unavailable, the Taichi's extended springs and long-pole stem promise a wonderfully fluid typing experience, making it perfect for those who prefer a linear action without tactile bumps. In summary, consider the Red Panda for a tactile, auditory experience that engages your senses, and opt for the Taichi if you desire smoothness and minimal resistance during fast-paced typing or gaming sessions.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Taichi Linear

$2.75

$2.25 per 10

Learn more