Outemu Red Panda vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Red Panda and the TKC Tangerine. The Red Panda is a tactile switch known for its light-medium amount of tactility, offering a unique typing experience with a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. On the other hand, the Tangerine is a linear switch that aims to take your typing experience to the next level. With its incredibly smooth feel, every keystroke becomes a pleasure to type, thanks to the rare UHWMPE housings that contribute to its frictionless and buttery operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision and choose the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Outemu Red Panda and the TKC Tangerine switches showcase distinct differences in sound profile and typing experience. The Red Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, providing a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks. While both materials enhance the sound when a key is released, the Red Panda's polycarbonate offers a higher-pitched tone, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE delivers a distinctive bright sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Red Panda incorporates a nylon material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound while typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Tangerine employs a UHWMPE bottom housing, contributing to its overall bright sound profile. The Tangerine's bottom housing enhances the impact and resonance of the typing experience, creating satisfying clacks when a key is pressed.
In summary, the Outemu Red Panda and the TKC Tangerine switches differ in their choice of housing materials, resulting in unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing delivers a bright sound signature. In terms of bottom housing, the Red Panda's nylon material provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing contributes to resonant clacks. Overall, these differences in housing materials offer distinct audio and tactile feedback, catering to individual preference and typing style.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. The Red Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams, which means that a relatively light force is required to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Tangerine's actuation force is unavailable, so it is difficult to directly compare in terms of lightness or heaviness. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Red Panda at 60 grams and the Tangerine at 62 grams, which falls into the medium range.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Red Panda may be a better option as its actuation force is known to be lower. This allows for easier and more effortless typing, which can be beneficial for extended periods of use, such as in a work or gaming setting. On the contrary, for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Tangerine may be a better choice. While its actuation force is unknown, the slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the Red Panda's 60 grams may provide a slightly more satisfying feel when pressing all the way down.
Overall, the Red Panda can be considered as the lighter option due to its known actuation force, while the Tangerine's force specifications are unavailable. However, in terms of the bottom out force, both switches are quite similar, offering a medium level of resistance. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience of the user.
Travel distance
When it comes to the travel distance of the switches, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TKC Tangerine linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Tangerine switch has a more traditional travel distance, while the Red Panda offers a slightly shorter travel distance. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times, making the Red Panda a good option for those seeking a more responsive typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance of the Red Panda to feel abrupt, and may prefer the more substantial depth provided by the longer travel distance of the Tangerine switch. Ultimately, the choice should be based on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40, whereas the TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30.
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 Red Panda switch produces a unique combination of a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This results in a raindrop-like sound profile that can be described as thocky, providing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch is known for its high-pitched clack, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile, the Tangerine switch might not be the best choice for you. However, it's important to note that the sound of both switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Red Panda switch offers a mild typing experience that falls in a safe middle ground. It provides a light-medium amount of tactility, making it approachable for most individuals. The Tangerine switch, on the other hand, is described as frictionless, buttery, and polished. The use of UHWMPE housings contributes to its incredibly smooth feel, offering an effortless and fluid typing experience. The Tangerine switch provides minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys, giving it a seamless and uniform typing sensation.
Considering all the available information, the Red Panda switch is best known for its thocky sound and mild typing experience, while the Tangerine switch stands out for its high-pitched clack sound and frictionless feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience depending on your preferences. If you enjoy a deeper and richer sound with a lighter tactility, the Red Panda switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp and crisp sound with an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, the Tangerine switch would be a better fit. In either case, it is important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board, keycaps, and personal preferences to achieve the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prioritize a slightly lighter bottom out force and enjoy a tactile typing experience with a distinct sound profile, the Outemu Red Panda switches would be a great choice for you. They offer a light-medium level of tactility, along with a deep, bassy bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. The Red Panda switches can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with their mild feel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with minimal resistance or friction, the TKC Tangerine linear switches would be a great fit for you. The UHWMPE housings of these switches contribute to their frictionless and buttery-smooth keystrokes. They offer a high level of smoothness and fluidity, resulting in a pleasurable typing sensation. Additionally, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile, the Tangerine switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a unique sound profile, the Red Panda switches would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and effortless typing experience, paired with a high-pitched sound, the Tangerine switches would be the way to go. Consider your typing preferences, the desired sound profile, and the level of smoothness you seek in order to make an informed decision.
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