Outemu Red Panda vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Red Panda and the Aflion Thunder Shadow both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Red Panda is a tactile switch that offers a light-medium amount of tactility with a distinctive bassier bottom-out sound and clackier top-out sound, creating a 'Thocky' feel. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow, also a tactile switch, provides a pronounced tactile bump with a harmonious balance and a 63.5g bottom-out weight, categorized as 'Invigorating' with a neutral sound signature. Choosing between the two switches would depend on your preference for a lighter, raindrop-like typing experience with the Red Panda, or a more pronounced tactile bump and medium weight feel with the Thunder Shadow. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Red Panda and the Aflion Thunder Shadow utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate's translucency is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, despite this similarity in top housing material, the distinct design elements of each switch may still produce nuanced differences in sound and feel.
On the other hand, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. While the differences in bottom housing material between the Red Panda and Thunder Shadow may seem minimal, they can impact the overall typing experience by influencing keypress feedback and sound characteristics.
Ultimately, the choice of housing materials in a switch can significantly impact the typing experience. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows for a nuanced balance of sound and feel. While both the Outemu Red Panda and the Aflion Thunder Shadow share similar housing materials in their design, subtle variations in their overall construction may lead to unique typing experiences for enthusiasts seeking specific sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch reveals some differences. The Red Panda has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Thunder Shadow, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Red Panda has a slightly lighter force of 60 grams, while the Thunder Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Red Panda provides a lighter typing experience overall, while the Thunder Shadow offers a slightly heavier and more substantial feel. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy range, so users looking for a balance between keypress sensitivity and typing feedback may find similar results with either option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is evident that the Red Panda has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Thunder Shadow's 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. The Red Panda's shorter travel distance may provide a quicker key press, ideal for gaming scenarios where rapid inputs are crucial. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow's slightly longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying key press with a bit more depth for those who prefer a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key sensitivity and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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 is best described as producing a thocky sound, offering a deep and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch is known for its neutral sound profile, providing a moderate sound that is versatile for various typing environments. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics, with the Red Panda leaning towards a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, while the Thunder Shadow maintains a more balanced and harmonious sound signature.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is regarded as providing a mild typing experience, with a gentle tactile feedback that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers an invigorating feel, with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a quick, reactive sensation when typing. While the Red Panda aims for a safe middle-ground zone in terms of tactile feel, the Thunder Shadow provides a more immersive typing experience with its snappy and responsive feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Red Panda and Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Red Panda excels in providing a thocky sound with a mild typing experience, while the Thunder Shadow delivers a neutral sound profile and an invigorating tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the individual preferences of the user, whether they prioritize a specific sound profile or seek a particular typing sensation. Both switches ensure a satisfying typing experience, but users may lean towards the Red Panda for a softer sound and feel, or the Thunder Shadow for a more pronounced and responsive typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Red Panda and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a switch. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom-out force and a more mild tactile feel with unique sound characteristics, then the Red Panda may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force with a more invigorating tactile feedback and a neutral sound profile, then the Thunder Shadow could be the ideal option. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired typing experience when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer a distinct typing experience and can cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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