Outemu Red Panda vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Red Panda and the Bsun Tomcat each offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences and experiences. The Red Panda stands out with its mild tactile feedback, providing a satisfying sensation during typing, complemented by a distinctive sound profile that features a bassy, raindrop-like bottom-out and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out. This combination makes it ideal for users who appreciate both tactile feedback and an engaging auditory experience, often favored by typists seeking a delightful balance of feel and sound. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat boasts Ly stems designed for a super smooth typing experience, offering linear action that delivers effortless keystrokes without tactile bumps, making it an excellent choice for gamers or those who prefer an uninterrupted flow while typing. The Tomcat's resonant sound profile adds a unique auditory element, appealing to users seeking a sleek, streamlined interaction with their keyboard. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$3.40 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Red Panda and Bsun Tomcat switches share several similarities when it comes to their housing materials, specifically in the use of polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to the material's stiffness. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for users who enjoy the vibrant effects of RGB lighting, as polycarbonate's translucency enhances the aesthetic appeal and visual effects generated by the lighting. Given that both switches utilize the same polycarbonate for the top housing, users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing, characterized by clarity and resonance.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is constructed from nylon, which significantly alters the overall sound profile. Nylon's softer nature contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, effectively absorbing sound waves and creating a rounder, more muted audio experience. This material choice means that typing on either the Red Panda or the Tomcat will elicit similar sensations due to the consistent qualities imparted by the nylon. Consequently, while the top housing will define the crispness and clarity, the nylon bottom housing ensures that the overall sound profile retains warmth and depth across both switches.

The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both switches means that, despite minor variations in other aspects like tactile feedback or actuation force, users can anticipate a cohesive auditory experience. The synergy between the two housing materials reinforces the importance of how sound is shaped during typing. While the top housing emphasizes sharper tones when keys are released, the bottom housing contributes a rounded sound at the point of bottoming out. Thus, the Outemu Red Panda and Bsun Tomcat switches can be seen as complementary in their design, leading to a similar sound profile that balances clarity and warmth.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, notable differences arise in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Red Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch that offers a decent and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Tomcat features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference indicates that the Tomcat requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it potentially more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons, as users may find it less strenuous on the fingers. Furthermore, when pressed all the way down, the Red Panda provides a heavier overall feel than the Tomcat, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, users should consider whether they favor a lighter touch with the Tomcat or a more solid feel with the Red Panda based on their personal typing preferences.

Travel distance

The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch differ in travel distance, with the Red Panda measuring 3.3 mm and the Tomcat at 3.6 mm. This slight variance positions the Red Panda as the shorter option, making it potentially more appealing to gamers seeking quicker response times. Conversely, the Tomcat's longer travel distance might attract those who enjoy a more satisfying typing depth, as it offers a bit more feedback during use. Both switches reflect the growing trend of shorter distances, yet the Tomcat aligns more with traditional preferences for depth, providing a more pronounced sensation on keystrokes. Therefore, users can choose between responsiveness with the Red Panda or a fuller typing experience with the Tomcat.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a distinct auditory experience characterized by its bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out and a clackier high-pitched top-out. This creates a nuanced sound profile often associated with a "thocky" quality, producing satisfying deep "thud" or soft "knock" sounds during keypresses. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch features a resonant sound profile, although specifics regarding its sound characteristics are not detailed. Both switches can produce a pleasing soundscape, but the Red Panda is more defined in its auditory descriptors, making it appealing for those who appreciate pronounced sound feedback.

In terms of feel, the Red Panda switches provide a mild tactile experience, offering gentle resistance that caters well to a broad range of typists. This mildness ensures that users encounter an approachable typing feel, balancing both tactility and smoothness. The Tomcat switches, while not defined in tactile feel descriptions, feature Ly stems that are noted for delivering a super smooth typing experience. This indicates that while the Red Panda provides a pleasant tactile sensation, the Tomcat may excel in linear smoothness, catering to users seeking a frictionless keypress.

In conclusion, both the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch possess unique auditory and tactile qualities that will suit different preferences. The Red Panda is favored for its thocky sound and moderate tactility, offering an enjoyable typing experience. Meanwhile, the Tomcat focuses on smoothness, which could appeal to those who prefer linear switches. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to your personal preference for sound and feel, with each providing their own advantages based on the characteristics outlined.

Conclusion

In closing, choosing between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a bit of tactile feedback without it being overwhelming, and enjoy a sound profile that combines a deeper, thocky bottom-out with a clackier top-out, the Red Panda could be your go-to option. This switch offers a medium bottom-out force, making it suitable for both typing and gaming without feeling too strenuous on your fingers. Conversely, if you're seeking a smoother, quieter typing experience, the Tomcat is likely the better choice for you. With its medium-light bottom-out force and super smooth Ly stems, the Tomcat provides a responsive feedback that’s ideal for fast pace typing or gaming, while maintaining a pleasant resonance in sound. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you want your keyboard to feel and sound during use; whether you prefer the satisfying tactile sensation of the Red Panda or the silky-smooth linear experience of the Tomcat.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more