Outemu Red Panda vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to personal preference, particularly when comparing options like the Outemu Red Panda and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy). The Red Panda, a tactile switch, strikes a balance with its light to medium tactility, providing typists with tactile feedback that enhances the writing experience. It also features a unique sound profile, characterized by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound combined with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of auditory stimulation during use. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) embraces a linear design, boasting exceptionally smooth keystrokes thanks to its Ly stems. This switch's resonant sound profile offers a quieter experience, ideal for users seeking a subtle and uninterrupted typing session. While both switches have their merits—whether you prefer the tactile feedback and sound of the Red Panda or the smooth, linear action of the Tomcat (Heavy)—the choice ultimately depends on your typing style and environment. 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 (Heavy) Linear

$3.40 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Outemu Red Panda and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a notable similarity in sound profiles between the two switches. The polycarbonate material lends itself well to a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is both crisp and resonant due to its stiffness. This characteristic allows for a clear auditory experience, which is particularly enhanced in scenarios involving RGB lighting due to its translucency. Since both switches share this material for the top housing, users can anticipate a consistent sound output when actuating the keys, making them suitable for enthusiasts who appreciate vivid lighting effects alongside a defined auditory feedback.

In contrast, the bottom housings of the Outemu Red Panda and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) are constructed from nylon, which is known for contributing a fuller and deeper sound profile. Because nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound than the harder polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in the material used for the bottom housing affects how each switch feels upon bottoming out. With both models using nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect similarly enriched sound profiles from the base of the switches, allowing for a consistent tactile and auditory experience.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches allows for specialized sound characteristics that enhance the overall typing experience. Though the top and bottom housings are constructed from different materials, the effects on sound quality remain distinctly recognizable. As the top polycarbonate housing contributes to sharper sound upon key release, the nylon bottom housing creates a more substantial and fuller sound when keys are pressed down. The synergy between these materials ensures that, while users may appreciate differing acoustic properties, the overall experience remains consistent in terms of sound clarity and richness. Thus, both switches can deliver an engaging typing experience that meets the diverse preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Red Panda features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-force switch that is lighter and potentially more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming, where less fatigue is desired. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a slightly stronger actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 64 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This means it provides a more substantial push feel, appealing to users who prefer a firmer typing experience. Consequently, while both switches are relatively similar in terms of their overall medium-to-heavy force classifications, the Red Panda is the lighter option, promoting ease of use over longer periods, while the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a stronger tactile feedback for those who favor a more robust feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we find a notable difference. The Red Panda features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Red Panda may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker key presses and faster response times, which is often preferred by gamers. Conversely, the Tomcat's longer travel distance might provide a more pronounced tactile feedback, catering to those who enjoy a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, your choice should depend on whether you favor a nimble typing experience or a more substantial key feel, as both switches cater to differing preferences in typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Outemu Red Panda and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches, the Red Panda offers a unique auditory experience characterized by a light-medium tactility that results in a thocky sound when bottoming out. This gives the switch a bassier, almost raindrop-like resonance, providing a satisfying and rich acoustic feedback during use. In contrast, while the specific sound signature of the Tomcat (Heavy) is not detailed, it is noted to feature a resonant sound profile, which implies it may also provide a rich auditory experience, albeit potentially differing from the thocky sound of the Red Panda. Ultimately, sound characteristics can be greatly influenced by the keyboard enclosure and keycap material chosen, so results can vary based on setup.

In terms of feel, the Red Panda strikes a balance with its mild tactile feedback. This gentle typing experience makes it approachable for most users, as the tactile response is noticeable but not overwhelming, providing a comfortable medium for everyday typing or gaming. On the other hand, the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) is currently unknown, but given its designation as a linear switch, it typically implies a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke without tactile bumps. This would result in a different typing experience, potentially appealing to those who prefer fluid motion over tactile feedback.

Overall, both the Outemu Red Panda and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Red Panda excels with its satisfying thocky sound and mild tactility, appealing to those who enjoy feedback without harshness. Meanwhile, the Tomcat (Heavy), while lacking detailed sound and feel descriptions, suggests a smooth and potentially quieter experience. Depending on the user's preference, one could choose either switch for a distinctly different typing experience, while both will provide unique challenges and satisfactions based on their defined qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch should hinge on your individual preferences regarding typing feel and sound profile. If you appreciate a switch with a mild tactile response and enjoy a rich, thocky sound that evokes a satisfying depth during typing, then the Red Panda would be an excellent choice for you. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams strikes a balance that’s neither too light nor too heavy, making it versatile for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother, more linear typing experience with a slightly heavier feel and less tactile feedback, the Tomcat (Heavy) is likely to suit you better. With its bottom-out force of 64 grams and a resonant sound profile, it offers a more substantial feel that some users find reassuring, particularly for long typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience—be it the tactile satisfaction and warmth of the Red Panda or the buttery smoothness and heavier actuation of the Tomcat.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$3.40 per 10

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Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more