Outemu Red Panda vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are many options available that cater to different preferences. Two popular tactile switches worth comparing are the Outemu Red Panda and the Gazzew U4Tx. The Red Panda is known for its light-medium tactility, providing a pleasant feedback sensation while typing. It also produces a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, adding a touch of satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx offers a refined sound profile with a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out. It provides a sharp tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and acoustics, giving users a range of choices. 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

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$3.40 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Red Panda and the Gazzew U4Tx have different housing materials, which ultimately affect the sound profiles of the switches. The Red Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, while the U4Tx has a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Red Panda creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiff nature, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the U4Tx's Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile. Its softness contributes to a more mellow sound, providing a different auditory experience compared to the Red Panda.

As for the bottom housings, the Red Panda utilizes a nylon material, while the U4Tx uses a proprietary Gazzew blend. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the U4Tx's Gazzew blend bottom housing, similar to its top housing, delivers a rich and deep sound. Its softness contributes to a more cushioned typing experience, enhancing the overall feel and sound of the switch.

While the top and bottom housings of these switches differ, the overall sound profile and feel are influenced by both. When pressing down on the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing take prominence, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. The Red Panda's nylon bottom housing will result in a deeper and fuller typing experience, while the U4Tx's Gazzew blend bottom housing provides a cushioned and softer feel. Conversely, the qualities of the top housing become more noticeable when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing of the Red Panda will create a sharper sound upon key release, while the Gazzew blend top housing will contribute to a rich and mellow sound. In both cases, the housing materials play a significant role in the overall typing experience and sound of the switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Red Panda and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switches, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Red Panda requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the exact actuation force for the U4Tx is unknown. However, it is worth noting that both switches fall into the medium range.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Red Panda requires 60 grams of force to fully press the switch down, whereas the U4Tx has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which leans towards the medium-heavy side. This means that the U4Tx provides a slightly more substantial typing experience due to the slightly heavier force required to fully press the switch down.

Weight is an important consideration when choosing a tactile switch, as it can impact comfort and typing endurance. For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Red Panda may be preferable as it allows for longer periods of typing without excessive strain. On the other hand, individuals who appreciate a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the U4Tx due to its slightly heavier bottom out force.

Overall, while the actuation force is known for the Red Panda but unavailable for the U4Tx, it is clear that the Red Panda is the lighter option of the two switches, while the U4Tx provides a slightly heavier typing experience. Depending on one's personal preference and typing needs, either switch can offer a satisfying tactile feel for various typing or gaming scenarios.

Travel distance

The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch have different travel distances. The Red Panda has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the U4Tx has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the U4Tx has a slightly deeper key press compared to the Red Panda. The 3.3 mm travel distance of the Red Panda falls on the shorter side, which is preferred by gamers who want faster response times. On the other hand, the longer 3.6 mm travel distance of the U4Tx provides a deeper and more satisfying key press for those who prefer a sense of depth when typing. Both switches offer their own unique experience, catering to different preferences. Whether you prioritize speed or a more substantial feel will determine which switch is more suitable for you.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is best known for its light-medium amount of tactility and unique sound profile. Typing on these switches produces a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound, which gives a satisfying thud or soft knock when the key is pressed and released. Additionally, the Red Panda has a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, adding an audible element to each keystroke.

On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch excels in providing a refined and cleaner sound profile. These switches combine the best of both worlds, offering a deep and resonant "thock" when bottoming out, reminiscent of a low-frequency bass tone. What sets the U4Tx apart is its stealthy top-out sound, which is considerably quieter and softer compared to regular mechanical switches. This muted characteristic reduces the overall noise associated with mechanical keyboards, creating a more pleasant and serene typing experience.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Red Panda offers a mild typing experience. This means that the tactile bump is not overly pronounced and provides a more gentle feedback compared to switches with stronger characteristics. The Red Panda finds a safe middle ground, where the sound and feel are approachable by most users, striking a balance between comfort and tactility.

In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switch delivers a sharp and intense tactile bump with each keypress. This sharpness is distinct and can be felt prominently, offering a heightened feedback sensation. The U4Tx ensures an engaging typing experience that leaves no doubt as to when the switch has actuated, allowing for precise and accurate typing.

In summary, the Outemu Red Panda and Gazzew U4Tx switches offer different subjective qualities. The Red Panda provides a bassier and clackier sound profile, along with a mild and approachable typing feel. On the other hand, the U4Tx excels in delivering a refined and cleaner sound profile with a deep and resonant thock when bottoming out, combined with a whisper-quiet top-out sound. The U4Tx also offers a sharp and intense tactile feedback, ensuring accuracy and precision with each keypress. These switches cater to different preferences, and depending on your desired sound and feel, you can achieve similar results with either choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the overall keyboard setup, including the choice of board and keycaps, which can also influence the sound produced by the switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force, the Outemu Red Panda switch is a solid choice. It offers a light-medium amount of tactility and a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound, accompanied by a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. In terms of sound, the Red Panda switch produces a thocky sound, which is deep, rich, and satisfying. Additionally, the Red Panda switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that most people will find approachable and comfortable.

On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is an excellent option. It combines the best of both worlds by delivering a cleaner, refined sound profile. When typing on the U4Tx switch, you can expect a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, along with a whisper-quiet stealth when topping out. Each keypress provides a sharp, satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactile. The U4Tx switch is known for its bassy sound, which offers a deeper and richer sound profile, as well as its muted characteristics, providing a softer and quieter typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Red Panda and the Gazzew U4Tx switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a more pronounced tactile and auditory experience, the Red Panda switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, a cleaner sound profile, and a sharper tactile feedback, the U4Tx switch would be an excellent choice. Consider your preferences for feel and sound when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more