Outemu Red Panda vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the options can be overwhelming, but two standout choices are the Outemu Red Panda and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, both of which offer a delightful tactile experience. The Red Panda switch is celebrated for its light to medium tactility, delivering a unique sound profile characterized by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound coupled with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB excels with its refined and muted sound, combining a deep thock when bottoming out with a quiet topping out, designed for users who prefer a more stealthy yet luxurious typing experience enhanced by a sharp tactile bump. While the Red Panda gives a lively and engaging feel perfect for gaming and fast typing, the U4Tx RGB caters to enthusiasts seeking a sophisticated and subtle touch. 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 RGB Tactile

$3.40 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Outemu Red Panda and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches exhibit distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Red Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which promotes a sharper, crisper sound due to the material's stiffer nature. This rigidity allows for a more resonant sound when a key is released, making it ideal for those who prefer a pronounced auditory feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB utilizes a proprietary blend of "boba plastic" for its top housing, which is softer and delivers a richer, deeper sound. This fundamental difference in material composition results in contrasting auditory experiences; the Red Panda leans toward a higher-pitched sound, while the U4Tx RGB offers a mellowed, more rounded auditory profile.

Furthering the comparison, both switches feature nylon as the bottom housing material for their designs, which helps to provide a fuller sound profile. The Red Panda's nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, leading to a more muted but deep auditory response when a key is bottomed out. This property complements the sharper sound of the polycarbonate top, creating an interesting dynamic where the top and bottom complement each other despite their differences. Similarly, the U4Tx RGB's proprietary bottom housing, also made of "boba plastic," reflects a softer sound signature. The combination of the soft bottom housing in both switches is responsible for delivering a rich, rounded sound when pressed, positioning both switches to yield satisfying auditory feedback during use.

Ultimately, while the top housings of the Outemu Red Panda and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches differ in their material properties, their bottom housings are more aligned, both using soft materials to produce deeper sounds. This dual material strategy ensures that both switches can provide an enjoyable user experience tailored to their respective auditory profiles. Users interested in RGB lighting with a clear aesthetic will appreciate the polycarbonate top of the Red Panda, while those seeking an overall rich sound may find reassurance in the U4Tx RGB's versatile design, which highlights its softer housing materials. Thus, while distinct in some aspects, each switch can deliver satisfying acoustic results through careful consideration of their individual housing materials.

Weight

The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch present different characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Red Panda has a specific actuation force of 50 grams, making it somewhat lighter for typing and gaming, while its bottom out force stands at 60 grams, indicating a moderate resistance when fully pressed. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB lacks a defined actuation force but features a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that while the Red Panda is generally more accessible for prolonged use due to its lighter actuation force, the U4Tx RGB provides a heavier and potentially more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, users seeking a lighter touch for extended sessions might gravitate towards the Outemu Red Panda, while those desiring a firmer feel could opt for the U4Tx RGB for its added resistance.

Travel distance

The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Red Panda offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive for users who value quick actuation, such as gamers. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile feel that some users prefer for a more substantial typing experience. If you are looking for faster response times, you might lean towards the Red Panda, while those who appreciate a bit more depth and feedback may choose the U4Tx RGB.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch provides a distinctive auditory experience characterized by both depth and clarity. Its bottom-out sound is bassy and reminiscent of a raindrop, producing a deep thocky sound that many users find satisfying. Meanwhile, the top-out sound leans towards the clackier end of the spectrum, offering a higher-pitched response that adds a dynamic quality to each key press. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch presents a more muted sound profile, combining a softer auditory presence with a luxurious thock when bottoming out. While the U4Tx maintains a bassy quality that enriches its sound, it offers a quieter, stealthy top-out, which makes it ideal for those who prefer a subtler typing experience. Ultimately, users seeking a pronounced sound may be drawn to the Red Panda, while those valuing a more refined, less intrusive sound may prefer the U4Tx.

In terms of feel, the Red Panda tactile switch boasts a mild tactile experience, making it approachable for a wide range of users. It strikes a balance that provides enough tactile feedback without being overly pronounced, allowing for a comfortable typing session that won't overwhelm the fingers. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is known for its sharp tactile bump, which enhances the typing experience by delivering more defined feedback. Unfortunately, details regarding the overall feel of the U4Tx are limited, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison beyond its distinguished bump. However, those who appreciate subtlety may find the mild nature of the Red Panda inviting, while enthusiasts seeking a more pronounced tactile experience could favor the U4Tx.

In conclusion, both the Outemu Red Panda and Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Red Panda leans towards a more pronounced auditory experience with a mild tactile touch, making it appealing for those who enjoy dynamic feedback. In contrast, the U4Tx offers a refined, quieter sound coupled with a sharp tactile bump, appealing to users looking for a luxurious typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a thocky and clacky sound or a more muted, luxurious typing experience, while both switches can be tuned further depending on the keyboard build and keycap selection.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch will largely depend on your personal priorities in a mechanical keyboard experience. If you prefer a lighter tactile feedback and enjoy a more bass-heavy sound with a mix of clackiness, the Red Panda may be a better fit for you. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams strikes a balance that is accessible for both typing and gaming, providing a satisfying typist-friendly experience while still maintaining good feedback. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more premium feel with a sharper tactile bump and a refined, muted sound profile, the U4Tx RGB might be your switch of choice. With its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams, the U4Tx RGB enhances the depth of each keystroke while offering a quieter experience, ideal for environments where noise reduction is beneficial. Ultimately, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard to make the best decision between these two excellent switches.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more