Outemu Red Panda vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Outemu Red Panda and TTC Venus are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for users. The Red Panda is a tactile switch known for its light-medium amount of tactility, accompanied by a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. It provides a 'Thocky, Mild' typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus is a linear switch boasting a seamless glide and a "Q-texture" that offers a chewy mochi-like resistance. This switch is characterized as 'Buttery, Gummy, Frictionless, Low-pitched, Mild, Muted, Neutral, Polished, Subdued, Thocky.' While the Red Panda offers a tactile typing experience, the Venus provides a smooth and engaging feel with very light actuation and a muted sound signature. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Red Panda and the TTC Venus, one key difference is the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Red Panda versus POM in the top housing of the Venus. While polycarbonate creates a sharper and crisper sound profile with a higher pitch, POM housing in the Venus produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles can significantly impact the user experience, as the type of material used in the top housing can greatly influence the overall sound of the switch.
Another point of comparison lies in the bottom housing materials of the Red Panda and Venus. The Red Panda features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Venus utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which shares similar sound qualities to its top housing counterpart in the Red Panda. Both materials contribute to creating a clear and resonant sound profile, although the nylon bottom housing of the Red Panda may offer a slightly different typing experience compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Outemu Red Panda and TTC Venus can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing. While both switches may offer clear and resonant sound profiles due to the use of polycarbonate in either the top or bottom housing, the differences in sound pitch, depth, and resonance between their housing materials can provide users with a unique typing experience. Whether one prefers a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and more muted sound, the housing materials of these switches play a crucial role in determining the overall typing feel and auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, there are differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Red Panda has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Venus's 45 grams, making it slightly heavier to press. Additionally, the Red Panda requires 60 grams of force to bottom out, while the Venus only needs 52 grams, making the Venus the lighter option for those who prefer a lighter touch. Those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Red Panda for its slightly heavier forces. Overall, both switches offer a medium actuation force, but the Venus is slightly lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, providing a smoother and easier typing experience for those who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Red Panda has a shorter travel distance compared to the Venus switch. The shorter travel distance of the Red Panda may appeal to gamers looking for fast response times, as less distance needs to be traveled for the keypress to register. On the other hand, the slightly longer travel distance of the Venus switch may provide a more substantial keypress feel for those who prefer a deeper actuation. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, catering to the preferences of different users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 offers a thocky, bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, providing a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch is described as having a low-pitched, muted sound signature that wraps each keystroke in a subdued auditory embrace, creating a quiet and engaging typing atmosphere. While the Red Panda is more thocky and clacky in its sound profile, the Venus provides a softer and subtler typing experience with its unique Q-texture and muted sound.
In terms of feel, the Red Panda tactile switch is described as offering a mild typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch provides a buttery, frictionless typing sensation with its unique Q-texture and almost gummy feel when bottoming out. The Venus switch's polished finish ensures smooth key travel and a refined typing experience. Both switches offer a smooth and engaging typing experience, with the Red Panda falling more towards a mild feel and the Venus showcasing a buttery and frictionless sensation.
Overall, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Red Panda provides a more pronounced, thocky sound and a mild typing experience, whereas the Venus offers a quieter, muted sound signature and a buttery, frictionless feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing sensation, both switches can deliver a satisfying and unique mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and light-medium tactility with a distinct sound profile, the Red Panda may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter actuation force, a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a unique "Q-texture" sensation, and a muted, low-pitched sound signature, the Venus switch could be more aligned with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique characteristics, so choose based on what aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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