Outemu Red Panda vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Red Panda and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique benefits for different preferences. The Red Panda is known for its light-medium tactility, distinctive bottom-out and top-out sounds, and falls under the category of 'Thocky' and 'Mild', appealing to those who enjoy a tactile typing experience with a touch of bassy sound. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches provide a medium level of tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, making them a versatile option for users looking for a balanced typing feel. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Red Panda and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the housings of these switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically speaking, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, in terms of the top housing material, both the Red Panda and Violet Gold Pro will provide similar results in sound profile and visual aesthetics.
While both switches have a polycarbonate top housing, the bottom housing materials differ. The Red Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro also features a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect. Typing on switches with nylon housings will create a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both switches will offer a similar typing experience with a deeper sound profile.
Overall, the qualities of the housing materials in the Red Panda and the Violet Gold Pro are split between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing material has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in the top and bottom housing materials, both switches will ultimately provide a unique typing experience with distinct sound profiles and aesthetic appeal.
Weight
The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Red Panda has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Red Panda is also higher at 60 grams, while the Violet Gold Pro's bottom out force is unknown. This suggests that the Red Panda may provide a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Violet Gold Pro. In terms of weight preference, some users may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Violet Gold Pro for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the stronger push feel of the Red Panda for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, the Red Panda has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Violet Gold Pro's 3.8 mm. The Red Panda offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro provides a bit more depth and a more deliberate feel with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether a faster response time or a more deliberate key press is desired. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, catering to different preferences in typing and gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 distinct thocky sound, characterized by a deep, rich, and satisfying tone when pressed and released. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement that suits a variety of typing preferences. Depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, both switches can be customized to enhance or alter their sound characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Red Panda switch provides a mild tactile experience, offering a gentle typing sensation that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch offers a stepped tactile feel, providing a two-stage sensation where users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during the keystroke. This nuanced feel can appeal to those seeking a more controlled and deliberate typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Red Panda and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches present distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Red Panda offers a thocky sound and a mild tactile feel, providing a bassier and more approachable typing experience. In comparison, the Violet Gold Pro provides a neutral sound signature and a stepped tactile feel, catering to users who prefer a balanced and controlled typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences and typing styles, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, tactility, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a light-medium tactility with a bassier bottom-out and clackier top-out sound, the Red Panda may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and value a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, the Violet Gold Pro could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what type of typing experience you are seeking.
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