Outemu Red Panda vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that deliver both distinct typing experiences and sound profiles. The Outemu Red Panda switch stands out for its light-medium tactile feedback, producing a unique sound that combines a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out noise with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out tone, lending a satisfying auditory experience to typists and gamers alike. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness switch offers a more subtle to moderate tactile sensation, paired with a balanced sound profile that enhances its tactile characteristics without overwhelming noise. For those who enjoy a fuller sound with pronounced feedback, the Red Panda might be the ideal choice, while users seeking a smoother and quieter typing experience could prefer the Weightlessness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Red Panda and the Gateron Weightlessness, a notable distinction arises primarily from their top housings. The Red Panda utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic captures sound more clearly, yielding a bright auditory experience, particularly advantageous for users who prioritize RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Weightlessness employs nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer material absorbs sound more effectively, producing a duller and rounder auditory feedback. The contrast in top housing materials plays a crucial role in defining the overall sound signature of each switch, with the Red Panda leaning towards brightness while the Weightlessness offers richness.
Conversely, both the Red Panda and the Weightlessness share identical nylon materials for their bottom housings. This consistency means that users will experience a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out on either switch, as nylon's properties help absorb sound, dampening any high-frequency noise that can arise from keystrokes. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that regardless of the differences in the top housing, the fundamental character of the bottom-out sound and feel remains cohesive. Therefore, both switches, despite their different approaches to the top housing, provide a muted and rounded acoustic response during use, delivering similar tactile experiences when bottoming out.
In summation, while the Outemu Red Panda and the Gateron Weightlessness differ markedly in their top housing choices—polycarbonate versus nylon—both switches converge in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. These contrasting materials yield different sound profiles when typing, emphasizing brightness for the Red Panda and depth for the Weightlessness. However, the consistent presence of nylon on the bottom housing ensures that both switches will offer a familiar auditory signature when pressed down fully. Therefore, despite their varying sound characteristics, users can expect a comparable experience when bottoming out on both switches, bridging the gap between their distinct sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, both features similar actuation forces, with the Red Panda requiring 50 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Weightlessness also has an actuation force of 50 grams. This means that users looking for a switch that allows for longer typing sessions will find both switches equally suitable in this regard. However, the bottom-out forces differ significantly; the Red Panda has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel when pressing the key all the way down, which some users may prefer for a tactile feedback experience. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness does not have an available bottom-out force measurement, leaving potential users in the dark about how it feels upon fully depressing the key. Therefore, if one prefers a switch with a defined heavier feel at the bottom, the Red Panda would be the better choice, while the Weightlessness offers an equal actuation force but lacks clarity on its overall bottoming-out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find that the Red Panda measures 3.3 mm, while the Weightlessness has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm may seem minimal, yet it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness when typing or gaming. For those who favor quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Red Panda may be the preferable choice, offering a snappier feel. In contrast, those who enjoy a more substantial sensation while typing might gravitate towards the Weightlessness due to its greater depth. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for tactile feedback and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 switches provide a distinctive auditory experience characterized by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound that delivers a satisfying thocky feel. This sound profile offers a rich and resonant essence when the key is pressed, creating a deep, satisfying "thud." In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches are noted for their balanced sound profile, which suggests a more neutral tone. While the exact sound characteristics of the Weightlessness switches aren't detailed, they are likely less pronounced than the Red Pandas, resulting in a quieter typing experience. The sound of a mechanical switch can also be affected by factors like the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, so personal preferences may vary regardless of the switch itself.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Red Panda switches offer a mild tactile experience that is approachable to most users. With a light-medium amount of tactility, they provide a gentle, responsive typing sensation that strikes a balance between feedback and comfort. This mild tactile quality allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness switches offer a subtle to moderate tactile feel, suggesting they may also provide a satisfying typing experience but with slightly different levels of feedback. The lack of specific descriptors for the Weightlessness switches means we can only hypothesize that they will still provide a comfortable typing experience, though perhaps with a different tactile signature.
In summation, the Outemu Red Panda and Gateron Weightlessness switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, appealing to varying preferences among users. The Red Panda's pronounced thocky sound and mild tactile feedback deliver a compelling yet gentle typing experience. Meanwhile, the Weightlessness switches promise more subtle tactile feedback and a balanced sound, appealing to those who prefer a quieter atmosphere. Ultimately, users seeking similar feel or sound profiles can experiment with these switches to find what best suits their typing style, keeping in mind the influence of keyboard construction and keycap choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-level tactile feedback with a unique auditory experience characterized by a thocky sound profile, the Outemu Red Panda is an excellent choice. It offers a satisfying bassy sound that many find enjoyable, especially if you appreciate a more pronounced bottom-out sensation while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and balanced tactile feel without any significant auditory distractions, the Gateron Weightlessness switch may suit you better. Its understated feedback can provide a more refined typing experience, making it ideal for those who want something less pronounced while still feeling connected to their key presses. Ultimately, consider how you like to type—whether you lean towards a more textured and pronounced feedback or you favor a smoother and quieter interaction—as this will guide you in selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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