Outemu Red Panda vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Red Panda and the KTT Wine Red are two popular options to consider. The Red Panda is a tactile switch that offers a light-medium amount of tactility, accompanied by a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound akin to raindrops. On the other hand, the Wine Red is a linear switch that provides a pillowy light typing feel with a deep and rich sound profile. The Red Panda is often categorized as 'Thocky' and 'Mild', while the Wine Red is known for being 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched'. Both switches have their unique characteristics, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can determine the best switch for your keyboard setup.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Outemu Red Panda and the KTT Wine Red switches share some similarities, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate top housings to create sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles. This is because polycarbonate is known for its relatively stiffer nature, which produces a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design.
However, where these switches differ is in the material used for the bottom housing. The Red Panda features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Wine Red utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This further contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, harmonizing with the characteristics of the polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of typing experience, the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, as nylon or polycarbonate absorbs and resonates differently. Meanwhile, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when letting go of a key. Therefore, while the Red Panda and Wine Red switches share similar qualities in their polycarbonate top housings, the different bottom housing materials lead to distinct typing experiences and sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are notable similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Red Panda is 50 grams, while the Wine Red requires slightly less force at 44 grams, making it lighter in terms of actuation. Both switches fall under the medium range, ensuring a satisfying push feel for typists. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Red Panda requires 60 grams, while the Wine Red is slightly lighter at 55 grams, making it the lighter option between the two. This lighter bottom out force can be beneficial for those who prefer extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions without excessive strain. On the other hand, the Red Panda offers a heavier bottom out force, which may appeal to individuals desiring a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches allow users to tailor their keyboarding experience to their personal preferences and requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a keyboard switch plays a crucial role in the typing experience. When comparing the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch to the KTT Wine Red linear switch, we can see notable differences in their travel distances. The Red Panda has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Wine Red covers a distance of 4 mm. This makes the Wine Red the longer travel distance option, delivering a deeper keystroke feel, while the Red Panda offers a shorter travel distance.
A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, offering a standard depth for typing. On the other hand, a travel distance of 3.0 mm is the most shallow, providing a quicker typing response. In recent times, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a keyboard that is highly responsive, the Red Panda with its shorter travel distance would be an excellent choice for you.
However, it's worth noting that for some individuals, shorter travel distances can feel too abrupt or lacking in depth. If you prefer a more substantial keystroke and enjoy a tactile sensation, the Wine Red with its longer travel distance might be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40, whereas the KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71.
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 Red Panda tactile switch is best known for its bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This combination creates a unique and satisfying auditory experience, typically described as "thocky." On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is known for its deep and rich sound profile. The sound is characterized by its bass-heavy and mellow tones, making it pleasing to the ears. While the Red Panda offers a distinct thocky sound, the Wine Red provides a more bass-focused sound, resembling the deep and rich tones associated with bass frequencies.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Red Panda tactile switch offers a mild typing experience. This means that it provides a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The mild nature of the Red Panda's tactile feedback and key press is well-balanced and typically enjoyable for most users. Unfortunately, no specific information about the feel of the Wine Red switch is provided. However, based on the description of a "pillowy light type feel," we can anticipate a soft and light typing experience.
In conclusion, the Red Panda tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Red Panda provides a unique thocky sound with a light-medium amount of tactility, while the Wine Red delivers a deep and rich sound profile with a pillowy light type feel. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics, ensuring a pleasant and satisfying typing experience. Note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Ultimately, whether you prefer the thocky sound of the Red Panda or the deep bass tones of the Wine Red, both switches are capable of delivering similar levels of satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force, the Outemu Red Panda switch would be a suitable choice. When typing on these switches, you can expect a light-medium amount of tactility, accompanied by a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. The Red Panda switch is also described as having a thocky sound profile, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Additionally, the Red Panda switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the KTT Wine Red switch is worth considering. Typing on these switches provides a pillowy light feel, and they produce a satisfyingly deep and rich sound. The Wine Red switch is described as both bassy and low-pitched, offering a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. However, it is important to note that there is no available description of the feel for the Wine Red switch. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch depends on your preference for tactility, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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