Outemu Red Panda vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, a linear switch, stand out for their unique characteristics. The Red Panda is praised for its light-medium amount of tactility, creating a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. On the other hand, the WS Jade utilizes a metallic insert in its stem base to produce a bright and resonant sound profile, as well as a light diffuser for an enchanting RGB display. The Red Panda is categorized as 'Thocky' and 'Mild', while the WS Jade falls under 'Clacky', 'Marbly', 'Resonant', 'Silky', and 'Creamy'. Deciding between the two switches may come down to preference for tactility and sound profile. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you choose the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The key difference between the Outemu Red Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Jade lies in their choice of housing materials. While the Red Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, the WS Jade opts for a POM top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Red Panda creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those looking for a crisper typing experience. In contrast, the POM top housing of the WS Jade produces a deeper and more muted sound, catering to users who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both housing materials offer their own unique sound profiles, providing users with options based on their personal preferences.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Outemu Red Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to harder plastics. The Wuque Studio WS Jade also incorporates a POM bottom housing, which similarly produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite the differences in material, both the Red Panda and WS Jade offer a similar typing experience with their bottom housings contributing to the overall sound and feel of the switch.
The combination of different housing materials in the Outemu Red Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Jade showcase how the top and bottom housings play a significant role in determining the sound profile of a switch. While the top housing influences the sound upon releasing a key, the bottom housing impacts the sound when bottoming out a key. By choosing between polycarbonate and POM housing materials for the top and bottom parts, users can tailor their typing experience to suit their preferences. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing or the deeper sound of the WS Jade's POM housing, both switches offer unique and customizable options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch both have a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a consistent typing experience for users. In terms of weight, both switches offer a balance between a light touch for extended typing sessions and a more substantial push for a satisfying typing experience. This allows users to choose based on personal preference, whether they prefer a lighter or heavier feel when typing. Ultimately, the similarities in actuation and bottom out forces between the Red Panda and WS Jade switches ensure that users will get similar results regardless of which switch they choose.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, we see that the Red Panda has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the WS Jade has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for those seeking a fast and responsive typing experience. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Red Panda for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker response times during gameplay. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a switch with a bit more depth and tactility may opt for the WS Jade with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Jade comes in at $4.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is known for its thocky sound profile, which produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch offers a combination of clacky, marbly, and resonant sound characteristics, creating a sharp, bright, and clean auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, with the Red Panda providing a bassier bottom-out sound and the WS Jade incorporating a metallic insert for a bright metallic resonance.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Red Panda switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that falls in a safe middle-ground zone suitable for most users. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switch offers a silky and creamy typing experience, creating a smooth and buttery sensation that enhances the overall typing feel. The WS Jade switch also features a rock-solid bottom-out, adding to the unique tactile experience it provides.
Overall, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities, both switches provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience. The Red Panda excels in providing a thocky sound and mild feel, while the WS Jade stands out with its combination of clacky and resonant sound profiles along with a silky and creamy feel. Whether you prefer a deeper, bassier sound or a bright metallic resonance, both switches offer a satisfying and unique typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch or the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, it's important to remember that both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. The Red Panda is best known for its light-medium tactility and unique sound profile described as "thocky", while the WS Jade stands out for its metallic insert creating a bright sound and a creamy typing experience. If you prefer a deep, rich sound and a mild typing experience, the Red Panda may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy sharp, snappy sounds and a silky smooth feel, the WS Jade might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference in sound and feel when typing on a mechanical keyboard.
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