Outemu Red Panda vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a unique typing experience, you may come across the Outemu Red Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile. The Red Panda is renowned for its light-medium tactility, producing a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, giving it a 'Thocky' and 'Mild' classification. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switches offer a smooth typing experience with a snappy tactile bump and a neutral sound signature, categorized as 'Stepped', 'Neutral', and 'Easy-to-press'. Each switch has its own strengths and qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
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
Yes
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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Red Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile have some similarities and differences. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. This makes them ideal for switches with RGB lighting as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the effect. However, the Red Panda's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, whereas the WS Light Tactile also features a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect.
The differences in housing materials between the Red Panda and the WS Light Tactile can affect the overall typing experience. The Red Panda's combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing means that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. This results in a balance between the sharp, crisper sound of the polycarbonate top and the deeper, fuller sound of the nylon bottom when typing. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile's consistent use of both polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing means that the typing experience will be uniform throughout with a mix of sharpness and depth in the sound profile.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Red Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile will depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel. The Red Panda's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials offers a unique balance between sharpness and fullness in sound, while the WS Light Tactile provides a more consistent typing experience with both housing materials used throughout. Both switches excel in creating a distinct sound profile that enhances the overall tactile typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch to the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Red Panda requires a slightly higher actuation force and bottom out force. The Red Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a bit heavier compared to the WS Light Tactile, which has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The difference in force between the two switches means that the Red Panda provides a firmer typing experience, while the WS Light Tactile offers a lighter touch. For those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Red Panda would be the preferable option, while the WS Light Tactile would be more suitable for individuals who enjoy a lighter keystroke for extended typing or gaming sessions. In both cases, users can expect a smooth and tactile typing experience, with the choice ultimately depending on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that the Red Panda has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the WS Light Tactile's 4 mm. The Red Panda's 3.3 mm travel distance falls on the shallower end of the spectrum, offering a quicker and more responsive typing experience, which is favored by many gamers. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile's longer 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper and more pronounced key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance, with the Red Panda offering a shorter and quicker typing experience, while the WS Light Tactile provides a longer and more deliberate key press.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20.
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 switch offers a more distinct and satisfying thocky sound with a deeper tone, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch provides a more neutral and subtle sound profile that is suitable for various environments. The Red Panda's bassier bottom-out and clackier top-out sounds create a unique auditory experience, while the WS Light Tactile's neutral sound signature ensures a smooth and unobtrusive typing sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound during typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Red Panda switch is known for its mild tactility, offering a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch provides a stepped tactile feel with an easy-to-press design, offering a more responsive and low-impact typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. While the Red Panda switch may appeal to those looking for a softer tactile bump, the WS Light Tactile switch offers a more distinct and effortless typing feel that may be preferred by users seeking a more responsive keypress.
Overall, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Red Panda provides a deeper and clackier sound alongside a mild tactile experience, appealing to users looking for a softer typing feel. Meanwhile, the WS Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile feel with easy-to-press keypresses, catering to those who prefer a more responsive and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths, and the choice between them will come down to personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a deeper, clackier sound profile with a medium level of tactility, the Red Panda may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smoother, more neutral sound profile with a snappy and perceptible tactile bump, the WS Light Tactile switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for.
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