Outemu Red Panda vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Red Panda and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ stand out for their unique characteristics and user experiences. The Red Panda, known for its light to medium tactile feedback, provides a satisfying typing experience with a distinctive sound profile that features a bassy, raindrop-like bottom-out sound paired with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, making it a great choice for typists seeking a rich auditory experience alongside a tactile feel. In contrast, the WS POM+ is celebrated for its smooth linear performance, offering an unparalleled experience with a deep "thock" sound signature that enhances the satisfaction of each keystroke without the tactile bump. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize fluid motion over resistance. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Red Panda appealing to tactile enthusiasts and the WS POM+ enchanting those who favor a smooth, uninterrupted typing flow. 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
55g
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
POM
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Outemu Red Panda switches and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, the most striking difference lies in their top housing materials. The Red Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a sharper, more high-pitched sound profile. This characteristic is enhanced by the stiffness of polycarbonate, which facilitates clearer resonance. On the other hand, the WS POM+ utilizes a POM top housing that is characterized by a deeper, more muted sound profile. The differences in these materials suggest that when playing or typing, users can expect distinct auditory experiences, with the Red Panda providing a crisper response, while the WS POM+ will offer a warmer and more rounded sound feedback.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Red Panda and WS POM+ are designed with materials that create a fulfilling acoustic experience. The Red Panda's nylon bottom housing is traditional and known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more noise due to its softer nature. This quality contributes to a muted bottom-out sound. In contrast, the WS POM+ opts for a POM bottom housing that shares a similar sound profile, resulting in a pleasingly deep and muted auditory experience. Despite the different materials, the outcome remains similar regarding the overall sound produced when the switch is engaged: both bottom housings promote a rich and subdued acoustic feedback, with their respective compositions offering unique yet effective performance.
Each switch's distinctive combination of top and bottom housing materials allows for a variation in sound and feel, creating a unique typing experience. While the Red Panda's polycarbonate top promotes clarity during the release of a key, the nylon bottom ensures a rich, full sound at the bottom-out. Contrastingly, the WS POM+ presents a harmonious blend of deeper acoustic qualities with POM in both top and bottom housings, achieving a pleasant and consistent sound profile. Ultimately, despite their differences, enthusiasts can anticipate a gratifying typing experience with both switches, rooted in their effective use of materials and how those materials influence the tactile and auditory feedback during use.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Red Panda switch features a 50-gram actuation force and a 60-gram bottom out force, making it a medium-weight option that provides a solid feel during use. In contrast, the WS POM+ has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This differentiation suggests that typists and gamers who prefer a lighter touch may be drawn to the WS POM+, as it requires less effort to press down. Meanwhile, the bulkier feel of the Red Panda may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Thus, while both switches are generally comfortable for prolonged use, the WS POM+ stands out as the lighter option, making it potentially better suited for lengthy typing sessions, while the Red Panda offers a more robust tactile feedback for those who favor heavier keys.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that pressing the Red Panda switch will feel more responsive due to its shorter travel, making it a favorable choice for gamers who prioritize quick key actuations. On the other hand, the WS POM+ switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more gradual key press. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your preference for responsiveness versus a more substantial feel, with the Red Panda being the shorter and more responsive option.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90.
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 presents a unique auditory experience characterized by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound combined with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This blend creates a satisfying acoustic profile that some users describe as light and lively, giving feedback that is both engaging and enjoyable. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch excels in producing a deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature. This sound is rich and nuanced, providing a soft "knock" that elevates the typing experience to one that feels more substantial and confident. While the sound characteristics of each switch are distinct, they will be influenced by external factors like the keyboard and keycap choices, so users may find that customizing these elements impacts their overall auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Red Panda offers a mild tactile feedback that provides a gentle typing experience, making it accessible for a wide range of users. This mild tactility ensures that both sound and feel are balanced, appealing to those who prefer a moderate level of feedback without overwhelming sensation. On the other hand, the WS POM+ is known for its buttery-smooth keystrokes, which cater to users who appreciate a seamless and fluid typing experience. Although the specifics of its tactile feedback haven't been detailed, its overall smoothness suggests a degree of comfort that is likely consistent across different use cases, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without discomfort.
In summary, both the Outemu Red Panda and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch offer compelling sensory experiences that cater to different preferences. The Red Panda's combination of light-medium tactility and varied sound gives it a playful yet satisfying character, while the WS POM+ emphasizes depth and smoothness in sound and feel, creating an experience that stands out for its luxurious touch. Whether you lean towards a more tactile and dynamic sound or a smooth, thocky resonance, both switches can deliver an enjoyable typing experience that ultimately hinges on personal preference and the broader setup chosen by the user.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences in typing feel and sound characteristics. If you enjoy a medium tactile feedback along with a deeper, bassy sound profile when you type, the Red Panda may be the better option for you. Its combination of a 60-gram bottom-out force and the mild tactility provides a balanced experience that is approachable for most users, making it suitable for both typing and gaming where you want a bit of feedback without overwhelming tactile sensations. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother experience, prefer a lighter keystroke, and appreciate a satisfying "thock" sound, the WS POM+ linear switch is an excellent choice. With a bottom-out force of 55 grams, it offers a buttery-smooth keystroke and an auditory feedback that many typists find pleasurable. In the end, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a tactile experience with dynamic sound or a seamless, smooth typing action with a satisfying acoustic signature.
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