Outemu Red Panda vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Red Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile. The Red Panda is known for its light-medium amount of tactility, accompanied by a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches are designed with a focus on creating a quiet typing experience without compromising on tactility. These switches feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, effectively reducing switch sound while maintaining a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike conventional silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile switches do not use silicone dampeners, ensuring a typing experience that feels natural and lacks the padded feel often associated with silent switches. However, let's dive deeper into the specifics of each switch to help you determine the best option for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Red Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches differ in terms of their plastic composition, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Red Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. This stiffer plastic allows for a more resonant sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a higher-pitched sound. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound profile. Therefore, users seeking a switch with a clear, sharper sound would opt for the Red Panda with its polycarbonate top housing, while those desiring a deeper and fuller sound would lean towards the WS Silent Tactile with its nylon top housing.
Regarding the bottom housing, both the Red Panda and the WS Silent Tactile adopt nylon as their material of choice. This brings forth similarities in terms of the sound profile elicited by both switches. The nylon bottom housing allows for a deeper and fuller sound experience, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches share the characteristic of generating a duller and rounder sound. Whether one selects the Red Panda or the WS Silent Tactile, the typing experience is likely to be enhanced by the use of nylon in the bottom housing.
Given that the top and bottom housings of a switch contribute differently to the overall sound profile, it is important to consider the impact of each material. When using either the Red Panda or the WS Silent Tactile, the bottom housing will have more influence on the sound and feel when bottoming out a key. The nylon bottom housing's capacity to absorb sound translates to a deeper and fuller sound upon pressing down a key. Conversely, the top housing plays a bigger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. With the stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the Red Panda and the softer nylon in the WS Silent Tactile, users can expect differences in the sound released when letting go of a key. Therefore, understanding the impact of each housing material is vital in selecting a switch that aligns with individual preferences for typing and auditory experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Red Panda is 50 grams, while the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile is unavailable. Although we don't have the specific force for the WS Silent Tactile, we can expect similar results as the Red Panda in terms of actuation force.
As for the bottom out force, the Red Panda requires 60 grams of force, while the WS Silent Tactile requires 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier. This means that the WS Silent Tactile provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Weight is an important consideration when choosing switches, as it can affect typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Outemu Red Panda, as its actuation and bottom out forces are medium, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more robust typing experience may find the slightly heavier bottom out force of the WS Silent Tactile more suitable for their needs.
In summary, the actuation force for both switches remains somewhat comparable, with the WS Silent Tactile having an unknown force but likely similar to the Red Panda. However, the WS Silent Tactile does have a heavier bottom out force, offering a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Red Panda has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the WS Silent Tactile has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become more popular recently, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Red Panda with its shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. However, if you enjoy a deeper, more substantial keystroke, the WS Silent Tactile with its slightly longer travel distance could be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences 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 Wuque Studio WS Silent 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 comparing the sound of the Outemu Red Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches, we can observe some distinct differences. The Red Panda switches are best known for their bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, resulting in a thocky sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches are crafted with precision to prioritize noise reduction. These switches feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, which effectively minimize switch sound while still delivering a crisp bottom-out and responsive return. This unique design helps create a muted sound that is softer and quieter compared to regular switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When considering the feel of the two switches, the Outemu Red Panda switches offer a mild typing experience. They fall into the category of switches with a more gentle feel, providing an approachable tactile sensation that most users will find comfortable. The WS Silent Tactile switches, on the other hand, are described as accented switches. This means that they provide a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle. By offering a prominent amount of tactile feedback without being scratchy, these switches deliver an invigorating and reactive typing sensation. Additionally, both switches can be considered mild in terms of their overall feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for users.
Based on the available information, the Red Panda switches are best known for their thocky sound and mild typing feel, while the WS Silent Tactile switches prioritize noise reduction without compromising on tactility. The Red Panda switches provide a light-medium level of tactility, whereas the WS Silent Tactile switches strike a delicate balance by offering a medium level of tactility. Both switches are suitable for various purposes, be it for office or work environments, and they aim to create a satisfying typing experience. While the WS Silent Tactile switches achieve an impressively silent profile by forgoing the use of silicone dampeners, the Red Panda switches provide an unrivaled blend of tranquility and tactility. Therefore, although they have some differences, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and enjoy a keyboard with a bassier and clackier sound profile, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a light-medium amount of tactility and produces a thocky sound when pressed. On the other hand, if you value a slightly heavier bottom-out force and prioritize a quiet typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch is the way to go. These switches strike a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction, with a medium level of tactility and a muted sound profile. They provide a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return, without the padded feel found in most silent switches. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and bottom-out force.
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