Outemu Red Panda vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that often come up for comparison are the Outemu Red Panda and the Outemu Yellow Silver. These switches offer different experiences and cater to different preferences. The Red Panda is a tactile switch, providing a light-medium amount of tactility while typing. It also produces a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch from Outemu is a linear switch, offering a neutral sound profile and a light actuation force. This makes it a popular choice for gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Red Panda and the Outemu Yellow Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which results in a similar sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making it ideal for those seeking a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding a visually appealing aspect to the switches. Therefore, whether you choose the Red Panda or the Yellow Silver, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Red Panda utilizes a nylon material, while the Yellow Silver also features a nylon bottom housing. This variation in the bottom housing material will impact the sound and feel of the switches. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This creates a more rounded and duller sound, which some typists may prefer for a more subdued typing experience. Therefore, if you prioritize the bottom-out sound and feel, the Red Panda with its nylon bottom housing would be the better choice.
In summary, both the Outemu Red Panda and the Outemu Yellow Silver offer the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile along with the option for RGB lighting. However, the differences lie in the bottom housing material, with the Red Panda's nylon bottom housing offering a deeper and fuller sound, while the Yellow Silver also features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your preference for bottom-out sound and feel, as well as any aesthetic considerations you may have.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is clear that both switches offer a similar medium force. The Red Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Yellow Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range of force required for typing.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions as it allows for less strain on the fingers. In this case, the Yellow Silver would be the lighter option with slightly lower actuation and bottom out force. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may opt for a switch with heavier forces. In this case, the Red Panda would be the heavier option with slightly higher actuation and bottom out force.
Ultimately, both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of actuation and bottom out force. If light or heavy force is not a priority, either switch can be chosen for a satisfying typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the travel distance of the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Yellow Silver switch is longer than the Red Panda switch. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the more traditional option, while 3.3 mm is shallower. However, there is a trend towards shorter travel distances, especially among gamers who prefer faster response times. If you value responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Red Panda switch may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, some individuals find short travel distances to feel abrupt, and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance for a more substantial feel. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a heftier depth, the Yellow Silver switch with its longer travel distance would be a better choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.40. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Red Panda and Yellow Silver.
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
The Red Panda tactile switch is known for its light-medium amount of tactility, leading to a satisfying typing experience. It produces a bassier, raindrop-like sound when bottoming out and a clackier, higher-pitched sound when releasing the key. This switch is favored by those who enjoy a thocky sound profile. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. It is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, as well as for use in different environments like home or work. However, the specific sound produced by the Yellow Silver switch is unknown, as it depends on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Red Panda switch provides a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable for most users. It falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, offering a balance between comfort and tactile feedback. Unfortunately, there is no information available about the feel of the Yellow Silver switch.
In conclusion, the Red Panda tactile switch and the Yellow Silver linear switch have distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Red Panda offers a thocky sound profile and a mild tactile experience, while the Yellow Silver provides a neutral sound profile without information regarding its feel. It is important to consider personal preferences and usage scenarios when choosing between these switches. However, it is worth noting that individual results may vary depending on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a light-medium amount of tactility and a unique acoustic profile, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a satisfying thocky sound when pressed and released, which can enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize speediness, responsiveness, and a more neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is the one to go for. With its light actuation force and neutral sound, it is favored by gamers and typists who want a quicker and quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches should be based on your personal preferences and priorities in terms of typing feel and sound profile. Regardless of your choice, both of these switches from Outemu are known for their quality and are suitable for a variety of typing needs.
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