Outemu Red Panda vs. PH Studio Yoel

Overview

When looking at the Outemu Red Panda and the PH Studio Yoel mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique typing experiences. The Red Panda is a tactile switch, known for its light-medium tactility and distinct bottom-out and top-out sounds. On the other hand, the Yoel is a linear switch that provides a delectably chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile. While the Red Panda is categorized as 'Thocky' and 'Mild', the Yoel boasts characteristics such as being 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. If you prefer a tactile typing experience with unique sound feedback, the Red Panda may be the switch for you. However, if you enjoy a linear feel with pronounced sound characteristics, the Yoel could be your top choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

PH Studio Yoel Linear

$3.40 per 10

$4.50

$4.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Red Panda and the PH Studio Yoel both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is especially advantageous for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for a greater visual effect. On the other hand, the Yoel's POM bottom housing provides a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted compared to the Red Panda's nylon bottom housing, which elicits a fuller and deeper sound. Despite the differences in bottom housing material, both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials.

In terms of sound profile, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing material impacts the sound when a key is pressed down. Therefore, the qualities of the bottom housing, whether it be nylon or POM, will be felt more during the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the qualities of the top housing, made of polycarbonate in both cases, will be more noticeable when releasing a key. This shows how the choice of housing materials can affect not only the sound profile but also the overall typing experience of a mechanical keyboard switch.

Both the Outemu Red Panda and the PH Studio Yoel utilize polycarbonate top housings for a sharp, clear, and resonant sound profile. The difference lies in the bottom housing material, with the Red Panda's nylon offering a fuller sound and the Yoel's POM providing a more muted, deeper sound. Despite the variation in bottom housing, the overall typing experience of these switches will be influenced by the combination of top and bottom housing materials, creating a unique sound profile for each. Whether it be the stiffer polycarbonate or the softer nylon and POM, each housing material contributes to a different aspect of the switch's sound and feel.

Weight

The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is slightly lighter than the PH Studio Yoel linear switch when it comes to actuation force, with the Red Panda requiring 50 grams compared to the Yoel's 53 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a consistent typing experience when fully pressed. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may opt for the Red Panda for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Yoel may appeal to those who prefer a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a medium actuation force with a similar bottom out force, ensuring that users will get comparable results regardless of which switch they choose.

Travel distance

The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. The Red Panda is slightly longer in travel distance compared to the Yoel, which may provide a slightly more satisfying depth when pressed. For those who prefer a quicker response and a shallower press, the Yoel may be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is best described as having a thocky sound profile, with a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is characterized by a bright and clacky sound, with a sharp and crisp profile that is both satisfying and pronounced, especially at the bottom-out point. The Red Panda produces a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound along with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, while the Yoel delivers a resonance that is both satisfying and pronounced. Overall, the Red Panda offers a deeper and more bass-heavy sound compared to the brighter and sharper sound of the Yoel.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle tactile feedback that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch provides a creamy and polished typing experience, with smooth and buttery keystrokes that effortlessly glide across the keys. The Yoel switch offers a silky sensation, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Overall, the Red Panda offers a more mild approach, while the Yoel provides a luxurious and refined typing experience.

In conclusion, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Red Panda provides a thocky sound profile with a mild typing experience, while the Yoel delivers a bright and clacky sound with a creamy and polished typing feel. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the deeper, bassier sound of the Red Panda or the brighter, sharper sound of the Yoel. Similarly, one can opt for the milder tactile feedback of the Red Panda or the luxurious smoothness of the Yoel. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.

Conclusion

In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a light-medium amount of tactility with a bassy bottom-out sound and clacky top-out sound, the Red Panda may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright and clacky typing experience with a pronounced resonance upon bottoming out, the Yoel may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for sound and feel, so choose the one that best suits your typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more

PH Studio Yoel Linear

$4.50

$4.10 per 10

Learn more