Outemu - Red Panda Linear Switches

Outemu

Outemu - Red Panda Linear Switches

£2.50
Pack Size
Pack Size: 10 Switches
Dispatch Time
Popular upgrades
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Product details

Holy Panda Alternative

Outemu Red Panda Tactile Switch

Affordable Holy Panda alternative delivering snappy, medium-weight tactility with distinctive "thocky" acoustics. Features dustproof IP56 design, POM long-pole stem for solid bottom-out, and smooth tactile bump at 0.5mm—offering premium typing performance at budget-friendly pricing.

The Outemu Red Panda Tactile Switch represents Outemu's ambitious entry into Holy Panda-inspired tactile territory, offering enthusiast-level tactile performance at a fraction of premium pricing. Part of the PG150 dustproof series from Gaote Electronics, this switch combines IP56-rated dust and moisture protection with a carefully tuned tactile event positioned early in the keystroke for responsive, snappy feedback.

Engineered with a POM long-pole stem that creates a more solid, satisfying bottom-out compared to standard Panda variants, the Red Panda delivers light-medium tactility characterized by a pronounced bump at just 0.5mm into the travel. The 50g actuation force and 65g bottom-out provide balanced weighting that prevents finger fatigue during extended typing while maintaining enough resistance for deliberate keystrokes. The polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing combination creates a distinctive sound signature—bassier raindrop-like bottom-out paired with clackier, higher-pitched top-out—earning the "thocky" descriptor from the community. Factory lubrication ensures smooth operation out of the box, though the switch benefits from additional lubing for premium performance. With 3-pin plate mount construction and Cherry MX compatibility, the Red Panda integrates seamlessly into most custom builds where tactile feedback and acoustic character are priorities.

Technical Specifications

Switch Type
Tactile
Actuation Force
50±10gf
Bottom-Out Force
65gf
Peak Tactile Force
65gf @ 0.5mm
Pre-Travel
1.8±0.5mm
Tactile Position
0.5mm (Early)
Total Travel
3.3mm
Mount Type
Plate Mount (3-Pin)
Top Housing
Transparent PC
Bottom Housing
Nylon
Stem
POM Long-Pole (Khaki)
Dustproof Rating
IP56 Certified
Factory Lubrication
Yes (Light)
LED Support
SMD RGB Compatible
Lifespan
50-58 Million Cycles
Stem Length
13.77mm

Key Features

Holy Panda-Inspired Tactility
Engineered to closely replicate the beloved Holy Panda tactile profile at a fraction of the cost. Features a pronounced tactile bump positioned at 0.5mm with peak force of 65g, delivering snappy, responsive feedback similar to Drop Holy Panda switches. The tactile event occurs early in the keystroke for immediate confirmation, though the bump is slightly rounder compared to the sharp, aggressive tactility of premium Holy Pandas.
IP56 Dustproof Protection
Certified IP56 rating provides protection against dust ingress and moisture exposure, ensuring consistent performance in challenging environments. The dustproof design prevents particles from entering the switch mechanism, extending lifespan and maintaining tactile consistency over time—ideal for workshops, outdoor setups, or dusty office environments where standard switches might degrade.
POM Long-Pole Stem
Features Outemu's POM long-pole stem design that creates a more solid, satisfying bottom-out compared to standard tactile switches. The extended stem travel reduces bottom-out distance slightly, resulting in a firmer, more defined end-of-travel feel that enhances typing satisfaction. The khaki-colored POM material also contributes to smooth tactile operation with reduced stem wobble.
Distinctive "Thocky" Sound Signature
The polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing combination produces a unique dual-toned acoustic profile. Bottom-out delivers a deeper, bassier "raindrop" sound, while the top-out produces a clackier, higher-pitched tone. This creates the sought-after "thocky" sound characteristic that's become synonymous with premium tactile switches, though it differs from the original Holy Panda's brighter sound signature.
Balanced 50g/65g Weighting
Medium actuation force of 50g with 65g bottom-out provides an ideal balance between light, effortless typing and sufficient resistance to prevent accidental presses. This weighting suits both extended typing sessions (reduced finger fatigue) and gaming applications (deliberate keystrokes). The ±10gf tolerance means switches may vary between 40-60g actuation across a set.
Budget Holy Panda Alternative
Delivers performance closely matching the Drop Invyr Holy Panda at significantly lower cost—approximately 33-50% cheaper depending on retailer. Provides accessible entry into premium tactile territory for budget builders or those wanting to test Holy Panda-style tactility before investing in premium alternatives. Performance-to-price ratio makes these excellent value for custom keyboard projects.

Typing Experience & Sound Profile

Light-Medium Tactile Bump
The tactile event delivers noticeable but not overwhelming feedback—positioned between light tactiles like MX Browns and aggressive tactiles like Zealios V2. The bump occurs early at 0.5mm with peak force of 65g, providing immediate confirmation before actuation at 1.8mm. The rounded tactile profile feels slightly softer than premium Holy Pandas but remains satisfyingly snappy and responsive during normal typing speeds.
Smoothness Characteristics
On-center keypresses feel very smooth with factory lubrication handling most friction reduction needs. However, some minor scratchiness appears during slower, more deliberate keypresses or off-center actuation—typical of budget-tier switches. The scratchiness is subtle and unlikely to bother most users during normal typing, though enthusiasts may choose to add additional lubrication for silky-smooth premium performance.
Deep, Thocky Acoustics
Sound signature leans toward deeper, more satisfying acoustics compared to standard tactile switches. The nylon bottom housing creates the characteristic "thock" during bottom-out, while the PC top contributes higher-frequency sounds during release. This dual-toned profile creates interesting depth, though it differs from the original Holy Panda's brighter, more resonant sound. Actual acoustics depend heavily on keyboard case, plate material, and keycap choice.
Shorter 3.3mm Travel
Reduced total travel of 3.3mm compared to standard 4.0mm switches creates a slightly snappier, more responsive typing experience. Combined with the long-pole stem, this shorter travel results in quicker bottom-out and faster key return—beneficial for rapid typing or gaming scenarios. Some users accustomed to full 4mm travel may need adjustment period to avoid bottoming out too forcefully.

Available Pack Sizes

10-Switch Packs: Sold in convenient 10-switch increments, allowing precise quantity purchasing for any keyboard layout. Ideal for testing Holy Panda-style tactility before committing to full board, replacing damaged switches, or building keyboards requiring exact switch counts (60% = 61 keys, 65% = 68 keys, TKL = 87 keys, Full-size = 104+ keys). Order multiple packs to complete full builds.

Ideal For

Holy Panda Enthusiasts on Budget: Perfect alternative for those wanting Holy Panda-inspired tactility without premium pricing—delivers 80-90% of the performance at 33-50% of the cost of Drop Holy Pandas.

Tactile Switch Testing: Affordable entry point to test early-bump, medium-weight tactile switches before investing in premium alternatives like Glorious Pandas, Drop Holy Pandas, or Boba U4Ts.

Thocky Sound Preference: Ideal for users who prioritize deeper, bassier acoustics over brighter, higher-pitched sounds—the distinctive bottom-out creates satisfying auditory feedback during typing.

Office & Gaming Hybrid Use: Balanced 50g/65g weighting and tactile feedback work well for both extended typing sessions (coding, writing) and gaming applications requiring deliberate inputs without accidental presses.

Dusty Environments: IP56 dustproof certification makes these suitable for workshops, garage setups, LAN environments, or any location where dust and debris exposure could compromise standard switch longevity.

Budget Custom Builds: Excellent choice for first custom keyboard projects or experimental builds where premium switch costs aren't justified—delivers enthusiast-level tactility at budget-friendly pricing.

Got questions? 🤔

Do you have any questions, or unsure if this product is compatible with your setup?

Specifications

• Switch type: Linear mechanical switch
• Actuation force: Approximately 45 g
• Mount type: 5-pin PCB mount
• Stem: MX-style cross stem
• Housing: Durable plastic housing
• Travel: Smooth linear travel
• Sound profile: Soft and consistent
• Pack size: 10 switches

Inside the box

• 10 × Outemu Panda linear switches
• Protective packaging

Compatibility

• Compatible with MX-style mechanical keyboards and PCBs
• Works with hot-swap and solder-mount boards supporting 5-pin switches
• Suitable for gaming keyboards, custom builds, and everyday typing
• Fits 60%, 65%, TKL, full-size, and other standard layouts

Warranty

1 year manufacturer's warranty – further warranty provided at OZO’s discretion depending on the situation