HMX Blue Topaz vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Red Panda. The Blue Topaz is a linear switch known for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing a breeze with its easy-to-press keys and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Red Panda is a tactile switch that offers a light-medium amount of tactility, along with a unique raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. While the Blue Topaz provides a visually and audibly pleasing typing experience, the Red Panda offers a more distinct tactile feedback. 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
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Red Panda are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design.
While the top housing of both switches may be the same, the key point of differentiation lies in their nylon bottom housing. The Blue Topaz features a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer composition that absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Red Panda also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, offering a similar experience of a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrasts with the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing, showcasing the diverse sound profiles that can be achieved through a combination of different housing materials.
When considering the overall impact of the housing materials on the switch's performance, it is important to note how the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, influenced by the softer characteristics of nylon in both the Blue Topaz and Red Panda. Conversely, the top housing, made of polycarbonate in both switches, influences the sound produced when a key is released. This balance between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a harmonious mix of sound qualities that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a more gentle option for typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Blue Topaz would be the ideal choice, while the Red Panda would appeal to users who prefer a bit more resistance when pressing the keys. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it slightly longer than the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. While both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum in terms of traditional travel distances, the Blue Topaz offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Red Panda. Gamers may appreciate the quicker response time of the Blue Topaz, while those looking for a more pronounced key press may prefer the Red Panda. Ultimately, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
The Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 HMX Blue Topaz linear switch offers a clacky and sharp sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive in nature. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch provides a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound along with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Blue Topaz being more distinct and visually appealing due to its glitter-infused housing, while the Red Panda offers a deeper and more satisfying thocky sound.
Moving on to feel, the Blue Topaz linear switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering a lightweight feel that requires minimal force to activate. This results in a smooth and effortless typing experience that can reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch provides a mild typing experience with gentle tactility that falls in a safe middle ground zone, appealing to a wider range of users. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Blue Topaz leaning towards a lighter and more responsive feel compared to the Red Panda.
In conclusion, while the HMX Blue Topaz and Outemu Red Panda switches offer different sound and feel profiles, both can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on personal preferences. The Blue Topaz excels in providing a smooth and easy-to-press typing experience with a visually appealing clacky sound, while the Red Panda offers a more mild and approachable typing feel with a thocky sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a super smooth actuation with a lightweight feel, accompanied by a clacky sound signature, then the Blue Topaz may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light-medium amount of tactility with a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, the Red Panda could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a gentle, easy-to-press feel or a mild typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience, so consider what factors are most important to you when making your choice.
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