HMX Cheese vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Red Panda stand out as popular choices with unique characteristics. The HMX Cheese is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light linear switches are lighter than 90% of all switches, providing a different feel to typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda is known for its light-medium amount of tactility, paired with a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. Categorized as 'Thocky' and 'Mild', the Red Panda offers a different tactile experience to enhance typing feedback. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
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-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Red Panda switches both have their unique characteristics and qualities. The Cheese's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and producing a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. While the Cheese emphasizes a softer and fuller sound, the Red Panda focuses on a sharper and clearer sound quality, providing different auditory experiences for the user.
On the other hand, both the Cheese and Red Panda switches use nylon for their bottom housing material. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches ensures that the typing experience in terms of sound is consistent, even if the top housing materials differ in their sound profiles. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches emphasizes a specific sound characteristic that remains constant across the different switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the HMX Cheese and Outemu Red Panda switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the Cheese utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound, the Red Panda incorporates polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper and clearer sound profile. Despite these differences, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality. Ultimately, the housing materials in each switch contribute unique sonic qualities, catering to different preferences and tastes in keyboard switches.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, whereas the Red Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Cheese switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. When comparing the two, the Cheese switch is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out force, while the Red Panda is heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum when compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Red Panda for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Cheese. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding responsiveness and key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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 Cheese linear switch offers a unique and satisfying experience with its clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch provides a thocky sound that is deep, rich, and satisfying. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance your typing experience. However, the final sound produced will also heavily depend on other factors such as the keyboard casing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience. It offers an ultra-light feel that is lighter than the majority of switches on the market. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch provides a light-medium amount of tactility, alongside a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out feel and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out feel. The Red Panda offers a more mild typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making it approachable to a wider range of users.
Overall, both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cheese excels in providing a smooth and light typing experience with a distinct sound profile, while the Red Panda offers a more balanced typing feel and a satisfying thocky sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for. Both switches are excellent options that can provide a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cheese linear switch or the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a light and smooth typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, the Cheese switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light-medium tactile feel with a thocky sound profile, the Red Panda switch could be more suitable. Both switches have their unique characteristics, so make sure to try them out and see which one suits your typing preferences best. Ultimately, the decision between the HMX Cheese and Outemu Red Panda switches will depend on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
