HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are distinct differences that cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g is favored for its clacky sound profile and heavier feel, providing a bright typing experience for enthusiasts who enjoy a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Red Panda offers a light-medium amount of tactility with a unique bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. Each switch has its own characteristics that appeal to different typing preferences. 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
56g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Red Panda, the most striking difference lies in their top housing. The Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Red Panda boasts a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, leading to a duller sound, the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing resonates more clearly, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Red Panda utilize nylon for this component. This choice of material adds to the switches' deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer plastic nature that absorbs sound effectively. While the bottom housing may not be as visually prominent as the top housing, it still plays a crucial role in impacting the overall sound and feel of the switch. By using nylon for both the top and bottom housing, the Red Panda ensures a consistent sound profile throughout the key press, matching the characteristics of the Cloud - 63.5g in this aspect.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Red Panda significantly influences the typing experience. While both switches share the classic switch housing material of nylon for the bottom housing, their top housing materials offer distinct sound profiles. The Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting with the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper and crisper sound. Whether you prefer a duller, rounder sound or a clearer, more resonant sound, the top housing material plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is clear that the Cloud - 63.5g is the heavier of the two. The Cloud - 63.5g has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Red Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, falling into the medium category. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Red Panda, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. Meanwhile, the Cloud - 63.5g provides a stronger push feel, perfect for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In either case, users can expect consistent and reliable results based on the weight of the switch they choose.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Outemu Red Panda has the shorter travel distance compared to the HMX Cloud. The shorter travel distance of the Red Panda may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the HMX Cloud may provide a more substantial and satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
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 Cloud - 63.5g offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, providing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch produces a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, giving a more varied and textured sound profile. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Cloud - 63.5g delivering a brighter and more distinct sound and the Red Panda offering a deeper and more varied sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its bouncy and creamy typing sensation, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery feel with each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda switch offers a mild typing experience, with a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. While both switches offer smooth typing experiences, the Cloud - 63.5g provides a more lively and elastic sensation, while the Red Panda offers a more subtle and gentle feel.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. With the Cloud - 63.5g providing a clacky and high-pitched sound profile coupled with a bouncy and creamy feel, and the Red Panda offering a bassier, varied sound profile alongside a mild and gentle typing experience, enthusiasts can choose between a brighter, more lively typing experience or a deeper, more subtle feel. Both switches are unique in their own right, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile with a medium-heavy bottom out force, along with a silky smooth feel and bouncy feedback, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound with a clackier top-out sound, alongside a light-medium amount of tactility and a thocky feel, the Outemu Red Panda switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice should be based on the sound and feel that align with your typing preferences and style.
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