HMX Deep Navy vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing experience, and two compelling options are the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Red Panda. The Deep Navy, a linear switch, is celebrated for its full nylon construction that enhances durability while offering a silky smooth keystroke, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prioritize fluidity and speed. Its rich, sharp sound profile adds an engaging auditory element to your typing. In contrast, the Red Panda is a tactile switch known for its light to medium tactility, which provides a satisfying feedback with each press. This switch is characterized by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound coupled with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience during their typing sessions. Each switch caters to different preferences: the Deep Navy for those who seek smoothness and quiet performance, while the Red Panda attracts users who appreciate tactile feedback and an engaging soundscape. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Red Panda, two distinct sound profiles emerge due to the differences in their top housings. The Deep Navy features nylon in its top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience when typing. The relative softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound waves, resulting in a softer auditory response that many users enjoy for its roundedness. In stark contrast, the Red Panda uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which yields a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness and clarity create an ambiance that is more resonant, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a sharper auditory feedback. Therefore, while both housing materials serve the same functional purpose, they produce distinctly different experiences in terms of sound.
Looking at the bottom housings, both the HMX Deep Navy and Outemu Red Panda utilize nylon for this component, resulting in similar acoustic qualities. The nylon bottom housing, known for its classic properties, contributes to the deeper, fuller sound profile recognized in both switches. This shared material presents an interesting characteristic: despite the top housings being different, the bottom housing’s nylon material helps align the overall sound experience to a similar depth when bottoming out. Thus, users can expect a consistent low-end richness and satisfying tactile feedback from both switches, showcasing how a uniform material can bridge disparate acoustic performances.
In terms of overall typing experience, the combination of housing materials plays a significant role. While the nylon bottom housing in both switches guarantees a deeper sound and feel, the contrasting top housings dictate the unique characteristics each switch brings to the table. The Deep Navy’s nylon top provides a subdued auditory response that aligns with the overall softness of the design, perfect for those who prefer a more muted soundscape. In comparison, the Red Panda’s polycarbonate top elevates the typing experience with its luster and clarity, ideal for users who desire a lively and illuminated interaction with RGB lighting. In conclusion, while both switches share a nylon bottom that ensures consistent depth, their differing top housings create unique and tailored experiences that cater to varying preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces become apparent. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an attractive option for users who prefer a lighter typing experience ideal for extended use, such as for work or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. This difference in force means that while the Deep Navy can enable a quicker and potentially less tiring experience, the Red Panda may provide greater tactile feedback and resistance, which some users might prefer. Therefore, for a lighter and more effortless keystroke, the HMX Deep Navy is the better choice, while the Outemu Red Panda appeals to those who favor a stronger push sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the differences are clear. The Deep Navy features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option between the two. In contrast, the Red Panda has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This distinction means that the Red Panda may offer a slightly more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who prefer quick key presses, while the Deep Navy provides a deeper press that some users might find more satisfying and comfortable for longer typing sessions. Consequently, users will need to consider their preferences for responsiveness versus a more substantial depth when choosing between these two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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
The sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is celebrated for its rich and sharp tonal quality, thanks to its full nylon construction. When typing, users can expect a smooth and pleasant auditory experience with minimal noise during activation, which is characteristic of linear switches. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a unique auditory engagement with a light-medium tactility. It produces a thocky, bassier sound on bottoming out, reminiscent of a deeper thud, while transitioning to a clackier, higher-pitched sound on release. This creates a more pronounced auditory feedback that engages the typist differently, making the Red Panda a suitable choice for users who appreciate diverse sound dynamics in their typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Deep Navy linear switch provides a silky smooth experience with every keystroke, allowing for consistent and uninterrupted typing without any tactile bump to indicate actuation. This linear characteristic makes it particularly appealing to those who enjoy a fluid typing motion without distractions. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda is described as having a mild tactile sensation, striking a balance that is approachable for most users. Its gentle feedback gives typists a clear indication of actuation without overwhelming force, making it an optimal choice for those who prefer a blend of responsiveness and comfort in their key presses.
Considering the totality of these qualities, both the HMX Deep Navy and Outemu Red Panda switches cater to different preferences, showcasing the diversity available in mechanical keyboard switches. If you are inclined towards smooth, linear experiences, the Deep Navy will be a satisfying choice, while those who enjoy subtle tactile feedback with a varied acoustic profile might find the Red Panda more suitable. Ultimately, the switch you choose will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or the specific auditory feedback that enhances your typing engagement.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it’s essential to consider your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter key press with a smooth, uninterrupted feel and a sharper sound profile that allows for rapid keystrokes without resistance, then the Deep Navy switch may be the ideal choice for you. Its 45-gram actuation force and silky smoothness make it particularly suitable for gaming or fast-paced typing where speed is paramount. Conversely, if you enjoy a more textured typing experience with a distinct tactile bump and a pleasing “thocky” sound that provides auditory feedback, the Red Panda switch, with its medium 60-gram bottom-out force, would better suit your needs. The mild tactility and satisfying sound it produces can enhance the enjoyment of typing, making it a great option for both casual use and more methodical typing environments. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize the smooth, effortless action of a linear switch or the engaging, tactile experience of a tactile switch.
Mentioned in this article
