HMX EVA vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the HMX EVA and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a crucial role in enhancing your typing or gaming experience. The HMX EVA switch, characterized by its linear design, offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke reminiscent of the iconic colors of Evangelion Unit-01. This makes it an excellent choice for those who favor a seamless typing experience without tactile feedback, ideal for both gamers seeking speed and typists who appreciate a fluid motion. Conversely, the Outemu Red Panda switch provides a tactile bump that brings a satisfying feedback with each press, complemented by a unique sound profile that combines bassy bottom-out notes with a crisp top-out, making it an enticing option for those who enjoy a more audible and responsive typing experience. Both switches have their distinct advantages: the EVA’s smoothness is perfect for fast-paced gaming and prolonged typing sessions, while the Red Panda’s tactility and sound offers a more engaging feel for daily use. 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
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T2
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-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX EVA and the Outemu Red Panda, significant differences emerge in their top housings. The EVA features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the nylon material. This results in a more muted sound quality, as nylon absorbs sound waves effectively. In contrast, the Red Panda uses a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper and more resonant sound profile. The rigid nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and creates a higher-pitched tone. This fundamental divergence in materials leads to distinct audible characteristics when typing, with the EVA offering a more subdued sound while the Red Panda provides a crisper auditory experience.
However, both switches incorporate nylon in their bottom housing, which initiates a shared acoustic experience in that aspect. The bottom housing’s primary role is to influence the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed down. Both the EVA and the Red Panda’s nylon bottom housings yield a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to their top housing properties, albeit with some differences in resonance. Due to the shared use of nylon, both switches can create a cohesive transition in sound when the key is bottomed out, with the nylon material absorbing sound and providing a uniform tactile feedback that can enhance the typing experience for users who prefer a comforting "thud" over a bright "snap."
In summary, while the HMX EVA and the Outemu Red Panda differ significantly in their top housing materials—nylon for the EVA and polycarbonate for the Red Panda—they maintain common ground with their nylon bottom housings. This combination results in a nuanced interplay of sound profiles, where the EVA's deeper, fuller tones can be contrasted with the Red Panda's clearer, higher-pitched notes. Ultimately, users seeking a distinct auditory landscape should consider the top housing material's impact on their typing experience; however, the unified nature of the nylon bottom housing provides a familiar and effective foundation for sound absorption across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX EVA linear switch to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The EVA switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, which makes it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it reduces strain on the fingers. In contrast, the Red Panda switch is heavier, with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a tactile typing experience. Therefore, if you are seeking a lighter switch for comfort over extended periods, the EVA is the better choice, while the Red Panda may appeal to those who appreciate a stronger resistance for a more solid keystroke. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of the two switches differ significantly, leading to varying user experiences based on preference.
Travel distance
The HMX EVA linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the EVA offers a more pronounced key press, providing a deeper feel that some users may prefer for a more hearty typing experience. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Red Panda might appeal to gamers or those who favor quicker response times, making it a better option for fast-paced activities. Overall, the EVA's longer travel can be advantageous for users seeking a more substantial feedback, whereas the Red Panda's shorter distance may be preferred by those favoring speed and agility in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA 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 EVA linear switch presents a resonant sound signature that complements its smoother typing experience. This quality can often lead to a quieter operation compared to tactile switches, making it suitable for environments where noise is a concern. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is known for its unique auditory profile, characterized by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound complemented by a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This combination produces a distinctive thocky quality, akin to a satisfying “thud” or soft “knock” when the switch is pressed and released, making it more pronounced and compelling in terms of auditory feedback.
Turning to the feel of these switches, the HMX EVA excels in delivering a silky smooth typing experience, allowing users to glide effortlessly across the keys without interruption. This can often provide a more fluid typing sensation that many linear switch enthusiasts seek. On the other hand, the Red Panda offers a light-medium amount of tactility, creating a mild sensation that stands in contrast to more aggressive tactile switches. This mild characteristic makes the Red Panda approachable for a wide range of users, providing a gentler typing experience that still retains some of the feedback many seek in tactile switches.
In conclusion, both the HMX EVA linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch deliver distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the EVA leans towards a quieter, smooth typing experience, the Red Panda offers a rich auditory feedback with a gentle tactile quality. Ultimately, your choice between these switches may boil down to personal preference, as they both cater to different typing styles and environments. If the qualities of one align with your needs, you may find a similar satisfaction in the other, depending on what characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the HMX EVA linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch depends significantly on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you lean towards a lighter touch and enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted flow of keystrokes, the EVA is an excellent option. Its 48-gram actuation force makes it ideal for long typing sessions where speed is prioritized, and its distinct sound profile aligns well with a quieter workspace, creating a serene typing environment. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit of tactile feedback while typing and enjoy a rich sound experience, the Red Panda could be more appealing. With a medium 60-gram force, this switch delivers a satisfying thocky sound that may enhance your overall typing experience. The mild tactile bump offers just enough feedback to keep you engaged without being overbearing, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you prefer the silky smoothness of linear switches for speed or the engaging tactile response and audio experience that the Red Pandas bring to your keyboard setup.
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