HMX FJ400 vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the HMX FJ400 and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX FJ400 and the Outemu Red Panda represent two distinct yet appealing choices catering to different typing preferences. The HMX FJ400 is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, making it a great middle-ground option within the HMX Film switch lineup, particularly favored by users who prefer a smooth, linear action that enhances typing speed and minimizes distractions. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda is designed with tactile enthusiasts in mind, offering a light to medium level of tactility that delivers a satisfying feedback during keystrokes, accompanied by a rich, bassy bottom-out sound and a sharper, clackier top-out sound that many users find enjoyable. While the FJ400 facilitates swift, uninterrupted typing sessions, the Red Panda provides a more nuanced experience, perfect for those who appreciate a bit of tactile response. 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
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
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 HMX FJ400 and the Outemu Red Panda utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The FJ400 features a POM top housing, known for producing a deep and muted sound characteristic. This material contributes to a rich auditory experience that is generally more subdued. In contrast, the Red Panda is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its sharper and crisper sound profile. The rigidity and transparency of polycarbonate not only elevate the tonal quality but also enhance the visual effect when paired with RGB lighting, making it particularly appealing to users who appreciate aesthetic and auditory performance. Ultimately, while the FJ400 emphasizes a warmer, softer sound, the Red Panda leans towards a more vibrant and resonant auditory experience.
On the other hand, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which plays a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel as the key bottoms out. Nylon is celebrated for its soft and absorptive qualities, which lead to a fuller and rounder sound profile. This shared feature suggests that when typing on either the FJ400 or the Red Panda, users can expect a pleasant, deeper sound during the key actuation due to the nylon bottom housing. The commonality in material here means that while the two models may differ in the sound they produce upon release, they will likely share a similarly satisfying auditory experience when the key is fully pressed down.
Considering both top and bottom housing materials, the overall acoustic profile of each keyboard switch is determined by a combination of their respective characteristics. The muted, warm tone of the FJ400's POM top, when juxtaposed with the deeper sound from its nylon bottom, creates a unique typing experience distinct from that of the Red Panda. In contrast, the crisper high-pitched quality of the Red Panda’s polycarbonate top, complemented by the deeply resonant nylon bottom, results in a dynamic sound interplay. Therefore, while each switch has its own unique acoustic identity, both utilize their nylon bottoms to produce a rich sound, albeit influenced differently by the varying top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, both switches exhibit an actuation force of 50 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of pressure for key activation. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the FJ400 reaching a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Red Panda has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This difference means that while both switches provide a similar actuation experience, the Red Panda offers a firmer resistance when fully pressed down, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a substantial feel while typing. Overall, the FJ400 can be considered the lighter option in terms of bottoming out, making it a potentially better choice for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, whereas the Red Panda may cater to individuals looking for a heavier switch profile.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the FJ400 has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Red Panda measures slightly less at 3.3 mm. This makes the FJ400 the longer option, providing a deeper, more substantial feel with each keystroke, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Red Panda’s shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for depth and responsiveness; those seeking a more pronounced keystroke will likely favor the FJ400, whereas those who prioritize speed might opt for the Red Panda.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX FJ400 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the FJ400 for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX FJ400 linear switch is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who desire a smoother auditory experience while typing. Unlike more pronounced switches, it avoids overwhelming highs or deep lows, maintaining a moderate sound level that is unobtrusive yet satisfying. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch produces a soundscape that ranges from a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out to a clackier, higher-pitched top-out, often described as “thocky.” This gives the Red Panda a richer auditory experience, with a deeper resonance that appeals to users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback when typing.
When it comes to feel, the HMX FJ400 linear switch offers a smooth keypress without any tactile bumps, providing an uninterrupted typing experience that many users find comfortable for extended periods. On the other hand, the Red Panda’s mild tactile feedback lends a light-medium amount of tactility, which means that while it isn’t overly pronounced, it gives enough sensation to let typists know when they’ve actuated the key. This mild tactility strikes a balance that can be very approachable to a wide range of users, appealing to those who might find more aggressive tactile switches overwhelming.
In conclusion, both the HMX FJ400 and the Outemu Red Panda cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The FJ400 presents a more balanced, smooth acoustic experience, while the Red Panda delivers a richer, thocky sound alongside mild tactility. While they cater to different auditory and tactile expectations, the choice between them ultimately boils down to personal preferences: a smoother, quieter experience with the FJ400 or a more textured, resonant typing experience with the Red Panda. Each switch can bring unique qualities to a mechanical keyboard setup, and users will find satisfaction depending on what aspects they prioritize.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you want from your keyboard. If you’re looking for a balanced feel and sound profile that suits general typing as well as gaming, the FJ400 might be the better option for you. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams ensures a comfortable typing experience without being overly strenuous, making it a versatile choice for long sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a mild tactile response combined with a more pronounced sound, the Outemu Red Panda could be more appealing. The subtle tactility and "thocky" sound profile provide a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances your typing enjoyment, especially if you appreciate a deeper, richer sound. In essence, choose the FJ400 for a streamlined, linear experience, while the Red Panda will be ideal if you enjoy a more tactile and acoustically engaging typing experience. By considering these factors, you can better identify which switch aligns with your personal preferences and enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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