HMX Gravel vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and Outemu Red Panda stand out for their distinct characteristics and typing experiences. The HMX Gravel, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined feel, providing users with a responsive and effortless typing experience thanks to its medium-light actuation force. This makes it an ideal choice for those who seek a swift, uninterrupted keystroke without the distraction of tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda, categorized as a tactile switch, offers a unique blend of light-medium tactility, producing a satisfying bassier sound upon bottoming out, paired with a clackier higher-pitched noise on top-out. This feature appeals to users who appreciate the feedback that comes with each keystroke and enjoy a more auditory typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles—whether you favor the smooth precision of the Gravel or the tactile engagement of the Red Panda. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Gravel and Outemu Red Panda share a commonality in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which significantly influences the sound profile they produce. Both switches benefit from polycarbonate’s impressive acoustic properties, allowing for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic arises from polycarbonate’s stiffness, which promotes a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for users who wish to incorporate RGB lighting into their setups, as the material allows light to shine through vividly. Consequently, users can expect similar auditory experiences in terms of clarity and brightness from the top housing of both switches.
In contrast, while the Gravel and the Red Panda both utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the implications of this material choice lead to a distinct, fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer plastic nature contributes to the absorption of sound, resulting in a deeper and duller auditory signature that contrasts the crispness from the polycarbonate tops. As such, even though the top housings provide a similar sound characteristic, the nylon bottom housings will imbue each switch with its unique sound and feel as users interact with them. This complementary interplay, with the top increasing sharpness and the bottom providing depth, creates an overall balanced sound experience.
Overall, the combination of materials in the HMX Gravel and Outemu Red Panda switches allows for an engaging typing experience with both similarities and contrasts in their sound profiles. Users can expect a unified clarity from the polycarbonate top, while the nylon bottom provides a grounding depth. This synergy enables a comprehensive auditory experience—offering the sharper highs and fuller lows that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. By blending these materials effectively, both switches deliver an engaging and satisfying tactile feedback that typists can appreciate.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Gravel switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who favor a more effortless typing experience, ideal for longer work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Red Panda switch features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial push feel when typing. This difference means that while both switches provide a means of activating a keystroke, the Gravel offers a lighter touch, while the Red Panda delivers a more robust typing experience. Therefore, individuals seeking a lighter feel will find the HMX Gravel more appealing, while those who appreciate a heavier force should opt for the Outemu Red Panda.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the Gravel features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Red Panda has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Gravel allows for a deeper press, which can provide a more substantial feel for users who prefer a heartier experience when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Red Panda caters to those who seek quicker response times, making it a more suitable choice for gamers who favor rapid key presses. Ultimately, the decision between these switches hinges on personal preference: if you value responsiveness, the Red Panda would be the better option, while the Gravel is ideal for those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Gravel linear switch is characterized by an exceptionally smooth operation that typically results in a quieter, more subdued auditory experience compared to tactile or clicky switches. While specific descriptors for its sound are absent, linear switches are known for their less pronounced sound profile when pressed, providing a more muted typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch emits a distinctive "thocky" sound, producing a deep and rich tone during actuation. The overall auditory experience of the Red Panda combines a bassier, raindrop-like quality when bottoming out, along with a clackier, higher-pitched tone during top-out, making it a more pronounced option for those who enjoy a defined acoustic feedback in their typing.
When considering the feel of these switches, the HMX Gravel excels with its exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, highlighted by a medium-light actuation force that facilitates a more responsive and effortless engagement with each keypress. This smooth operation is particularly appealing for long typing sessions, as it helps reduce finger fatigue. Conversely, the Outemu Red Panda offers a light-medium level of tactility, which introduces a softer response compared to more aggressive tactile switches. The mildness of the Red Panda's feedback provides a balanced experience that is approachable for various users, catering to those who prefer a gentle yet satisfying touch while typing.
Overall, the HMX Gravel and Outemu Red Panda switches cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Gravel offers a smooth, quiet experience ideal for those who prioritize a fluid typing feel, the Red Panda provides a more tactile and pronounced auditory feedback that appeals to users who enjoy a richer sound profile. If you’re looking for a switch that balances smoothness and subtle auditory feedback, the Gravel will meet your expectations. On the other hand, the Red Panda is perfect for those seeking a more engaging experience with tactile sensations and pronounced sound. Ultimately, both options serve distinct preferences within the mechanical keyboard community, allowing users to choose based on what appeals most to their typing style.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, your decision should be guided by your typing style and preferences. If you favor a smooth, effortless typing experience and tend to type lightly, the HMX Gravel switch is an excellent choice, especially given its 50-gram actuation force that allows for quick, responsive inputs without much effort. This makes it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort and speed are priorities. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile feedback and a more pronounced acoustic profile, the Outemu Red Panda would be more suitable. With its medium 60-gram actuation force and a delightful "thocky" sound, it provides a mild tactile experience that many users find satisfying and engaging, making it great for both typing and gaming scenarios. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you want smoothness with the Gravel or a tactile and more resonant experience with the Red Panda.
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