HMX Jelly vs. Outemu Red Panda

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, two popular options are the HMX Jelly, a linear switch, and the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch. The Jelly switch is renowned for its super smooth keypresses and low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quiet, uninterrupted typing experience. With a lightweight 42g actuation force, it allows for fatigue-free typing sessions, appealing particularly to gamers and typists who value speed and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda features a captivating blend of tactile feedback and sound, offering a light to medium amount of tactility that enhances the typing experience. Its bassy, raindrop-like bottom-out sound coupled with a sharper, clackier top-out sound creates an engaging dual auditory experience, which can be particularly satisfying for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response with each keystroke. Both switches have their unique strengths, catering to different preferences and styles of typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Jelly Linear

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Red Panda, one can observe distinct differences in their top housings. The Jelly utilizes nylon for its top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer plastic properties, allowing it to absorb sound and produce a more rounded auditory experience. Conversely, the Outemu Red Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its rigidity and translucency. This material creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing clarity and resonance. As a result, the two switches exhibit contrasting acoustic qualities that can significantly impact the typing experience.

In terms of their bottom housings, both the Jelly and Red Panda employ nylon, which results in a unified sound profile on this aspect of the switch. Since nylon is soft and adept at absorbing sound, the bottom housing in both switches effectively delivers a deep and full bottom-out sound. This harmonization means that, regardless of the differences found in the top housings, both switches afford similar tactile and auditory feedback during the action of bottoming out. The presence of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches promote a consistent sound quality that is desirable to many users seeking a muted response.

Despite the differences in their top housings, the combined effects of the materials used in both the Jelly and Red Panda switches create a unique typing experience. The Jelly offers a rounded and mellow sound profile due to its nylon top housing, while the Red Panda's polycarbonate top delivers a crisper sound. However, the use of nylon for the bottom housing for both switches ensures that the bottom-out experience maintains a deep tonal quality. Thus, while each switch can produce notably diverse auditory responses during key releases, their shared nylon bottom housing provides a stable foundation that contributes to a pleasurable typing experience in both cases.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Jelly boasts a light actuation force of 42 grams, along with a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a keyboard that facilitates long typing sessions or gaming without much strain. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing. Thus, the Jelly switch is lighter overall, offering a smoother experience, while the Red Panda switch is heavier, catering to users who enjoy a greater tactile response and feedback. These differences suggest that users should choose between the two based on their preference for lightness versus a more forceful typing experience, given that both switches have distinct levels of responsiveness and travel mechanics.

Travel distance

The HMX Jelly linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly longer than the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference in travel distance can significantly influence the typing experience; the Jelly switch may provide a more profound sensation with its greater depth, potentially appealing to users who prefer a heartier feel while typing. On the other hand, the Red Panda, with its shorter travel distance, could cater to gamers and those who favor quick, responsive keystrokes for faster execution. Consequently, if you're looking for a switch that offers a more traditional and tactile experience, the HMX Jelly may be the better choice, whereas the Outemu Red Panda could be more suitable for those who prioritize speed and efficiency.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch produces a low-pitched and deep thocky signature that can offer a satisfying auditory experience. This deep, rich tone is typically associated with a smooth and muted actuation, lending itself to a subtle yet impactful sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda produces a more complex auditory experience, combining a light to medium tactile feel with a bassier bottom-out sound reminiscent of raindrops, alongside a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. The Red Panda’s ability to produce both a dull thud and a sharper sound allows it to deliver a more dynamic auditory character compared to the Jelly, though both provide pleasing acoustic sensations based on their unique qualities.

When it comes to feel, the Jelly switch is exceptionally smooth owing to its excellent factory lubrication. This makes it an ideal choice for typists who prefer a lightweight actuation force of 42g for seamless key presses. In contrast, the Red Panda's tactile nature provides a mild tactility that offers a gentle typing experience. This quality is approachable and versatile, making it suitable for a variety of typing styles. The Jelly's linear characteristics result in a fluid motion without any tactile bump, while the Red Panda balances its light-medium tactility with an overall softer feel, presenting a middle-ground experience that can engage new users.

In conclusion, while the HMX Jelly linear switch is designed for those seeking a smooth and thocky experience, the Outemu Red Panda offers a blend of mild tactility and a more varied sound profile, suited to those who appreciate a bit more feedback in their keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches are capable of delivering enjoyable keystrokes, but their distinct sound and feel characteristics will cater to different preferences. Users can achieve satisfying results with either choice, depending on individual needs, whether preferring the deep thock of the Jelly or the dynamic soundscape of the Red Panda.

Conclusion

In conclusion, your choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch should ultimately depend on your typing preferences and the type of experience you want from your keyboard. If you favor a lighter actuation and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Jelly switch is an excellent option, particularly if you enjoy the low-pitched thocky sound signature that adds a unique auditory dimension to your typing. The Jelly’s lightweight feel can help reduce fatigue during long typing sessions, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming or extensive writing. On the other hand, if you appreciate a moderate level of tactility and a more balanced auditory feedback, the Red Panda is the way to go. With its mild tactile bump and deeper, raindrop-like bottom-out sound, it provides a satisfying typing experience that feels secure without being overly pronounced. The 60-gram bottom-out force can offer reassurance in each keystroke, which many users find helpful for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, consider what aspects of sound, feel, and force resonate with you the most, as these elements will enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more