HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch offers a linear feel with a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, delivering a bouncy, responsive keystroke accompanied by a bright, resonant sound that many enthusiasts find delightful. This switch is ideal for those who prefer smooth key presses without any tactile bump, making it an excellent choice for gaming or fast-paced typing. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda switch provides a tactile experience, marked by a light to medium level of tactility and a unique sound profile that combines a bassy, raindrop-like bottom-out sound with a clacky, higher-pitched top-out sound. Its “thocky” and “mild” characteristics cater to typists who enjoy feeling the actuation point while typing, creating a satisfying auditory and tactile feedback loop. Each switch brings its own set of advantages depending on your preferences, but let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
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-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Red Panda switches exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of their top housing materials, with nylon and polycarbonate making up the heart of their designs. The Lotus (Heavy)'s nylon top housing contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, which provides a warm and cozy typing experience. This is largely due to nylon's softer nature, as it absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a duller yet rounder auditory feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda leverages polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate means that it resonates more clearly, producing a high-pitched sound that some users may find invigorating. Thus, while both switches use high-quality materials, they yield different auditory experiences influenced heavily by their top housing compositions.
Interestingly, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, contributing to a more cohesive experience when typing. As noted, nylon's softer qualities lead to a deeper and fuller sound, creating a consistent auditory feedback when the keys bottom out. Since both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Red Panda utilize nylon for their bottom sections, users can expect a similar tactile and sound experience from this aspect regardless of the differences in the top housings. This adherence to nylon in the bottom housing allows for an enjoyable typing experience that remains consistent across both switches, effectively blending their unique top housing characteristics with a familiar bottom-out sound and feel.
Ultimately, the contrasts between the top housing materials lead to differentiated sound profiles, but they are harmonized by the shared nylon bottom housing. If a user is primarily worried about feel and sound upon key release, the Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Red Panda will deliver distinct experiences based on their top material choice. However, the deeper sounds elicited by the nylon bottom housing provide a shared sonic quality that can satisfy users who value a more muted sound. For those keen on RGB lighting functionality, the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Red Panda boasts aesthetic advantages and lighting potential that the nylon top housing of the Lotus (Heavy) cannot match. In summary, while both switches deliver a deep and satisfying bottom-out sound thanks to their nylon bottom housing, their top housing materials produce unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing and gaming experiences. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it the heavier of the two options. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda requires a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and has a slightly lower bottom out force of 60 grams. While both switches fall into the medium range of force, the Lotus switch demands a bit more pressure, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. Conversely, the Red Panda’s lighter actuation force can be more comfortable for prolonged use, enhancing endurance during extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation resistance and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we find that the Lotus (Heavy) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Red Panda measures at 3.3 mm. This means that the Lotus (Heavy) provides a slightly longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial key press that gives a sense of depth when typing. On the other hand, the Red Panda, with its shorter 3.3 mm travel distance, may cater more to gamers or users who value faster response times. The difference in travel distance indicates that while both switches can deliver engaging performance, the Lotus (Heavy) may feel more hearty, whereas the Red Panda may feel more responsive and abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on personal preference for tactile feedback versus speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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 Lotus (Heavy) switch produces a bright and resonant tone, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. This acoustics combined with its heavier weight of 62.5g can create a satisfying auditory feedback, appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced sound with their typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Red Panda switch delivers a more complex sound profile, characterized by a light-medium amount of tactility. It features a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound paired with a higher-pitched, clackier top-out sound. This blend creates a unique auditory experience that feels distinct from the Lotus, making it particularly appealing for those who favor a more nuanced auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Lotus (Heavy) excels in providing a super bouncy sensation that makes typing a delight. Its medium-heavy weight contributes to a more dynamic feedback, inviting users to engage more actively with the keyboard during use. On the other hand, the Red Panda offers a mild tactile experience, which results in a gentle typing sensation that remains approachable for most users. While the Lotus switch is more about an energizing and pronounced tactile experience, the Red Panda caters to those who prefer a subtler touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue.
In summary, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Outemu Red Panda switches have unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Lotus switch is all about a bright sound and an energetic feel, whereas the Red Panda provides a more nuanced auditory experience and a gentler typing sensation. Depending on what you're seeking in your mechanical keyboard, either switch could serve well, but the choice ultimately comes down to whether you prefer bouncy and resonant or mild and balanced in both sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, your decision should be guided by your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you love the sensation of a bouncy keystroke with a bright, resonant sound, the Lotus (Heavy) is likely your best bet. Its medium-heavy weight provides a delightful response that can make both gaming and typing feel engaging and energizing. Conversely, if you prefer a more rounded typing experience with a noticeable yet gentle tactile feedback, the Outemu Red Panda might be more to your liking. Its thocky sound profile and mild tactile feel create a satisfying yet approachable typing experience, making it suitable for long hours of use without overwhelming your senses. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a lively, linear switch or a balanced tactile switch that offers a gentler interaction.
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