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HMX Lotus vs. Outemu Red Panda

An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Red Panda offer distinct experiences to cater to different preferences. The HMX Lotus, a linear switch with a medium weight of 50g bottom out, provides a super bouncy feeling and a bright, resonant sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda is a tactile switch known for its light-medium tactility, bassier bottom-out sound, and clackier top-out sound. While the Lotus may appeal to those seeking a smooth and consistent typing experience, the Red Panda might be preferred by individuals looking for a more tactile and auditory feedback. 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

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 housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Red Panda switches are quite different in terms of sound profile. The Lotus features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Red Panda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials have their unique qualities, the nylon top housing of the Lotus provides a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Red Panda offers a more clear and resonant sound.

On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches use nylon material. The nylon bottom housing in both the Lotus and the Red Panda contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches highlights the importance of this material in achieving a specific sound quality. Despite differences in the top housing materials, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a commonality in the sound produced by both switches.

Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a critical role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing. While the Lotus and Red Panda switches differ in their top housing materials - nylon for the Lotus and polycarbonate for the Red Panda - the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing brings a sense of similarity in the sound profile between the two switches. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on sound production is essential for keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience to suit their preferences. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound from nylon or a sharper, crisper sound from polycarbonate, both the Lotus and Red Panda switches offer distinct sound profiles to cater to individual preferences.

Weight

The HMX Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Lotus also requires less force at 50 grams, while the Red Panda needs 60 grams for bottoming out. This makes the Lotus the lighter option overall, which can be beneficial for those looking to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions without fatigue. However, some users may prefer the heavier feel of the Red Panda for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force, providing a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal choices for those seeking a more responsive typing or gaming experience. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the quicker key actuation that comes with a shorter travel distance. However, individuals who prefer a more profound keypress sensation may find the slightly longer travel distance of the Lotus switch to be more comfortable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing or gaming needs of the user.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus 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 linear switch provides a bright, resonant sound that can be quite satisfying for users. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a thocky sound profile, which is deep and rich, providing a different auditory experience. Both switches have their unique sound characteristics, with the Lotus leaning towards a bouncy, resonant tone and the Red Panda offering a deeper, bassier sound with a hint of tactility.

In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a medium weight of 50g bottom out, providing a super bouncy feeling that can make typing a delight. The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, on the other hand, provides a light-medium amount of tactility with a mild typing experience. The Red Panda switch falls into a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of its feel, making it approachable to most users.

Overall, the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. Users who prefer a brighter, resonant sound and a bouncy typing experience may lean towards the Lotus switch, while those who enjoy a thocky, deep sound with a mild typing feel may prefer the Red Panda switch. Both switches provide unique experiences that cater to different preferences, and users can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance from both options. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, consider opting for the Lotus if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and enjoy a bright, resonant sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and enjoy a raindrop-like bottom-out sound with a clackier top-out sound, the Red Panda may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound when selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.

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