HMX Macchiato vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Macchiato and Outemu Red Panda present unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX Macchiato, created by YG Studio, is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience and bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for typists yearning for seamless keystrokes without distraction. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda offers a light to medium amount of tactility, delivering a rich, thocky sound that combines a bassy, raindrop-like bottom-out with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, appealing to those who enjoy feedback with their keystrokes. Whether you prioritize a fluid typing experience or crave that satisfying tactile response and auditory feedback, both switches present compelling advantages. 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
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Red Panda utilize differing materials for their top housings, which significantly affects the sound profiles produced during typing. The Macchiato features a nylon top housing, known for its softer characteristics that create a deeper, fuller sound profile. This material absorbs more sound due to its plastic properties, resulting in a typing experience that is described as more muted and rounded. In contrast, the Red Panda utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a stiffer plastic that generates a sharper, crisper sound. This inherent rigidity allows for a clearer resonance, resulting in a typing experience that is distinctly more pronounced and high-pitched. Thus, the choice of top housing material fundamentally alters the auditory experience between the two switches, with the Macchiato eliciting a more subdued sound while the Red Panda delivers a brighter one.
Interestingly, both the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Red Panda share nylon as their bottom housing material. This unison evokes a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches, as nylon's softer plastic nature helps to absorb sound waves effectively. Consequently, when users engage either switch, they will experience a similar tactile feedback and bottom-out sound due to the nylon's acoustic dampening qualities. This shared bottom housing serves to create a consistency between the two switches, as it mitigates some of the differences presented by their respective top housings, blending the sound characteristics to some extent.
In terms of overall performance, the distinct qualities of the top housings and the shared characteristics of the bottom housings imply that users can expect varied results depending on which switch is utilized. While both the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Red Panda will exhibit a deeper sound due to their nylon bottom housings, the individual typing experiences can diverge significantly based on the top housing material. The nylon of the Macchiato lends to a more muted experience when typing, while the polycarbonate of the Red Panda generates a brighter and crisper tactile feedback. Therefore, while the bottom housing contributes similarly to the sound and feel, it is the unique combination of the top materials that ultimately defines the switches' audio profiles and the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different preferences in typing experiences. The Macchiato features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. This difference indicates that the Macchiato is better suited for long-term use due to its lower weight, while the Red Panda is preferred by those who like a firmer feedback. Overall, users looking for a lighter switch will find the Macchiato more favorable, whereas those who appreciate a heavier switch should consider the Outemu Red Panda.
Travel distance
The HMX Macchiato linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference highlights a key contrast between the two options: the Macchiato provides a more traditional depth, which many typists might appreciate for a satisfying feel, whereas the Red Panda’s shorter distance caters to gamers seeking quicker response times. For those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke, the Macchiato would likely be the preferred choice, while those favoring rapid actuation might opt for the Red Panda. Ultimately, your preference for either switch will depend on whether you prioritize responsiveness or depth in your typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato 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 Macchiato linear switch offers a bright sound profile that enhances the typing experience without being overly loud or distracting. This characteristic can create an engaging ambiance as the keys are pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch produces a unique combination of auditory cues. It features a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound that provides a satisfying depth, while the higher-pitched clackier top-out sound adds a lively contrast. Together, these sounds create a rich auditory experience that is distinct from the clarity of the Macchiato, appealing to those who enjoy more pronounced sound variations during typing.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Macchiato excels in providing a silky smooth typing experience, ideal for users who prioritize a fluid action without interruption. This smoothness allows for fast and efficient typing without the bumpy feedback found in many tactile switches. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda brings a light to medium level of tactility to the table. This mild tactile bump offers just enough feedback to let users know the key has been actuated, making it a comfortable choice for those who desire a gentler experience. The Macchiato's smoothness and the mild tactility of the Red Panda result in different yet enjoyable typing experiences tailored to their user preferences.
In summary, while the HMX Macchiato linear switch is favored for its bright sound and silky smooth feel, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a combination of satisfying bass tones and light tactility that many will find appealing. These differences cater to varying typing preferences, ensuring that enthusiasts can choose a switch that aligns with their desired experience. Whether you prioritize sound, feel, or both, both switches provide quality options that bring distinct characteristics to your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a light touch and a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, the Macchiato is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a brighter sound profile with a clean typing experience. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for those who prefer quick, fluid typing and a more subtle auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and a more pronounced auditory experience, the Red Panda would be the better option for you. With its 60-gram bottom-out force, it provides a satisfying mild tactile bump and a thocky sound that adds richness to each keystroke. This switch could suit you well if you enjoy a combination of light-medium tactility and a bassy sound that makes typing feel more engaging. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the balance between sound, feel, and the type of feedback you find most enjoyable when using your keyboard.
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