HMX Perky vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can significantly enhance your typing experience, and two popular options are the HMX Perky and the Outemu Red Panda. The HMX Perky switch is celebrated for its softer nylon housing and a condensed typing experience, delivering a neutral yet deeply satisfying feel thanks to its shorter travel distance. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience without the distractions of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch offers a charming blend of tactile feedback and unique acoustic characteristics, providing a light to medium level of tactility with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. This makes it appealing to typists who relish the sensation of a tactile bump and the delightful sound profile that accompanies it. Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Perky and the Outemu Red Panda comes down to personal preferences for smoothness versus tactile 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
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
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 extended single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Perky and the Outemu Red Panda, we observe distinct differences in their top housings. The Perky employs nylon for its top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises primarily from nylon being a softer plastic, which serves to absorb sound rather than amplify it. In contrast, the Red Panda opts for polycarbonate, a stiffer material that yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances its aesthetic appeal, particularly for setups involving RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for users who value both sound and visual flair in their switches.
While the top housings of the Perky and Red Panda diverge significantly, their bottom housings share a common material: nylon. Both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper sound profile and enhances the overall typing experience by providing a softer feel upon bottoming out. This consistency in material underscores an important aspect of switch design: the bottom housing greatly influences the tactile feedback and feel experienced by the user during pressing. As such, both switches will exhibit similar sound characteristics in terms of deeper tones when the keys are fully pressed down, driven by the nylon’s sound-absorbing qualities.
Overall, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials in these switches results in a nuanced sound experience. The HMX Perky's nylon top delivers a warm and rounded tone, while the Outemu Red Panda’s polycarbonate top provides clarity and resonance. However, since both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, this factor ensures a consistent deeper sound profile when keys are fully depressed. Thus, while the overall auditory experience of the two switches may differ due to their respective top housings, the shared nylon bottom housing serves as a unifying element, allowing users to achieve similar audible results during key presses.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Perky linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, one can observe distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Perky has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter switch overall. In contrast, the Red Panda features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, positioning it as a medium-weight option. This means the Perky will likely provide a more effortless typing experience, beneficial for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, while the Red Panda can offer a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a firmer push. Ultimately, users seeking a lighter touch may prefer the Perky, whereas those desiring a heavier, more tactile experience may choose the Red Panda.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Perky linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the Perky has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Red Panda measures slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This makes the Perky the longer option by a marginal 0.1 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Red Panda may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, while the increased depth of the Perky could cater to users who prefer a more substantial key press. Overall, while both switches offer relatively similar travel distances, the distinction between 3.3 mm and 3.4 mm can influence the choice based on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky 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
The HMX Perky linear switch is known for its unique sound profile that is not explicitly defined in the information available, but linear switches typically produce a quieter sound with little to no noticeable click, providing a smooth auditory experience that can be soothing for users who prefer minimal noise. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is characterized by its thocky sound, emitting a deeper, richer noise upon actuation. The Red Panda's sound combines a bassy, raindrop-like bottom-out noise with a clackier, higher-pitched sound during top-out, creating a more exciting auditory experience that can be greatly satisfying for those who appreciate a noticeable acoustic feedback while typing. It's worth noting that the overall sound of both switches will also depend on the keyboard they are mounted on and the type of keycaps used, which can enhance or dampen their inherent acoustic qualities.
When it comes to feel, the Perky switch offers a typing experience that is notably satisfying with a shorter travel distance, which generally leads to a more condensed feel without any pronounced tactile feedback, making it a neutral option suitable for those who prefer smooth keystrokes without interruptions. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda presents a light-medium degree of tactility, giving users a mild response when pressed. This mild touch makes the Red Panda approachable, providing a balance that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned typists who enjoy a bit of resistance without overwhelming feedback.
In summary, while the HMX Perky linear switch is designed for a smooth and neutral typing experience with an undefined sound profile, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch features a more dynamic auditory feedback and a mild tactile feel. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Perky suits those seeking a quieter, more refined experience, while the Red Panda caters to those who appreciate a richer sound and a slight tactile response. Depending on individual taste for sound and feel, users can find satisfaction in either switch, making their typing experience enjoyable according to their specific needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Perky linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you enjoy a light touch and appreciate a more condensed typing sensation, the Perky is an excellent option with its 50-gram bottom-out force and softer nylon housing providing you with a neutral and satisfying experience. Its short travel distance is particularly great for fast-paced typing or gaming, where you want to minimize finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback and richer sound profile, the Red Panda might be more suited to you. With a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, these switches deliver a mild tactile bump, complemented by a thocky sound that many find satisfying during typist tasks. The bassier sound adds an engaging element to your typing, while the moderate resistance can help prevent accidental key presses. Ultimately, consider your primary use—whether it's for gaming, typing, or a mix of both—as well as your personal tactile and auditory preferences when making your decision.
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