HMX Poro vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Poro and the Outemu Red Panda offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX Poro linear switch is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes and effortless glide, enhanced by meticulous lubrication. This switch delivers a satisfying, poppy sound profile with an ultra-light actuation force, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer rapid key presses without the distraction of tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch presents a unique typing experience characterized by light-medium tactility and a rich auditory landscape, featuring a bassier bottom-out sound reminiscent of raindrops and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This switch appeals to users who enjoy a blend of tactile response and auditory feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference—whether you lean towards the smoothness of the HMX Poro or the tactile satisfaction of the Red Panda. 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
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
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-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Poro and the Outemu Red Panda switches present two contrasting approaches to switch design, particularly in the choice of top housing materials. The Poro employs a nylon top housing that is characterized by its softer composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This acoustic quality is enhanced by the nylon’s ability to absorb sound vibrations, yielding a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Outemu Red Panda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic that generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The clarity and resonance afforded by the polycarbonate create a distinctly different auditory experience, appealing to those who prefer a crisper keystroke. This difference in material selection leads users to experience a marked variation in the overall typing sound and sensation.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the HMX Poro and Outemu Red Panda utilize nylon, offering a shared sound profile that emphasizes depth and fullness. Because nylon is inherently a softer plastic, it effectively absorbs sound, contributing to a duller and rounder acoustics that enhances the overall typing experience for both switches. This similarity means that while users may encounter a different sound when bottoming out due to the distinct top housing materials, the overall event of key presses remains consistent between the two switches in terms of their deeper auditory feedback. This blend of materials allows both switches to maintain a harmonious typing feel and sound, despite their contrasting top housing choices.
Ultimately, the division of materials between top and bottom housings means that each switch’s sound profile is the product of a dual-material influence. For the HMX Poro, the combination of a nylon top housing with a nylon bottom housing promotes a uniform, deep sound that engages users who enjoy a softer acoustic feedback. The Outemu Red Panda, while providing a sharp and resonate experience through its polycarbonate top, still shares the nylon depth in the bottom housing, ensuring that the typing experience retains some similarity. Therefore, while the switches deliver uniquely different top sound profiles, their bottom housings unite them in creating an enjoyable and consistent typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Poro linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces become evident, influencing user preference based on typing style and comfort. The Poro switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for those who favor a softer touch and prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Red Panda switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. Consequently, for users seeking a lighter switch for extended use, the Poro would be the ideal choice, while those looking for a firmer response might opt for the Red Panda. Overall, the differences in force dynamics illustrate how these switches cater to varying user preferences regarding tactile feedback and typing comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the Poro features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Red Panda has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Poro switch the longer option, offering a more substantial depth for those who prefer a firmer feel when pressing keys. Conversely, the Red Panda's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, aligning with the trend of shorter travel distances in modern switches. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the Red Panda would be the better choice, whereas the Poro caters to users who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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 Poro linear switch has a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, which can create an engaging auditory experience when typing. It is known for its ultra-light actuation force that contributes to this lively sound, making each keystroke feel responsive and energetic. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a contrasting acoustic quality. The sound produced by the Red Panda features a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound combined with a higher-pitched clackier top-out sound. This creates a more dynamic audio experience that is satisfying in its own right, though it leans towards a deeper, thocky resonance than the sharper sounds of the Poro.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Poro linear switch excels with its silky smooth keystrokes that are meticulously lubricated, allowing for an effortless glide. This smoothness enhances the overall typing experience, making it ideal for those who prioritize an uninterrupted, fluid feel. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda offers a mild tactile sensation, providing users with a gentle typing experience. The light-medium tactility offers enough feedback without being overwhelming, making the Red Panda accessible and approachable for most typists. Both switches cater to different preferences, where the Poro delivers a smooth linear experience and the Red Panda provides subtle feedback that may appeal to those looking for a balance between responsiveness and tactility.
Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch boils down to personal preference in sound and feel. If you prefer a lively auditory feedback with a smooth keystroke, the Poro may be your go-to. However, if you enjoy a deeper sound profile along with mild tactile feedback, the Red Panda is likely to suit your needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to distinct typing experiences, ensuring that whether you favor the silky smoothness of the Poro or the engaging tactility of the Red Panda, you'll find satisfaction in your choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a smooth and lightweight keystroke experience, the HMX Poro linear switch may be your ideal choice, especially for gaming where rapid key presses and a soft, effortless glide can enhance performance. Its lower actuation force allows for quick and fluid typing, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize speed and comfort over tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit of tactility and a deeper sound profile while typing, the Outemu Red Panda switch could be your best bet. With a medium actuation force and a satisfying thocky sound, it provides a balanced typing experience that merges comfort with a more pronounced tactile response, catering well to both typing and gaming needs. Ultimately, it’s about finding the switch that aligns with how you interact with your keyboard, so consider factors like sound preference, typing feel, and the kind of tasks you perform most often to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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