Outemu Red Panda vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing and gaming experience. The Outemu Red Panda switch is a tactile option that offers a light-to-medium tactile feedback, delivering a satisfying feel with each keystroke. Users enjoy a unique audio experience, characterized by a bass-heavy, raindrop-like sound upon bottom-out and a higher-pitched clack when released, appealing to those who appreciate both auditory and tactile sensations. In contrast, HMX's Vintage Citrus switch is a linear switch designed for gamers who prioritize speed above all. With an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, it enables rapid-fire inputs, making it a preferred choice for competitive play. The Vintage Citrus also boasts a bright, clacky sound profile and a remarkably smooth feel, ensuring swift and comfortable execution during intense gaming sessions. Understanding the strengths and unique characteristics of each switch can help you determine which one best suits your needs; 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
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Red Panda and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, one of the most noticeable contrasts lies in their top housings. The Red Panda utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for its ability to generate a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile during key releases. This quality makes polycarbonate an excellent choice for those who appreciate clear and resonant audio cues from their switches, especially when RGB lighting is involved, as its translucency enhances the visual effects. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Consequently, typing on Vintage Citrus switches delivers a more muted auditory experience, appealing to users who prefer a rounder sound characteristic compared to the sharper tone of the Red Panda.
On the other hand, when looking at the bottom housings of both switches, there's a striking similarity in the material used. Both the Red Panda and Vintage Citrus are crafted with nylon for their bottom housings, and this shared material results in a consistent auditory experience, characterized by a duller and rounder sound. The absorption qualities of nylon help to create a sound that is less piercing and more plush, which means that regardless of the differences in their top housings, the bottom housing of both switches provides a uniform base for a full sound profile when bottoming out. This consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a satisfying tactile feedback during typing, making both switches enjoyable to use.
Ultimately, the overall sound experience and feel of the keyboard will depend on the combination of these contrasting materials. The Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes clarity and high frequencies, while its nylon bottom ensures depth and fullness. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus presents a more harmonious and rounded auditory experience due to its nylon top. The interplay between these materials is essential, as the top's qualities largely influence the key release sounds, whereas the bottom's characteristics play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, even while the two switches utilize different materials for their tops, they achieve a unique yet complementary auditory signature that caters to distinct preferences among users.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Red Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that the Red Panda requires slightly more effort to press down and fully bottom out, which could appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus is better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch, enhancing comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. While both switches provide tactile feedback, the Red Panda is the heavier option, appealing to users looking for more resistance, whereas the Vintage Citrus offers a lighter feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Red Panda offers a more pronounced depth with each keystroke, which some users may find preferable for a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus, with its shorter 3 mm travel, provides a quicker actuation, making it potentially more appealing for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, if you favor a deeper, more satisfying keystroke, the Red Panda would be the better choice. Conversely, if you prefer increased responsiveness with a more abrupt feel, the Vintage Citrus's shorter travel may suit your needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 Outemu Red Panda tactile switch presents a unique auditory experience characterized by its bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound, complemented by a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This combination creates a satisfying auditory feedback that many users find enjoyable. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch offers a bright and clacky sound profile, which is particularly appealing for gamers who appreciate a more energetic auditory response during intense gameplay. While both switches produce distinct sounds, the Red Panda's bassy tones contrast with the Vintage Citrus's brighter notes, providing users with different options depending on their sound preferences. However, it's important to note that external factors such as the choice of keyboard platform and keycaps can influence the overall sound produced, so the experience may vary.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Red Panda is known for delivering a mild tactile experience, providing a gentle yet engaging typing sensation. This makes the Red Panda approachable for a wide range of users, as its balanced characteristics create an enjoyable typing experience without overwhelming tactility. Conversely, the feel of the HMX Vintage Citrus remains unspecified, which means we cannot draw direct comparisons on that front. However, since the Vintage Citrus is designed specifically for fast and responsive typing, it likely emphasizes smoothness and speed, particularly with its extremely low actuation force, catering to users who prioritize quick input for gaming.
In summary, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a satisfying sound and gentle tactile feedback, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch stands out with its bright, clacky sound and design tailored for rapid input. Both switches provide distinct audio experiences and cater to different user preferences, whether one seeks a more mellow typing experience with the Red Panda or the quicker, more responsive nature of the Vintage Citrus. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal sound preferences and the desired typing feel, ensuring that users can find a suitable option to match their needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a switch that offers a medium amount of tactility combined with a satisfying sound profile—specifically the thocky, bass-rich sound and clackier top-out noise—the Red Panda is an excellent option for you. It's particularly suitable for those who appreciate a typing experience that balances tactile feedback with an enjoyable auditory component, making it great for both typing and casual gaming. On the other hand, if you're a gamer who prioritizes speed and responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus linear switch is the way to go, thanks to its low actuation force and quick response time. This switch excels at rapid-fire inputs while delivering a bright, clacky sound, which can enhance your gaming experience. In essence, select the Red Panda if you favor a well-rounded tactile experience, and choose the Vintage Citrus if your focus is on gaming performance and smooth, rapid inputs.
Mentioned in this article
