Outemu Red Panda vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Outemu Red Panda and the HMX Xinhai mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note their distinctive characteristics. The Red Panda is a tactile switch known for its light-medium amount of tactility, along with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, categorized as 'Thocky' and 'Mild'. On the other hand, the Xinhai stands out as a linear switch renowned for its unique PA12 top housing that provides a softer acoustics profile and a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. Categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Creamy', the Xinhai offers a different typing experience compared to the Red Panda. Both switches have their own strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for various preferences and typing styles. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Red Panda and the HMX Xinhai both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. However, while both switches share the same material for their polycarbonate top housings, the impact of this material on their overall sound profiles may vary depending on other factors.
In contrast, the Red Panda and the Xinhai employ nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This difference in material for the bottom housing of the switches can significantly affect the overall typing experience and the feel of key presses. Despite sharing the same material for their bottom housings, the individual characteristics of the Red Panda and the Xinhai may still result in distinguishable differences in sound and feel when typing.
Overall, while both the Outemu Red Panda and the HMX Xinhai utilize similar materials for their housing components, the specific qualities and characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon may manifest differently in each switch. The impact of the housing materials on the sound profile, feel, and overall typing experience can vary based on the design and construction of each switch. Understanding how the housing materials interact with other components of the switch can provide insight into the nuances of their performance and help users make informed decisions based on their preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. In comparison, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Xinhai ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Red Panda offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches provide different weight options to cater to individual preferences, with the Red Panda being heavier and the Xinhai being lighter. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force for their typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches offer a similar travel distance, with the Xinhai being slightly longer. In terms of overall feel, the Red Panda may provide a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Xinhai's longer travel distance may be preferable for those who prefer a more pronounced keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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 Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is known for its thocky bottom-out sound with a raindrop-like quality, along with a clacky top-out sound. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a distinctively crisp and higher-pitched resonance with a clacky sound profile. Depending on your personal preference for a deeper thud or a sharper, percussive sound, you can choose between the Red Panda for a thocky experience or the Xinhai for a clacky sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Red Panda provides a mild tactile experience that falls into a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of tactility. On the contrary, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a bouncy feedback sensation with a creamy typing experience, giving a smoother and more elastic feel to each keystroke. Depending on whether you prefer a gentle and approachable typing experience or a lively, spring-like feel, you can opt for the Red Panda for a mild tactility or the Xinhai for a bouncy and creamy sensation.
In conclusion, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles for users to choose from based on their preferences. While the Red Panda provides a thocky and mild tactile experience with a raindrop-like bottom-out sound, the Xinhai offers a clacky and bouncy sensation with a creamy typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize the sound characteristics, the tactile feedback, or the overall typing experience you desire.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, you should consider the specific qualities that each switch offers. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a combination of light tactility with a bassy bottom-out sound and clacky top-out sound, the Red Panda may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and appreciate a softer acoustics profile with a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, the Xinhai switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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