Outemu Red Panda vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches significantly impacts both typing experience and overall user satisfaction. Among the diverse options available, the Outemu Red Panda switch stands out with its balanced tactile feedback, delivering a light-medium level of tactility that provides satisfying feedback on each keystroke. The Red Panda is also recognized for its unique acoustic profile, featuring a bassy, raindrop-like bottom-out sound complemented by a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound—perfect for those who appreciate a more auditory typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch appeals to users seeking a smoother and quieter performance, boasting a unique PA12 top housing that enhances its softer acoustics. Its POM stem contributes to a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, blending sophistication with precision during every press. While the Red Panda may cater to tactile enthusiasts who enjoy feedback and sound, the Xinhai Heavy can attract those preferring a seamless and subdued typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 (Heavy) switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, resulting in varied sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Red Panda employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material's rigidity provides clarity and resonance, making it particularly advantageous for users who appreciate the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting, as the clear housing allows light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, which is softer and leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This inherent absorption of sound leads to a duller and rounder auditory experience, likely favored by those who prefer a more subdued typing sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, making this aspect of their construction comparable. The nylon bottom housing used in both the Red Panda and the Xinhai (Heavy) contributes to a similar deep, rich sound profile, emphasizing softer, more rounded auditory feedback during key presses. Since nylon is a classic material in switch design, it effectively dampens sound, ensuring a consistent typing experience across both models when it comes to the bottom-out feel and sound. Despite the differences in the top housing materials, the shared nylon composition of the bottom housing allows users to expect a consistent, satisfying auditory feedback during usage.
When combining the unique attributes of each model's housing materials, it becomes evident that the overall typing experience of the Outemu Red Panda and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) will differ due to their top housing materials, while maintaining a level of consistency in the auditory experience owing to their identical bottom housing. Users can anticipate that while the Red Panda may provide crisper tones and sharper sound upon key release due to its polycarbonate top, the Xinhai will offer a richer and bassier tone because of its nylon top. Ultimately, this split in housing materials means that the overall sound profile will vary, but the deep, round sound produced during key presses will remain a commonality linking the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, we find some distinctions in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Red Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch features a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This indicates that the Red Panda is the lighter switch overall, which might appeal to those who prefer less resistance for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch, being heavier, may provide the more substantial tactile experience that some users seek. With close actuation and bottom out forces, both switches potentially result in a satisfying keystroke experience, but users will find a notable difference in the overall typing feel due to the Red Panda's lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, it is clear that each option caters to different preferences. The Red Panda has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) comes in at a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Red Panda is the shorter of the two, offering a more responsive feel, which can be appealing for gamers who seek quicker actuation. Conversely, the Xinhai (Heavy) provides a deeper travel distance, making it potentially more suited for users who favor a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Red Panda would be the preferable choice, while the Xinhai (Heavy) may be ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Red Panda switch offers a unique auditory experience characterized by its bassy, raindrop-like bottom-out sound, paired with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out tone. This combination produces a distinctly thocky sound, delivering a deep richness that many typists find satisfying. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch emphasizes softer acoustics due to its PA12 top housing. While it doesn't possess the thocky sound profile of the Red Panda, it is designed to provide a crisp, higher-pitched resonance thanks to its POM stem. Both switches contribute to different sonic experiences on the keyboard, shaped by their construction and materials.
In terms of feel, the Red Panda delivers a light-medium amount of tactility, creating a typing experience that strikes a balance between a gentle touch and an engaging response. Its mild tactile feedback ensures comfort for a wide range of typists, making it accessible even for those new to mechanical keyboards. In contrast, the tactile characteristics of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) are less defined in the provided details. However, it is expected that as a linear switch, it likely offers a smooth and steady keystroke without the tactile bump found in the Red Panda, which can lead to a different typing experience focused on consistency and fluidity rather than feedback.
Overall, both the Outemu Red Panda and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Red Panda excels in providing a unique sound and mild tactile feedback that many users find appealing. Meanwhile, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) focuses on a softer acoustic profile with a potential emphasis on smoothness during typing. Ultimately, your choice between them will depend on whether you prefer the thocky sound and mild tactility of the Red Panda or the subtle sophistication and potentially continuous experience offered by the Xinhai (Heavy).
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Red Panda and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for tactile feedback and sound characteristics. If you are someone who enjoys a mild typing experience coupled with a satisfying thocky sound, the Red Panda switch would likely be your best bet. Its light-medium tactility and unique acoustic profile provide a balance that can be both enjoyable for typing and gaming without overwhelming your senses. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and a more refined sound profile, then the Xinhai (Heavy) switch may suit your needs better. With its crisp resonance and sophisticated feel, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking precision and a bit of distance in their keystrokes for a more deliberate typing experience. In essence, consider what you value more in your keyboard experience—be it the thocky ambiance of the Red Panda or the refined clarity of the Xinhai (Heavy)—and make your choice accordingly.
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