Huano Acacia vs. HMX Perky

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and HMX Perky present intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear switch experience. The Acacia is renowned for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, resulting in an excellent typing experience straight out of the box, with minimal stem wobble that enhances stability and precision during use. In contrast, the HMX Perky features a softer, glittery nylon housing, offering a neutral and deeply satisfying typing feel that many users find appealing. With its shorter travel distance, the Perky allows for a more condensed typing experience, which can be particularly advantageous for fast typists. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, making them worthy contenders in the realm of mechanical switches. 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

Huano Acacia Linear

HMX Perky Linear

$3.39 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the HMX Perky, the key differences are found in the top housing. The Acacia utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and more vibrant sound profile. Polycarbonate’s stiffer structure allows for a clearer resonance, making it a popular choice for those who desire an articulate typing experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Perky’s top housing is made from nylon, which is known for its softer and more absorbent nature. As a result, while both switches feature nylon in their bottom housings, the sound experience differs significantly; nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile that emphasizes warmth and richness.

The bottom housings of both switches, however, are identical in material—nylon—which implies that both the Acacia and the Perky will provide a similar auditory experience when keys are bottomed out. This shared material plays a crucial role in sound dampening, resulting in a notably rounder sound that absorbs some of the impact noises created during key presses. Consequently, both switches exhibit a harmonious consistency in terms of the sound produced upon key release, largely influenced by their nylon bottom housing. This means that while the top housing may differentiate their sound profiles, the bottom housing ensures a cohesive auditory foundation.

Ultimately, the distinct combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Acacia's housing offers a unique auditory experience that contrasts the more muted acoustics of the Perky with its all-nylon construction. In practice, users might find that while the bottom-out sound of both switches is plush and rounded, the release sound diverges significantly. Those seeking a crisper and sharper feel might lean towards the Acacia due to its polycarbonate top, whereas users desiring a warmer and more subdued typing experience might prefer the Perky. Overall, the contrast in top housing materials leads to a diverse array of sound profiles, even with the commonality in bottom housing composition.

Weight

The Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Perky is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, placing it firmly in the light category. This difference makes the Perky more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Acacia offers a slightly more substantial feel that some may find satisfying when typing. As a result, the Acacia switch is the heavier option, providing a firmer response, whereas the Perky is the lighter alternative, appealing to those who favor a softer tactile experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, it's clear that the Acacia offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Perky has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Acacia switch provides a more pronounced feedback with a deeper press, which might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Perky, with its shorter travel distance, could be favored by those who prioritize rapid actuation and responsiveness, such as gamers who thrive on quick key presses. Therefore, while both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances becoming popular in modern keyboards, the Acacia definitely stands out for those preferring a deeper engagement, while the Perky caters to those seeking a more immediate response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch produces a subtle and pleasantly muted sound profile, making it ideal for quiet environments or shared spaces where noise levels should be kept to a minimum. The generous factory lubrication ensures that any audible friction is minimized, leading to a soft thock with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Perky linear switch offers a more pronounced sound due to its softer nylon housing, which can resonate differently with key presses. Though still relatively quiet compared to clicky or tactile switches, the Perky tends to have a more pronounced clack at the bottom-out, creating a satisfying acoustic feedback that appeals to many typists.

Regarding feel, the Huano Acacia switch stands out with its medium-light weight, allowing for an effortless typing experience characterized by a smooth keystroke. The minimal stem wobble enhances stability and provides a consistent tactile sensation, promoting an overall confidence in typing accuracy. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switch offers a different tactile feedback, thanks to its shorter travel distance that condenses the keystroke experience. This design creates a quick and responsive feel, resulting in less fatigue during extended typing sessions. The soft nylon housing contributes to a pleasant, cushioned effect upon bottoming out, which many users find deeply satisfying.

In summary, both the Huano Acacia and HMX Perky linear switches offer their unique qualities, appealing to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Acacia provides a quieter and more stable typing experience, the Perky leans towards a more resonant auditory feedback with a condensed keystroke. Choosing between the two will ultimately depend on personal preferences regarding sound profile and tactile sensation. If your preference leans toward a muted experience, the Acacia is a solid choice, whereas if you enjoy a more dynamic sound with a quick response, the Perky may suit you better. Both switches deliver a high-quality typing experience, so they'll serve well in different setups depending on your needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier feel and appreciate a smooth typing experience with good factory lubrication out of the box, the Acacia is the way to go. With its 55-gram bottom-out force, it provides a solid yet forgiving feedback that can enhance your typing speed and accuracy, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, if you lean towards lighter switches, the HMX Perky offers a 50-gram bottom-out force that caters to quick, effortless keystrokes. Its softer nylon housing contributes to a unique tactile sensation and a more condensed travel distance, which can be appealing for fast typists who prioritize speed and precision. Ultimately, consider your typing habits: if you need a more substantial response, go for the Acacia; if you favor a light touch and a cozy feel, the Perky awaits you.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

Learn more

HMX Perky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more