Huano Elf vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Elf and HMX Perky stand out as two captivating linear options, each offering a unique typing experience. The Huano Elf switches are renowned for their POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a rich, deep sound signature paired with a medium-light resistance. This makes them an excellent choice for users who appreciate a satisfying auditory feedback while typing without the heaviness of some other switches. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switches feature a softer, glittery nylon housing that not only provides a visually appealing aesthetic but also results in a neutral and deeply satisfying keystroke. Their shorter travel distance offers a more condensed typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a quick and responsive feel. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, making them worthy contenders for any keyboard enthusiast. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the HMX Perky, one immediately notices a fundamental difference in their top housings. The Elf features a top housing made from polyketone (POK), a material renowned for its durability and smoothness. With a low coefficient of friction (0.04) and exceptional wear resistance, POK outperforms many traditional materials, providing a smooth typing experience with a sharper sound profile upon key release. In contrast, the HMX Perky utilizes a nylon top housing, a well-established choice in the switch industry that offers a softer feel and deeper sound. The nylon's ability to absorb sound contributes to a rounder acoustic signature, distinguishing it from the more crisp sound produced by the Elf's POK top housing.
Interestingly, both switches share common ground in their bottom housing materials, with both utilizing nylon. This uniformity means that while the top housings create different sound experiences and tactile responses, the bottom housings generate a consistent, deeper sound profile across both switches. Nylon's inherent softness plays a crucial role in providing the smooth bottom-out feel and contributes to the overall sound dampening effect, leading to a more subdued auditory output. This similarity in bottom housing brings a rich and full sound to both switches, enhancing the overall typing experience despite the differing characteristics of the top housings.
Ultimately, the distinct characteristics of the Huano Elf's POK top housing and HMX Perky's nylon top housing create a varied typing experience that can cater to different user preferences. The Elf's POK material yields a smoother and more pronounced release sound, while the Perky's nylon offers a warmth that can be desirable for some users. Yet, since both models share the same nylon bottom housing, the impact of this common material serves to unify the experience at the base of the switch, ensuring that both switches can provide a satisfying feel and rounded sound profile when pressed down. Thus, users can select between the two based on their particular sound preference while still enjoying the reliable quality provided by the nylon components in the bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, whereas the Perky’s actuation force is slightly heavier at 43 grams. This indicates that the Huano Elf switch requires less force to trigger a keypress, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Perky switch, with its heavier actuation force, may cater to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience. However, the bottom out force of the Huano Elf switch is not available, making it impossible to compare directly with the HMX Perky, which has a known bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Elf is lighter in terms of actuation force, the overall key feel, particularly when bottoming out, could vary significantly based on the unknown value from the Elf. Consequently, users might find a more substantial typing experience with the HMX Perky due to its bottom out force, despite the slight difference in actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the differences are notable. The Huano Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Perky measures at 3.4 mm. This makes the Perky the shorter of the two options, appealing to those who favor quicker response times, which is often preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the Elf’s longer travel distance may be more suitable for users who appreciate a more pronounced depth when pressing keys, providing a less abrupt feel during typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth, with the Huano Elf offering a more extended travel experience compared to the HMX Perky.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
The HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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 Huano Elf linear switch is characterized by a deep sound signature, thanks in part to its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and contributes to a richer auditory experience. This creates a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke, making it distinctively pleasant for those who enjoy the acoustics of their typing. Conversely, the HMX Perky linear switch, featuring softer and glittery nylon housings, is noted for its more muted sound profile, offering a neutral auditory experience. While it may not resonate as deeply as the Elf, it still provides a satisfying sound that many may prefer, especially in quieter environments. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced can vary based on the keyboard construction, including the board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Elf switch provides a medium-light tactile feedback, making it feel satisfying when typing. This blend of weight allows for smooth actuation while avoiding the fatigue that can arise from overly heavy resistance. On the other hand, the Perky switch is designed for a more condensed typing experience due to its shorter travel distance, which typically enhances the responsiveness and speed of key presses. The Perky’s softer feel contributes to an effortless typing experience, ideal for those who may prioritize quick key acts with less resistance.
Ultimately, both the Huano Elf and HMX Perky linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. If you favor a deeper sound and a medium-light feel, the Elf may be the better choice for you. However, if a more muted sound and responsive typing are what you desire, the Perky switch will likely suit your needs. Each switch has distinctive traits, so you'll want to consider your personal preferences when making a decision. Both can provide satisfying experiences, albeit in different ways, allowing users to select based on their personal typing style and acoustic preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the Huano Elf linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, your personal preferences and intended use will play a pivotal role in your decision. If you are seeking a switch that provides a unique acoustics experience with a deep sound signature, and you appreciate a medium-light feel, the Elf would be an excellent choice. It's especially ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience without the distraction of a heavier bottom-out force. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that feels neutral and offers a condensed typing experience due to its shorter travel distance, the Perky might be more suited to you. The 50-gram bottom-out force may feel lighter and more responsive, making it a good fit for fast typists or gamers who appreciate a snappy response. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style and sound preferences to find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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