Huano Grape Orange vs. HMX Perky

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options often come into play: the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Perky, both of which are linear switches but offer distinctly different typing experiences. The Grape Orange is renowned for its exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, featuring a low actuation force of just 40g that makes it an ideal choice for those who spend long hours typing. This attribute caters to a delightful, fatigue-free experience, perfect for writers and gamers alike. In contrast, the HMX Perky offers a more neutral yet deeply satisfying typing experience thanks to its softer nylon housings and reduced travel distance, which promote a more condensed typing feel. This switch can be particularly appealing to users who appreciate a speedy response without sacrificing comfort. While both switches provide a smooth, linear feel, their unique characteristics cater to different preferences and typing habits. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

HMX Perky Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Perky switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The Grape Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, making it an excellent choice for achieving a clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Perky features a nylon top housing, a material that is well-regarded for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound and leads to a rounder acoustic experience. Thus, while the Grape Orange offers a more vibrant auditory feedback, the Perky's nylon top delivers a muted and lush sound.

When examining the bottom housing of both switches, we find that they both utilize nylon, which leads to similar sound characteristics. The nylon bottom housing in both the Grape Orange and the Perky contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as this material's sound-absorbing properties can dampen higher frequencies, creating a softer bottom-out sound. This shared bottom housing material means that regardless of the differences in their top housings, users can expect a consistently rounded acoustic result when the switches are engaged. Consequently, this similarity in the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a rich sound experience, focusing on a deep auditory response upon key press.

In summary, while the top housings of the Huano Grape Orange and HMX Perky switches present contrasting materials. The effects of their respective materials (polycarbonate and nylon) create varied top-end sound profiles. However, both switches share nylon as the bottom housing material, leading to a cohesive acoustic characteristic when the switches are activated. This means that users will experience distinct sounds when the keys are released, influenced by the top housing, yet both switches will yield a consistent, fuller sound upon pressing the keys down, showcasing how each material plays a unique role in defining the overall switch experience.

Weight

The Huano Grape Orange and HMX Perky linear switches offer a relatively light typing experience, though they do have some differences in actuation force. The Grape Orange features an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Perky requires a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that they reach the same level of resistance when pressed fully down. As a result, typists and gamers who prefer a lighter feel may gravitate towards the Grape Orange for its lower actuation force, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Perky, while still considered light, provides a marginally heavier feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial push. Overall, while both switches share the same bottom out force, the Grape Orange is the lighter option due to its lower actuation force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the Grape Orange has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Perky measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm may seem minimal, but it can affect the feel and responsiveness of each switch. The shorter travel distance of the Perky may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, whereas the Grape Orange, with its longer travel distance, could be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial key press. Overall, if you're looking for a quicker, more responsive feel, the HMX Perky is the better choice, while the Huano Grape Orange provides a deeper and potentially more satisfying typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch tends to produce a softer and less pronounced acoustic profile compared to the HMX Perky linear switch. While the Grape Orange is characterized by a muted sound due to its crafting and design, the Perky switch offers a subtly more resonant tone, made possible by the unique material of its nylon housing. However, both switches deliver a satisfyingly quiet auditory experience, making them well-suited for environments where noise is a concern. It's important to note that the overall sound can vary significantly depending on the specific keyboard build and choice of keycaps, which means both switches can produce pleasing acoustics with the right setup.

In terms of feel, the Grape Orange linear switch excels in providing an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience because of its ultra-low 40g actuation force. This makes it particularly suitable for prolonged typing sessions, as the reduced resistance allows for quicker key presses and a more fluid experience. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switch is noted for its neutral and satisfying tactile quality, which is enhanced by its shorter travel distance. This means that while the Perky may not be as light as the Grape Orange, it offers a compact and responsive typing feel that many users find enjoyable. Ultimately, both switches prioritizing comfort, but they cater to slightly different preferences regarding resistance and travel distance.

In summary, while the Huano Grape Orange and HMX Perky linear switches each boast distinct characteristics, they both provide satisfying typing experiences. The Grape Orange emphasizes a light actuation force perfect for extensive typing, while the Perky offers a compact and responsive feel along with a slightly more resonant sound profile. Users can expect a delightful typing experience from either switch, and the choice between them will mainly come down to individual preferences regarding sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Perky linear switches, you should consider what type of typing experience you prefer and how you plan to use your keyboard. If you're looking for an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during extended use, the Grape Orange switches will likely be your best choice. Their light actuation force of just 40 grams means you can type quickly without much resistance, making them ideal for long hours of work or gaming. On the other hand, if you seek a more neutral feel with a satisfying tactile experience and slightly shorter travel distance, the HMX Perky switches might be your way to go. Their glittery nylon housings offer a unique blend of softness and stability, catering to those who appreciate a more condensed typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a feather-light action for speed and comfort or a more balanced feel that emphasizes pleasure in the keystroke.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

HMX Perky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more