Jerrzi Orange vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Orange and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Jerrzi Orange and the HMX Perky both present compelling options for enthusiasts, though they cater to distinct preferences. The Jerrzi Orange switches are celebrated for their clacky and lively character, boasting a lightweight design that delivers crisp auditory feedback with every keystroke. This makes them an appealing choice for those who enjoy a responsive and energetic typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Perky switches provide a more subdued yet satisfying touch with their softer, glittery nylon housings, resulting in a typing feel that's neutral and deeply engaging, complemented by a shorter travel distance for a more condensed experience. While the Orange caters to those seeking a vibrant auditory sensation, the Perky focuses on a smoother, quieter performance. 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
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Orange and the HMX Perky, a key difference lies in the choice of material for the top housing. The Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is both crisp and resonant. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer characteristics, which enhance the clarity of the audio feedback produced during key presses. Furthermore, the translucence of polycarbonate complements RGB lighting effects, allowing for more vibrant illumination. In contrast, the HMX Perky opts for a nylon top housing, a classic choice that tends to absorb sound more effectively than polycarbonate. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, leading to a typing experience that is characterized by a more muted auditory feedback.
Both the Jerrzi Orange and the HMX Perky share similarities in their bottom housing, as both utilize nylon. This consistency means that irrespective of the differences in their top housings, both switches will offer a deeper and slightly rounder sound due to nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. The nylon bottom housing is responsible for the tactile feel and the overall bottom-out sound of the switch, ensuring a smooth typing experience. This shared trait ensures that when engaged, users will experience a similar dulled auditory characteristic in both switches, particularly during key presses where the bottom housing becomes the focal point of sound and feedback.
In conclusion, while the Jerrzi Orange and HMX Perky showcase contrasting materials for their respective top housings—polycarbonate versus nylon—their shared nylon bottom housings unify their sound profiles during typing. The combination of the contrasting qualities of the top housing and the consistent characteristics of the bottom housing leads to a diversified auditory experience when using these switches. Users can expect that the sound produced while keying will hinge upon the top housing's material properties, resulting in a sharper experience with the Orange and a more subdued one with the Perky, yet both benefit from the tonal balance provided by their nylon bottoms.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jerrzi Orange switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch requires a heavier actuation force of 43 grams, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing. The bottom out force for the Jerrzi Orange switch is unfortunately unavailable, whereas the HMX Perky switch features a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Perky switch not only requires more force to actuate but also maintains a heavier overall feel when bottoming out. Therefore, if you prefer a lighter switch, the Jerrzi Orange is the better choice, but if you enjoy a heavier, more pronounced tactile experience, the HMX Perky would be more satisfying.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Orange linear switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Perky linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Perky a preferable option for gamers or those looking for quicker response times, thanks to its shorter actuation distance. In contrast, the Jerrzi Orange with its longer travel distance provides a more substantial keypress feel, catering to users who appreciate a heartier depth in their typing experience. While both switches serve distinct preferences, the choice ultimately depends on whether one prioritizes responsiveness or a more pronounced tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
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
The sound profile of the Jerrzi Orange linear switch is particularly noteworthy for its clacky nature, producing a sharp and bright auditory feedback that can add a lively character to your typing experience. Users can expect a crisp and percussive sound with each keystroke, making it quite engaging for those who appreciate audible feedback during their writing or gaming sessions. While this switch offers a certain vibrancy, the specifics of the HMX Perky switch's sound quality remain unknown, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, the overall sound experience will also be shaped significantly by factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Orange switch delivers a feathery and easy-to-press experience. Its lightweight design allows for minimal exertion during key presses, which can be especially beneficial for long typing sessions, contributing to reduced finger fatigue. This switch facilitates a pleasant typing experience that feels effortless and responsive. The feel of the HMX Perky switch, unfortunately, is not defined in the provided information, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares in terms of tactile sensation.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Orange linear switch is a great option for those who enjoy a crisp, clacky sound paired with a lightweight, comfortable feel. Although details on the HMX Perky switch are lacking, especially regarding sound and feel, it's clear that lightweight switches often provide similar benefits in terms of reduced finger fatigue. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, with the Orange especially appealing for those who seek a vibrant auditory experience and a minimal-effort tactile sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you enjoy typing on a lively, responsive keyboard that provides crisp, clacky feedback and a feathery touch, the Jerrzi Orange is an excellent choice. Its light actuation force makes it particularly suitable for rapid typing or gaming, where a quick response is critical and minimizing finger fatigue is paramount. However, if you're looking for a more neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience with a softer feel, the HMX Perky is the way to go. Its light bottom-out force and shallower travel distance offer a quieter, pleasant typing experience that can feel less demanding over extended periods. Ultimately, consider whether you value a more dynamic and tactile feedback with audible cues, or if you prefer a smoother and subtler experience when making your decision.
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