Haimu Orange Sea vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea 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 Haimu Orange Sea and HMX Perky offer distinct yet appealing experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Haimu Orange Sea switch is renowned for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making it an ideal option for those who appreciate a clean and unembellished typing experience. Its categorized traits of being 'Accented' and 'Invigorating' further enhance its appeal, offering a refreshing touch to typing sessions. Conversely, the HMX Perky switch, crafted with softer and glittery nylon housings, provides a typing experience that is not only neutral but also deeply satisfying, thanks to its shorter travel distance that leads to a more condensed feel. With qualities described as 'Clacky', 'Polished', and 'Silky', the Perky caters to those who enjoy a more tactile and engaging interaction with their keyboard. Both switches have unique advantages, whether you prioritize smoothness or a satisfying feedback experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The comparison between the Haimu Orange Sea and the HMX Perky predominantly hinges on the materials used for their switch housings, showcasing both similarities and contrasts. The Haimu Orange Sea employs a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer properties. This translucency not only enhances the aesthetic appeal, particularly with RGB lighting, but also allows for a more resonant sound when keys are released. In contrast, the HMX Perky features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound. The inherent softness of nylon means it absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, thus creating a duller, rounder character in the auditory experience when typing.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, the situation becomes more aligned, as both the Orange Sea and Perky utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality results in the same acoustic performance—characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon’s sound-absorbing properties contribute to the overall feel and impact when bottoming out on keys, ensuring a smooth and plush typing experience for users. Thus, despite the differences in their top housing materials, the similarities in the bottom housing materials promote a cohesive aural environment, where both switches sustain an engaging typing experience.
Ultimately, the diverse characteristics of the top housings in both switches create distinct yet complementary sound profiles. The Orange Sea’s polycarbonate top delivers a bright, resonating sound upon release, whereas the Perky’s nylon top evokes a warmer, muted echo. However, since the bottom housings for both are made of nylon, users can anticipate a consistent physical feedback and sound depth while typing. Therefore, while the switches diverge in their top housing compositions, they converge in overall performance due to the unified choice of nylon on the bottom, leading to a full and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, both options are considered light in terms of keypress forces. The Orange Sea features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Perky has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. As such, the Orange Sea is the lighter switch, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, which can be beneficial for extended use during work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, those who enjoy a more substantial feel in their keystrokes may find the HMX Perky's higher actuation and bottom out forces more satisfying. While both switches provide a light typing feel, the Perky’s heavier forces may offer a more pronounced pushback, appealing to users who prefer that tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, we find that the Orange Sea offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Perky has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you opt for the Orange Sea, you will experience a deeper key press compared to the more responsive feel of the Perky. For gamers and users who prioritize rapid response times, the shorter travel distance of the Perky may be preferable, as it allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke might lean towards the Orange Sea for its greater depth. Overall, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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 Haimu Orange Sea switch is noted for its neutral sound signature, allowing for a more subdued auditory experience while typing. This can make it suitable for environments where noise level is a concern. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch produces a distinctly clacky sound, characterized by its sharp, bright, and crisp feedback. This lively auditory profile can contribute to a more engaging typing experience but might be perceived as more disruptive in quieter settings. Ultimately, individual preferences for sound will play a crucial role in the decision between these two switches, with the Orange Sea offering a more muted presence compared to the more pronounced clack of the Perky.
In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is described as invigorating and accented. This means it offers pronounced feedback that strikes a balance between being tactile without being overly intense, allowing for a responsive typing experience that's engaging but not overwhelming. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch is praised for its polished and silky feel, suggesting an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. This smoothness is likely enhanced by the materials used in its construction and possibly by factory lubrication, resulting in minimal friction during key presses. While both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, the Orange Sea emphasizes pronounced feedback, whereas the Perky focuses on maintaining ease of actuation with silky smoothness.
In summary, both the Haimu Orange Sea and HMX Perky linear switches bring unique qualities to the table. The Orange Sea excels in providing a balanced and invigorating feel with a neutral sound, making it a great choice for those who seek a more controlled typing experience. On the other hand, the Perky offers a lively clack sound combined with a smooth tactile satisfaction, perfect for users who enjoy an engaging typing journey. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will depend on your sound and feel preferences, as they cater to different tactile experiences while still promising enjoyable performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Haimu Orange Sea linear switches and HMX Perky linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for tactile feedback, sound, and overall typing experience. If you enjoy a smooth, muted typing experience with a light bottom out force of 45 grams, the Haimu Orange Sea switches would be a great fit, especially if you’re looking for a balanced and neutral sound that doesn’t distract you while typing. The invigorating feel and medium tactile response of the Orange Sea can enhance your overall immersion when engaging in extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a slightly firmer bottom out force of 50 grams, the HMX Perky switches might suit your needs better. With their polished and silky feel, the Perky switches provide a refreshing change in typing experience with a crisper, clacky sound that can add an engaging auditory element to your keystrokes. Additionally, the Perky switches feature a shorter travel distance, making them perfect for fast typists who value quick, responsive feedback. Depending on your typing style and sound preferences, these considerations will guide you toward the switch that best complements your mechanical keyboard setup.
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