Outemu Black vs. HMX Perky

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Black and HMX Perky offer distinctive experiences that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Black is a linear switch characterized by its smooth keystrokes and lack of tactile feedback, making it ideal for gamers or typists who appreciate fast, uninterrupted key presses. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switch stands out for its softer nylon housings, which provide a unique typing experience that is both neutral and satisfying, along with a shorter travel distance for a more condensed feel while typing. While the Outemu Black may appeal to those seeking a straightforward and consistent performance, the HMX Perky brings a touch of softness and a quicker actuation that some users may find more enjoyable. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Black Linear

HMX Perky Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Outemu Black and the HMX Perky switches, a notable contrast emerges in their top housing compositions. The Outemu Black employs a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiff nature of this plastic. This rigidity allows for clearer resonance during typing, especially when RGB lighting is integrated into the design, as polycarbonate's translucency enhances the visual aesthetic. In contrast, the HMX Perky utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile owing to nylon's characteristic softness. This material absorbs sound more effectively than stiffer plastics, creating a rounder auditory experience. Consequently, typing on the Outemu Black elicits a more pronounced and bright sound, contrasting with the smoother, warmer tones delivered by the HMX Perky.

On the other hand, both the Outemu Black and HMX Perky switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material. This consistency in bottom housing material results in a similar underlying auditory quality in both switches. The nylon bottom, being softer, absorbs sound effectively and contributes to a deeper sound profile that is experienced upon bottoming out. Thus, while the top housings create differing sound characteristics, the nylon bottom housing ensures that users will feel a consistent depth and fullness when pressing both types of switches. This shared material gives each switch a foundational performance related to the tactile and auditory feedback experienced during key presses.

Overall, the design and construction of the Outemu Black and HMX Perky switches highlight the importance of housing materials in defining their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The polycarbonate top of the Outemu Black contrasts sharply with the nylon top of the HMX Perky, resulting in distinct auditory experiences when typing. However, due to both switches sharing a nylon bottom, they both maintain a deeper sound quality at the bottom, ensuring a consistent feeling during actuation regardless of the distinct sound profiles produced by their respective top housings. By using these materials strategically, designers can create switches offering varied auditory experiences while retaining foundational characteristics that enhance user comfort.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Black linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Outemu Black requires a heftier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, making it a heavier switch that appeals to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Perky offers a significantly lighter touch, with an actuation force of only 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter feel can be beneficial for users who type for extended periods, as it reduces finger fatigue during long work sessions or gaming marathons. Thus, while the Black's heavier forces provide a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Perky is more suitable for those who favor ease of typing and comfort over extended use.

Travel distance

The Outemu Black linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Perky linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Black switch provides a more traditional key feel with a deeper depth, which might appeal to users who appreciate a more robust typing experience. In contrast, the Perky switch, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those seeking quicker response times, making it a popular choice among gamers who thrive on speed and efficiency. Therefore, if you prefer a switch that offers a hearty depth, the Outemu Black would be the ideal choice, while the HMX Perky is better suited for those favoring a more responsive and rapid activation due to its shorter travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Black linear switch is generally characterized by a more muted and unobtrusive tone, which can be ideal for environments where minimal noise is preferred. It doesn’t produce any distinctive auditory feedback, making it a good choice for those looking for a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch also features a relatively subdued sound profile; however, the softer nylon housing contributes to a more plush and slightly more resonant sound than the Black, resulting in a typing experience that provides a satisfying auditory cue without being overly loud.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Black linear switch is designed to provide a smooth and unbroken keystroke, which enhances speed and efficiency. Users often appreciate the linear action that allows for fast key presses without any tactile bump, making it comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switch is engineered with a softer feel due to its nylon housings, resulting in a typing experience that feels more plush and cushioned. This allows for a more condensed typing experience, as the shorter travel distance makes the keys feel snappier and more responsive without sacrificing comfort.

Overall, both the Outemu Black and HMX Perky linear switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different user preferences. While the Black excels in providing a muted sound profile and smooth actuation, the Perky switches shine with their softer and more satisfying feel and sound thanks to their nylon construction. Ultimately, if you desire a quieter and straightforward typing experience, the Outemu Black is a solid choice. However, if comfort and a more plush response are what you seek, the HMX Perky will deliver a uniquely gratifying feel with a pleasant auditory backdrop.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between Outemu Black linear switches and HMX Perky linear switches, your decision should hinge on your personal preferences regarding actuation force and typing experience. If you favor a firmer feel and don't mind a bit of a workout, the Outemu Black's heavier bottom out force of 82 grams may be ideal for you, offering a solid and deliberate typing experience that can enhance your precision in gaming and typing alike. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more effortless typing experience, the HMX Perky with its lighter 50-gram bottom out force might be the better choice, especially if you enjoy a satisfying and condensed typing experience with its shorter travel distance. Additionally, the Perky's softer nylon housings promise a unique feel that can enhance comfort during extended typing sessions. Ultimately, your final pick will depend on whether you want a heavier, more deliberate switch or a lighter, smoother option that promotes speed and comfort.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Black Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Perky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more