Outemu Blue Jade vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue Jade and the HMX Perky stand out for their distinct characteristics and appeal to different types of users. The Outemu Blue Jade, a clicky switch, is often favored by typists who enjoy the tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction that comes with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who type frequently and appreciate a more traditional typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Perky is a linear switch designed for a smoother and quieter operation, featuring softer nylon housings that provide a satisfying and neutral typing experience. With their shorter travel distance, the Perky switches allow for faster key presses and a more condensed typing experience, appealing to gamers or those who prefer rapid input without the clicky distraction. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on your needs—whether you prioritize a tactile feel or a seamless glide—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
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Blue Jade and HMX Perky switches both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, a classic choice in switch design that brings a unique sound profile and tactile experience. The use of nylon in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is primarily due to nylon's characteristic of being a relatively softer plastic, which allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. Consequently, when users type on either switch, they will experience a duller and rounder sound quality, enhancing the auditory pleasure of the typing experience. This shared material establishes a familiarity for users switching between the two, as both housing designs deliver a similar acoustic character.
Beyond the auditory composition, the nylon materials used in both the Blue Jade and Perky contribute to the overall feel during use. Since both switches feature nylon in their top and bottom housings, the user experience remains consistent; the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback during key presses, while the top housing affects the sound produced when a key is released. The familiarity of this switching action is preserved across both models, ensuring that users enjoy a smooth and satisfying response whether they choose the Blue Jade or the Perky.
Moreover, the uniformity of switch material between the Outemu Blue Jade and HMX Perky enables users to achieve similar performance results in their typing endeavors. Since both switches are made with nylon for both top and bottom housings, they exhibit comparable acoustic and tactile characteristics, resulting in a consistent user experience regardless of the chosen switch. Thus, for those who appreciate the qualities of nylon in their keyboards, opting for either the Blue Jade or Perky would yield similar outcomes in feel and sound, enhancing their overall typing experience in a seamless manner.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HMX Perky linear switch present a clear contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Jade features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX Perky boasts a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it distinctly light. This means that while the Blue Jade requires more force to actuate and bottom out, the Perky allows for a more effortless typing experience. For users who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions or gaming, the lighter HMX Perky may be the more suitable choice, whereas those who favor a more substantial, tactile feedback may prefer the heavier push of the Blue Jade. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, there's a notable difference: the Blue Jade has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Perky offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Blue Jade the option for those who prefer a more traditional, deeper feel when pressing down on a key, leading to a more pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the Perky, with its shorter travel distance, caters to users who favor rapid responsiveness, commonly sought after by gamers. Specifically, the shorter travel of the Perky can allow for quicker actuation, which some users may find preferable for fast-paced gaming. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you appreciate the feedback of a deeper press or the swift actuation offered by a shallower switch.
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 Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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 Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch typically offers a distinctive auditory experience characterized by a pronounced click, which can be satisfying for typists who appreciate auditory feedback. This clicky sound is often sharp and clear, making each keystroke unmistakable and giving a sense of confirmation with every press. Conversely, the HMX Perky linear switch provides a much quieter operation, focusing on a smoother sound profile that minimizes any auditory distraction. Since the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard’s construction and the type of keycaps used, variations in sound may be encountered but remain consistent to the inherent qualities of each switch type.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue Jade is known to have a tactile bump that accompanies its click, providing a clear indication of actuation that many typists find enjoyable and engaging. This tactile feedback can enhance overall typing accuracy for users who thrive on a more active typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Perky linear switch is designed for a softer touch, offering a linear feel without the tactile bump, leading to an incredibly smooth keystroke throughout its travel distance. The resulting typing experience tends to be neutral and deeply satisfying, making it suitable for those who prefer a consistent and uninterrupted keypress.
In conclusion, if you're seeking a typing experience that emphasizes sound and tactile feedback, the Outemu Blue Jade with its sharp click and noticeable actuation point will likely meet your needs. However, if you prefer a quieter environment with a smooth and condensed typing feel, the HMX Perky will allow for a more subdued yet satisfying experience. Both switches offer distinct advantages, and your choice will ultimately come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HMX Perky linear switch largely depends on your personal typing style and preferences. If you enjoy a tactile experience with a pronounced click sound and don't mind a heavier actuation force, the Blue Jade may be the ideal choice for you. Its medium-heavy actuation of 65 grams can provide a satisfying feedback while typing, making it well-suited for those who take pleasure in the audible and tactile sensations of classic mechanical switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with less resistance, the Perky switch is a fantastic option. With a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a neutral feel, it's perfect for those who desire speed and fluidity—ideal for gaming or rapid typing scenarios. Ultimately, consider your usage habits and preferences: choose the Blue Jade for a tactile and clicky experience or the Perky for a softer, more streamlined feel.
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