Outemu Blue vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the nuances between options like the Outemu Blue and the HMX Perky can significantly enhance your typing or gaming experience. The Outemu Blue, classified as a clicky switch, is favored for its distinctive tactile feedback and audible click, making it a popular choice for typists who enjoy a pronounced response with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Perky is a linear switch known for its smooth and uninterrupted keypress, offering a quieter typing experience with a softer feel thanks to its glittery nylon housings. This switch is ideal for users seeking a more streamlined and condensed typing experience due to its shorter travel distance. Both switches cater to different preferences, whether you prioritize auditory feedback or a silky-smooth operation. 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
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue and the HMX Perky switches, a clear distinction emerges in their top housing compositions. The Outemu Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and transparent nature. This material lends a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile to the keypresses, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a pronounced auditory feedback experience. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency enhances RGB lighting effects, creating a vibrant visual display that can elevate the aesthetics of a keyboard setup. In contrast, the HMX Perky uses a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in material impacts the sound produced when a key is released, with the nylon providing a rounder auditory experience that may appeal to typists seeking a more muted and smooth sound.
On the bottom housing front, both the Outemu Blue and HMX Perky switches utilize nylon, which adds consistency to their overall sound profiles despite the variation in their top housing materials. The nylon bottom housing is known for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a more subdued and rounded acoustic experience regardless of the switch type. Consequently, both switches create a profound bottom-out sound, contributing to a satisfying keypress feel. While the top housings create distinct sound profiles, the effective use of nylon in the bottom housing serves to ground the sound quality of both switches, resulting in a deeper and fuller resonance when keys are pressed.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials lead to different auditory experiences while maintaining a cohesive foundation via their nylon bottom housings. Users who prioritize sharp, crisp sounds might lean toward the Outemu Blue, whereas those who prefer a fuller and deeper sound may gravitate towards the HMX Perky. However, since both switches share the same bottom material, they achieve a similar level of sound absorption and a hefty bottom-out feeling, contributing to the tactile satisfaction that typists typically seek. Therefore, while the top housings contribute to the unique listening experience of each switch, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches provide a reliable and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch to the HMX Perky linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, which impact the overall typing experience. The Outemu Blue features an actuation force of 50 grams, while the HMX Perky requires a lighter 43 grams to trigger a keystroke. This makes the Perky switch more accommodating for prolonged typing sessions, appealing to users who prefer less strain while typing at work or during long gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force of the Outemu Blue is not specified, making a direct comparison difficult. The HMX Perky has a clearly defined bottom out force of 50 grams, which contributes to its responsiveness and tactile feedback. In summary, those who enjoy a heavier switch might lean towards the Outemu Blue, but for those seeking a lighter option with a solid response, the HMX Perky would be the better choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Blue clicky switch to the HMX Perky linear switch, we see a clear difference. The Outemu Blue features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option that offers a more pronounced feel during key presses. In contrast, the HMX Perky has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter and aligns with the trend towards quicker response times, especially favored by gamers. This shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking more speedy actuation, while the Blue’s greater travel distance may be preferred by users who enjoy a more tactile and substantial typing experience. Thus, if you prioritize rapid responsiveness, the HMX Perky would be the better choice, while the Outemu Blue caters to those who appreciate deeper key action.
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 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
The Outemu Blue clicky switch is well-known for its distinct auditory feedback, which produces a satisfying and pronounced click sound with each keystroke. This characteristic makes it particularly appealing to typists who appreciate that audible confirmation, adding a layer of engagement to the typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Perky linear switch is designed to provide a quieter and more subdued typing experience. Its nylon housing contributes to a softer sound profile that avoids the sharp click of the Blues, making it a more serene option for environments where noise levels matter, though specific details about its sound characteristics remain unspecified.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Blue switch typically offers a tactile bump combined with a pronounced click that can provide a robust and tactile sensation, making it ideal for those who enjoy feeling a clear response from each key press. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch has a smoother linear action, steering clear of tactile feedback and click sounds; this creates a fluid and uninterrupted keystroke experience. The Perky’s design may offer a more condensed typing experience, reducing travel distance, which can further enhance rapid typing without distractions.
In summary, the Outemu Blue and HMX Perky switches represent two distinct approaches to keyboard feedback through sound and feel. The Blue’s clicky nature and tactile feedback cater to those who relish auditory and physical responses while typing, making it ideal for typists or gamers seeking engagement. In contrast, the Perky switch’s linear feel and reduced sound output provide a cleaner, quieter alternative for a more concentrated typing experience. Choosing either switch will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback or a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke sensation.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the HMX Perky linear switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy auditory feedback and a tactile bump while typing, the Outemu Blue is likely the best choice for you. Its clicky nature makes it particularly satisfying for those who love the sound of each keystroke, making it ideal for typists who often write long documents or engage in heavy programming. However, keep in mind that the potential noise could be a distraction in shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and smoother experience, the HMX Perky switch is worth considering. With a lighter bottom-out force and a softer, glittery housing, this switch provides a plush typing experience that is less straining on your fingers, making it well-suited for extended sessions of gaming or typing. Its shorter travel distance contributes to a quicker response, which can enhance your overall productivity. Therefore, your choice should reflect whether you value the sound and tactile feedback of a traditional clicky switch or the smooth, silent convenience of a linear switch.
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