Outemu Cream Blue vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Outemu Cream Blue and the HMX Perky can significantly influence your typing experience. The Cream Blue, known for its distinctive clicky feedback, is often favored by those who appreciate auditory and tactile responses while typing, making it an excellent option for typists who thrive on the satisfying sound of each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Perky, a linear switch, provides a smoother and quieter experience, appealing to gamers and writers who prefer rapid key presses without audible interruptions. With its softer and glittery nylon housings, the Perky offers a neutral yet deeply satisfying typing experience, complemented by a shorter travel distance for a more condensed feel. While both switches have their unique appeal—one for its nostalgic click and the other for its sleek efficiency—deciding which one is best for you comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
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
Partial box
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
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 Outemu Cream Blue and the HMX Perky, it is notable that both switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is significant as nylon is known for its soft plastic properties, which effectively dampens sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller audio profile when typing. The similarities in material means that players using either switch can expect comparable auditory experiences, with the sound produced being relatively dull and rounded due to the nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. This shared characteristic ultimately contributes to a satisfying typing experience, emphasizing the strength of nylon as a reliable switch housing material across various products.
In considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall performance of each switch, it is important to reflect on how the sound characteristics manifest differently during use. While both the Cream Blue and Perky have njlon as their housing material, the overall typing experience can still vary based on the switch designs and internal mechanisms. Notably, the top housing influences the sound made during key release, while the bottom housing is critical to the feel and sound when the key bottoms out. Since both switches are constructed from nylon, users will experience a rich audio profile in both instances; however, the specific key feel can vary depending on other internal elements of each switch.
Thus, despite their shared material characteristics, there remains the potential for distinct experiences based on their designs. The uniformity of nylon in the Cream Blue and Perky creates a foundation for a smooth and pleasant auditory experience; however, subtle differences in design may yield variations in tactile feedback and sound nuances. In practice, users can anticipate a harmonious typing experience when utilizing either switch, but appreciating the finer details of each switch's performance may lead to preferences based on individual tastes and typing styles. Overall, the nylon composition underscores a commitment to quality and user satisfaction in both switch models, paving the way for users to enjoy the benefits of this material across different products.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, a distinct difference in actuation and bottom out forces emerges. The Cream Blue boasts an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Perky's actuation force is lighter at 43 grams, with a bottom out force of just 50 grams. This means that the Perky switch requires less force to trigger a keypress and to bottom out, making it a more suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter feel, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, the Cream Blue's heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer push feel. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the HMX Perky is the better option, while the Outemu Cream Blue may be favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Cream Blue switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Perky switch measures 3.4 mm. This makes the Cream Blue the longer of the two switches, offering a more pronounced keypress that some users might appreciate for a more substantial tactile feel. Conversely, the HMX Perky's shorter travel distance caters to those who prefer quicker actuation speeds, which can be particularly beneficial for gamers looking for rapid response times. Therefore, if you prioritize depth and a more traditional typing experience, the Cream Blue switch is the better choice. On the other hand, if you favor a snappier and more responsive keypress, the Perky switch would be more suitable.
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 Cream 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 Cream Blue clicky switch is renowned for its distinctive click sound, providing audible feedback that can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory cue. In contrast, the HMX Perky linear switch remains silent, offering a smooth and silent operation typically valued by users who prefer a more subdued typing environment. It's important to remember that the overall sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors, such as the choice of keyboard, the materials used for the keycaps, and the overall build quality of the setup.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Blue switch is known for its tactile bump, which gives users a rewarding sensation with each keystroke. This can create a more engaging typing experience, especially for those who enjoy the sense of feedback that a clicky switch provides. On the other hand, the HMX Perky linear switch delivers a smooth and consistent feel throughout the keystroke, making it ideal for users who prioritize a fluid typing experience without any interruptions. The shorter travel distance of the Perky produces a more condensed typing feel, allowing for quicker key presses and potentially faster typing.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch offers a loud and tactile typing experience, the HMX Perky linear switch caters to those who prefer a quiet and smooth operation. Each switch provides a unique feel and sound that will appeal to different users based on their individual preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you appreciate a pronounced auditory and tactile experience or if you lean towards a more muted and fluid typing sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the HMX Perky linear switch will ultimately depend on your typing preferences and the type of experience you're seeking. If you enjoy a more tactile and clicky feedback with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Cream Blue is likely the better option for you, especially if you appreciate a more traditional typing sound that can be quite satisfying. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter feel with a bottom-out force of only 50 grams and prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience, the HMX Perky switch would be an excellent choice. The Perky’s softer nylon housing provides a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, enhanced by its shorter travel distance, which is perfect for quick and efficient typing sessions. Therefore, consider what aspects are most important to you: the auditory feedback and heft of the Cream Blue or the speed and subtlety of the Perky, and let that guide your decision for the perfect mechanical keyboard setup.
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