Outemu Dustproof Brown vs. HMX Perky

Overview

When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role in tailoring your typing experience. The Outemu Dustproof Brown switch offers a tactile response that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for typists and gamers who appreciate a more engaged form of input. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch, characterized by its linear design and softer, glittery nylon housings, delivers a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience. This switch is particularly favored by those who prefer a faster, more fluid keystroke, perfect for rapid typing or gaming scenarios. Both switches have their unique appeal—while the Dustproof Brown enhances precision with its tactile bump, the Perky is all about a condensed and satisfying feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Dustproof Brown Tactile

HMX Perky Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the HMX Perky, it becomes apparent that they rely on different plastics for their top housings, which influences their auditory characteristics. The Dustproof Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity, which produces a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This material’s translucency enhances RGB lighting effects, ensuring a visually appealing display while also contributing to a sound signature that is crisper than that of softer materials. In contrast, the HMX Perky is constructed with a nylon top housing, a classic choice favored for its ability to absorb sound, creating a deeper and more rounded auditory experience. The fundamental difference in the properties of these two plastics significantly affects the feedback an avid typist receives when using each switch.

Interestingly, both switches share nylon as the material for their bottom housings, fostering a commonality that might lead to similar typing experiences in terms of sound. The nylon composition in the Dustproof Brown’s bottom housing, akin to the Perky’s, results in a fuller and more subdued sound profile during key presses. This feature is crucial as the bottom housing largely shapes the texture of key presses and the resulting sound when a key bottoms out. Thus, while the top housing materials create distinct auditory characters—sharp and clear versus deep and warm—the bottom housings align their tonal qualities, ensuring a cohesive experience in terms of sound absorption and feedback during typing.

Overall, the dynamic interplay between the top and bottom housings within each switch ultimately determines the overall sound and feel of the keypress. In the case of the Outemu Dustproof Brown, the polycarbonate top elevates the acoustic sharpness upon releasing a key, while the nylon bottom dampens the impact for a rounder sound upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the HMX Perky’s nylon top maintains a consistent roundness in sound both on press and release, differing in clarity but potentially offering a comforting typing experience. Those interested in either switch will likely appreciate how the combined properties of their respective materials can cater to personal preferences in typing acoustics and tactile feedback, despite the variance in the top housing materials.

Weight

The Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly influence typing experience. The Outemu Dustproof Brown requires a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the HMX Perky has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. This means that users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience may find the Perky more suitable for extended use, while those who favor a more substantial feel from their keystrokes may lean towards the Dustproof Brown. Thus, the two switches differ in terms of typing dynamics, with the Outemu Dustproof Brown being the heavier option and the HMX Perky offering a lighter experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the distinctions are clear. The Dustproof Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional longer travel distance preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the HMX Perky linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, catering to those who favor quicker, more responsive keystrokes. While both switches cater to different preferences—depth for the Dustproof Brown and speed for the Perky—the distinct difference in travel distances highlights the varying user experiences they offer. Therefore, if you prioritize a hearty depth in your typing experience, the Outemu Dustproof Brown is the recommended choice, whereas the HMX Perky is more suitable for those who favor swift response times and a less abrupt actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch does not have a specific auditory characteristic highlighted, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, the HMX Perky switch is noted for its softer sound profile, which can contribute to a quieter typing experience when used with the right keyboard and keycaps. The acoustic quality of any mechanical switch is influenced by the keyboard construction and materials used, so while the Perky may generally provide a more muted sound, the Dustproof Brown’s characteristics remain less defined.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch lacks a detailed description of its tactile sensations, which leaves its tactile characteristics somewhat ambiguous. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switch features a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, offering a shorter travel distance that contributes to a more condensed feel during typing. This could imply a quick response and less effort required for actuation, appealing to those who prefer a smooth linear action rather than a pronounced tactile bump.

Overall, while the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch does not have defined qualities for sound and feel, the HMX Perky switch stands out for its soft sound and neutral, satisfying typing experience. If you seek a predictable and enjoyable typing experience, the Perky may be the better choice, whereas the Dustproof Brown might appeal to those who appreciate a more traditional tactile switch with less defined characteristics. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and how each switch fits into your overall typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a medium-heavy tactile feel that provides clear feedback and a slightly more resistant keystroke, the Dustproof Brown can be a great choice, especially if you're engaged in activities like coding or typing long documents where tactile cues are beneficial. Its heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams can help prevent accidental key presses, giving you more control. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter, smoother experience, the HMX Perky linear switch with its soft 50-gram actuation force is likely to deliver a more fluid and satisfying typing experience. This makes it ideal for gaming or rapid typing tasks where a quicker, less resistant action can enhance performance. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you value tactile feedback or a seamless linear motion more in your keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Dustproof Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Perky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more