Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean vs. HMX Perky

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the HMX Perky offer distinct yet appealing options for users seeking a linear switch experience. The Dustproof Silent Ocean is designed for those who prioritize a quieter typing environment, making it an excellent choice for office settings or shared spaces where noise can be a concern. In contrast, the HMX Perky captivates with its softer and glittery nylon housings, providing a typing experience that is both neutral and deeply satisfying. Users can expect a more condensed typing experience with the Perky, thanks to its shorter travel distance, catering to those who prefer faster actuation without sacrificing comfort. Ultimately, while both switches present unique benefits—the tranquility of the Dustproof Silent Ocean versus the engaging feel of the HMX Perky—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean Linear

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 Silent Ocean and the HMX Perky, one of the most striking differences lies in the top housing. The Dustproof Silent Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's rigidity, which allows for clear resonance, particularly beneficial for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Perky employs a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean may excel in clarity and brightness, the HMX Perky leans into warmth and fullness in its sound quality.

Both switches possess nylon bottom housings, which intriguingly balances some of the sonic characteristics they offer. The nylon in the bottom housing for both the Dustproof Silent Ocean and the HMX Perky provides a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing sound, which diminishes the sharper echoes found in harder plastics. Consequently, pressing down on either switch will evoke similar acoustic qualities tied to the nylon material in the bottom housing. This shared feature suggests that regardless of the differing materials in the top housing, both switches deliver a consistency in sound absorption and depth during key presses.

In essence, the combination of housing materials in both the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the HMX Perky creates unique but overlapping sound profiles. The crisper sound of the polycarbonate top in the Dustproof Silent Ocean contrasts with the softer warmth of the nylon top in the HMX Perky. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller auditory experience during key presses. The result is that while you may experience different tonal qualities when typing, the underlying sound absorption and richness offered by the nylon in the bottom housing ensure that, in some respects, both switches can achieve comparable results.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Dustproof Silent Ocean has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX Perky has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a light switch overall. The difference in actuation forces indicates that the Perky requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke, appealing to users who type for extended periods or prefer a lighter touch. Furthermore, the bottom out force reinforces this distinction, as the Perky’s 50 grams is significantly lighter than the 65 grams for the Dustproof Silent Ocean, emphasizing a softer keystroke experience. Therefore, those who enjoy a heavier and more substantial typing feel may gravitate toward the Dustproof Silent Ocean, while those seeking comfort and lighter keystrokes will prefer the HMX Perky.

Travel distance

The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Perky linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Dustproof Silent Ocean the shorter of the two options, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times due to its shorter travel distance. In contrast, the HMX Perky, with its additional 0.1 mm, might be more suited for users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, as it offers a greater sense of depth during key presses. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, those who prioritize a quicker actuation would likely lean towards the Outemu switch, whereas the HMX Perky could be favored by those who enjoy a more robust typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to the sound profile, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch does not have any standout sound characteristics mentioned, which implies that it may produce a more muted or subdued acoustic experience. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch is characterized by its softer, glittery nylon housing that likely contributes to a quieter and smoother typing sound. Overall, the sound from both types of switches may vary depending on factors like the keyboard setup you choose, but the Perky switch might offer a more pleasant auditory experience for those who prefer a softer sound profile.

Regarding feel, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch lacks a specific description, making it difficult to ascertain its tactile feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switch is known for providing a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, thanks to its shorter travel distance. This shorter actuation may lead to a snappier response in typing, giving users a more concise and efficient typing sensation. The difference in feel suggests that while both may cater to a linear preference, the Perky could offer a more enhanced and responsive experience.

In conclusion, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and HMX Perky switches present differing subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the former lacks defined characteristics, possibly resulting in a more muted experience, the latter stands out with its softer sound and a very satisfying feel due to its design. If you value a quieter typing experience with a responsive touch, the HMX Perky would likely be the better choice. However, if you are indifferent to the specifics, either switch could provide a reliable linear typing experience with similar outcomes in general performance.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch largely hinges on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a medium-heavy feel with a solid 65-gram bottom-out force, the Dustproof Silent Ocean could be an excellent option, especially if you anticipate using your keyboard in quieter settings where sound dampening is beneficial. However, if you seek a lighter, more effortless typing experience with a 50-gram bottom-out force, the HMX Perky switch is likely your best bet. Its softer and glittery nylon housing offers a satisfying yet neutral feel, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Moreover, the Perky's shorter travel distance can provide a more condensed typing experience, making it suitable for fast-paced environments. In summary, choosing the Dustproof Silent Ocean means prioritizing a heavier feel and potential noise reduction, while opting for the Perky will give you a quicker, lighter touch ideal for those who favor speed and responsiveness.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Perky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more