Outemu Green vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Outemu Green and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Green and HMX Perky present two distinct choices tailored for different user preferences. The Outemu Green is a clicky switch highly regarded for its tactile feedback and auditory response, making it a popular option for typists and gamers who appreciate that satisfying "click" with every keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Perky is a linear switch designed for a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience, featuring softer and glittery nylon housings that provide a neutral and deeply satisfying feel, with a shorter travel distance that contributes to a more condensed typing experience. Those who thrive on a rhythmic and engaging typing experience may gravitate towards the clicky nature of the Outemu Green, while those who prefer a quieter, fluid feel might find the HMX Perky more appealing. 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
65g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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
The Outemu Green and HMX Perky switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The Outemu Green features a polycarbonate top housing known for its stiffness, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This attribute makes it particularly suited for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory response, especially when RGB lighting is integrated, as the translucence of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of the lighting effects. In contrast, the HMX Perky is equipped with a nylon top housing, a classic choice that delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. The nylon absorbs more sound, producing a duller and rounder auditory experience, appealing to those who prefer a smoother and more muted typing sound.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to similarities in how they perform in that particular aspect. With both the Outemu Green and HMX Perky utilizing nylon in their bottom housing, users can expect a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out the keys. The design choice means that regardless of the top housing's material, the bottom housing imparts a rich auditory foundation to both switches. This feature is essential for typists who value a satisfying tactile feedback and sound when activation occurs, indicating that both switches will deliver pleasurable results in terms of feel and sound upon keystroke.
Ultimately, the combination of different top and bottom housings in the Outemu Green and HMX Perky creates a unique interplay of sound characteristics. While the Green's polycarbonate top gives it a crisper auditory experience, the nylon bottom harmonizes this with a rounded tone, providing an interesting contrast. Conversely, the Perky's nylon top complements its own nylon bottom, leading to a more cohesive sound experience that many users might find comforting. The differentiation in the top housing plays a critical role in the overall sound signature, ensuring that the auditory experience between the two switches is distinctively unique while maintaining overlapping qualities that represent the benefits of nylon as a bottom housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Green clicky switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, there are significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The Outemu Green features a notably heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it suitable for users who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Perky is much lighter, with an actuation force of just 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. This difference means that while the Outemu Green may feel more satisfying for those who appreciate a stronger push, the HMX Perky allows for quicker and less tiring keystrokes, ideal for long usage periods. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing fatigue and the desired tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Green clicky switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the Outemu Green offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Perky measures at 3.4 mm. This makes the Outemu Green the longer option, providing a more substantial depth with each keypress, which some users may find more satisfying and engage with their typing experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the HMX Perky is favored by those who prioritize responsiveness, as it can facilitate quicker actuation and potentially better performance in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for switch depth and the desired tactile feedback, as those seeking a more traditional feel may lean toward the Outemu Green, whereas gamers might prefer the agility of the HMX Perky.
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 Green 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 Green clicky switch is characterized by a distinctly sharp and engaging sound profile, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy auditory feedback during their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Perky linear switch produces a quieter and more subdued sound, contributing to a more serene typing environment. The difference in sound can significantly affect the overall typing experience, with the Green delivering a pronounced click that provides clear auditory confirmation of each keypress, while the Perky's softer acoustics allow for a more discreet, understated experience. However, it's important to remember that the ultimate sound produced can vary based on individual keyboard builds and keycap choices.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Green switch offers a tactile bump accompanied by its clicky feedback, giving users a pronounced sensation as they actuate each key. This makes typing on the Green a lively experience, perfect for those who derive satisfaction from tangible feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switch presents a linear feel that is significantly smoother and more fluid. With a focus on a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, the Perky allows users to glide effortlessly from key to key, promoting a faster typing style due to its shorter travel distance without the interruption of tactile bumps or clicks.
In summary, the Outemu Green and HMX Perky switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you favor a clicky and auditory typing experience, the Green will be more to your liking with its prominent sound and tactile feedback. Alternatively, if you prefer a quieter, smoother experience with minimal resistance, the Perky's linear design may be the better option. Ultimately, your choice will depend on what aspects are most important to you in your typing experience, and each switch has its own unique characteristics to consider.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Outemu Green clicky switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, your personal preferences and typing style will play a crucial role in making the right choice. If you enjoy a tactile and auditory feedback while typing, and don't mind a heavier pressing force, the Outemu Green switch with its clicky nature and 80-gram bottom-out force may be more suited to you. This switch can be ideal for typists who appreciate a more deliberate keystroke and the satisfying sound that accompanies it, making it well-suited for both typing and gaming scenarios where tactile feedback can enhance your performance. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the HMX Perky linear switch, which features a lighter 50-gram bottom-out force, is likely the better option for you. With its softer nylon housing and neutral feel, this switch provides a more fluid typing experience, allowing for faster and less fatiguing keystrokes—perfect for those who type for extended periods or favor gaming with rapid movements. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and preferences for sound and feel when making your decision, and you'll find the switch that best enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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