Outemu Milk Blue vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk 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 Milk Blue and the HMX Perky hinges on personal preference and typing style. The Milk Blue, recognized for its clicky feedback, provides an auditory and tactile response that many typists and gamers find satisfying, making each keystroke feel deliberate and engaging. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience, where the unmistakable click acts as a cue for each action. On the other hand, the HMX Perky, characterized by its softer and glittery nylon housing, offers a linear typing feel that emphasizes smoothness and consistency. With a shorter travel distance, it provides a faster and more streamlined experience, appealing to gamers and users who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing. Both switches have their unique advantages—Milk Blue for the nostalgic click sound and tactile response, and Perky for its refined and effortless keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect 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 Outemu Milk Blue and HMX Perky switches, one notable difference lies in their top housing materials. The Milk Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. This material's stiffness allows for clearer and more resonant sound, making it particularly appealing for users who enjoy the accentuated feedback that polycarbonate provides, especially under RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Perky is outfitted with a nylon top housing, which exhibits a softer nature that absorbs sound rather than reflecting it. Consequently, the Perky offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience than its Milk Blue counterpart. This juxtaposition highlights how the choice of top housing significantly influences the resulting sound characteristics of each switch.
Interestingly, both the Milk Blue and HMX Perky feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which ensures a consistent depth and fullness in their sound profiles. This shared material provides a cushion effect during typing, with its absorption capabilities contributing to the switches' overall acoustic signature. In this case, both switches will deliver a similar bottom-out sound, characterized by a muted and rounded tone produced by the nylon's softer qualities. Thus, users can expect comparable auditory results at the bottom of the keystroke, regardless of the differences presented in the top housings. The synergy of both adjacent housing materials can lead to a richer and more rounded experience when typing, merging the distinct qualities of both materials.
Ultimately, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials leads to unique sound outcomes in the Milk Blue and HMX Perky switches. The Milk Blue's polycarbonate top creates a brighter and crisper sound while the nylon bottom rounds it out for a fuller typing experience. In contrast, the Perky’s nylon top mitigates sharper highs, providing a subplot that resonates with warmth and depth, with the same nylon bottom amplifying this effect. By understanding these material differences and their contributions to both the top-out and bottom-out sounds, users can select their switches based on their desired auditory and tactile experiences while still benefiting from the deep resonance common to both models.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the HMX Perky linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Blue has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Perky is lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that for prolonged typing sessions, the Perky may be more comfortable for users who prefer a lighter feel, allowing for less strain on the fingers. However, the bottom out force for the Milk Blue is unknown, while the Perky's bottom out force is recorded at 50 grams. This suggests that the Perky switch will provide a more defined end point when fully depressed, contrasting with the uncertain bottoming out experience of the Milk Blue. Overall, the HMX Perky is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, making it ideal for users seeking a softer touch, whereas the actuation force of the Milk Blue caters to those who appreciate a firmer keystroke response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, it is clear that the Milk Blue offers a longer travel distance at 4 mm, while the Perky measures in at 3.4 mm. This difference of 0.6 mm can significantly impact the feel and response of each switch. The longer travel distance of the Milk Blue may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced bottoming out, providing a hearty depth that can enhance typing satisfaction. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Perky is likely to cater to gamers and users who favor quick response times, allowing for faster key actuation and a more abrupt feel. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize a more tactile and deeper experience or a swift and responsive 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 Milk 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 Milk Blue switch is characterized by its distinct sound profile, known for its clicky feedback that resonates with a delightful auditory experience, making each keystroke feel engaging and lively. In contrast, the HMX Perky linear switch offers a quieter operation with a softer sound, prioritizing a more subdued typing experience that emphasizes smooth transitions rather than auditory feedback. While both switches can deliver an enjoyable typing experience, the Milk Blue is more suitable for users who appreciate auditory cues, while the Perky serves those who prefer a quieter environment.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Milk Blue provides a tactile experience with a noticeable click that registers both audibly and physically with each keystroke. This can create a sense of satisfaction for typists who enjoy feedback with their actions. On the other hand, the Perky switch presents a smoother and more neutral feel, allowing for a more seamless typing experience without the interruptions of tactile bumps or clicks. This makes the Perky ideal for users who favor a fluid motion while typing, potentially reducing finger fatigue during extended use.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the HMX Perky linear switch largely depends on personal preference. If you value auditory feedback and a tactile typing experience, the Milk Blue is likely the better option for you. Conversely, if you prefer a quieter, smoother experience with a shortened travel distance, the Perky switch would be more aligned with your needs. Ultimately, both switches can cater to different typing sensations, ensuring that you'll find a satisfying keyboard experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the HMX Perky linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you are someone who enjoys feedback while typing and likes to feel the tactile response and hear the satisfying click with each keystroke, the Milk Blue might be the right option for you. This switch is especially suited for typists who enjoy a traditional typing feel and sound, as it can enhance the pleasure of typing for long sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience or plan to use your keyboard for gaming, the HMX Perky switch would likely serve you better. Its lighter actuation force and shorter travel distance provide a quick and neutral response, making it ideal for fast-paced inputs without the distraction of a click sound. Overall, consider what type of feedback and sound you prefer in your typing experience; this will guide you to the switch that suits your needs best.
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