Outemu Purple vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Outemu Purple and the HMX Perky hinges significantly on personal typing preferences and desired feedback. The Outemu Purple is recognized for its tactile feedback, providing a noticeable bump that can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction, making it an attractive option for typists and gamers alike who enjoy a more engaged feel with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Perky is a linear switch designed with softer, glittery nylon housings that offer a smooth and neutral typing experience. Its shorter travel distance contributes to a quicker, more fluid keystroke, ideal for rapid typing or gaming sequences where speed is essential. Each switch caters to different user needs—whether it’s the tactile engagement of the Purple or the effortless glide of the Perky. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right 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
2.00 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 considering the housing materials of the Outemu Purple and the HMX Perky, there are notable differences in their top housings that affect sound profile and aesthetics. The Outemu Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its rigidity and ability to produce sharper, higher-pitched sounds. This characteristic lends a crispness to the auditory experience when typing. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for users who utilize RGB lighting, as the material allows for vibrant illumination effects. In contrast, the HMX Perky employs a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer composition. This softer plastic absorbs more sound and results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, creating a more rounded auditory experience. Thus, while the Outemu Purple offers clarity and brightness, the HMX Perky emphasizes warmth and depth in sound.
Examining the bottom housings, both the Outemu Purple and the HMX Perky utilize nylon materials, creating similarities between the two. The nylon bottom housing promotes a richer sound due to its ability to absorb sound waves, navigating the tonal range towards a deeper and fuller sound profile. This uniformity in bottom housing materials means that both switches will deliver a consistent auditory experience when pressed down. Even though the top housings are different, the nylon bottom of the Outemu Purple shares the same sound properties with the HMX Perky, leading to a similar typing feel when the keys are bottomed out. This consistency in the bottom housing means both switches will resonate similarly when engaged, ensuring that typists can expect a unified experience regardless of the differences in the top housings.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials between the Outemu Purple and HMX Perky lead to distinct sound profiles, while the similarity in bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience. The stiffer polycarbonate top of the Purple gives it an advantage in producing sharper sounds suited for users who prefer clarity and responsiveness. In contrast, the softer nylon top of the Perky creates a more muted and warm atmosphere, ideal for those who gravitate toward a rounded typing experience. Nevertheless, as both switches share nylon in their bottom housings, users can expect to enjoy a deeper sound signature when the switch is fully engaged, regardless of the top housing differences. Thus, while distinct in some aspects, both switches offer typists a familiar and enjoyable tactile experience underpinned by their nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Outemu Purple remains unspecified. The Outemu Purple requires an actuation force of 50 grams, which is relatively heavier compared to the HMX Perky's lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This difference makes the Perky more suitable for users who prefer a gentler touch during long typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less force to initiate a keystroke. Conversely, the Outemu Purple offers a more substantial feel, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer push when typing. The HMX Perky's bottom out force of 50 grams indicates that it requires a moderate amount of force to fully depress the switch, which is useful for users who prefer feedback when bottoming out their keys. In contrast, without a specified bottom out force for the Purple, we cannot draw a comparison in this aspect. Overall, the Perky is the lighter switch, making it a better option for extended use, while the Outemu Purple may cater to users looking for a more tactile and engaging typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Purple tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Perky linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means the Outemu Purple offers a more traditional and deeper keystroke, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more substantial tactile feel when typing or gaming. Conversely, the HMX Perky, with its 3.4 mm travel distance, caters to users who prioritize quicker response times, as shorter distances typically allow for faster actuation. Therefore, if you favor a more profound typing experience, the Outemu Purple is the better option, whereas the HMX Perky might be ideal for those who appreciate a more immediate response from their switches.
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 Purple 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Purple switch does not have a specific sound quality highlighted, while the HMX Perky switch is noted for its softer and glittery nylon housings, which likely results in a more muted, pleasant auditory feedback during typing. The sound profile of any mechanical switch can vary depending on additional components like the keyboard's construction and the keycaps being used, so this factor is important to consider when comparing different switches.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Purple switch does not specify distinct tactile traits, whereas the HMX Perky switch is recognized for its neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience. The Perky switch, with its shorter travel distance, is designed to provide a more condensed typing feel, which can cater to those who prefer quicker key presses and a less obstructive typing action. This slight difference in travel distance can lead to varying experiences when typing, particularly for those who prioritize speed.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Purple does not have specific qualities mentioned, the HMX Perky switch stands out for its user-friendly features such as a deeply satisfying feel and a soft sound profile due to its nylon housing. If you're exploring options, you may gravitate towards the Perky for a more compact and enjoyable typing experience, while the Purple may be a viable choice for those who prefer traditional tactile switches without specific sound or feel characteristics highlighted. Ultimately, both switches will provide unique experiences tailored to different preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between Outemu Purple tactile switches and HMX Perky linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a tactile feedback and prefer a more engaging typing experience that guides your fingers without being overly loud, the Outemu Purple may be well-suited for you. This tactile switch is ideal for those who enjoy the sensation of a responsive keypress, making it perfect for both typing and gaming scenarios where feedback is crucial. However, if you crave a smoother, more fluid experience when typing, particularly if you appreciate a lightweight feel and shorter travel distance, the HMX Perky could be your switch of choice. Its softer nylon housing creates a deep satisfaction in typing, allowing for a more condensed keystroke that many find enjoyable for prolonged use. Moreover, if noise is a concern, the Perky's linear design offers a quieter operation, making it an excellent option for office environments or shared spaces. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your desired balance of feedback, sound, and smoothness.
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