Outemu Silent Green vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silent Green and the HMX Perky stand out as two noteworthy options, each offering a unique typing experience despite both being linear switches. The Outemu Silent Green is designed to provide a smooth and unobtrusive typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a minimalistic feel without tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for quiet environments. In contrast, the HMX Perky boasts a softer, glittery nylon housing that not only enhances aesthetics but also delivers a neutral and satisfying typing experience, thanks to its shorter travel distance. This can lead to a more condensed and efficient typing feel, ideal for users who prioritize speed and fluidity. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, they differ significantly in their materials and typing sensations. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Green and the HMX Perky, a notable difference arises in the choice of materials used for both the top and bottom housings. The Silent Green utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a distinct sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper sound, making it ideal for users who prefer a more resonant typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Perky features nylon in both its top and bottom housings, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. The nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder typing experience that may appeal to users seeking a more subdued auditory feedback.
The impact of these material choices extends beyond mere acoustics; they also influence the tactile feel of each switch. With the Silent Green's polycarbonate housing, users can expect a more pronounced auditory feedback when releasing keys, as the transparency of the material enhances the RGB lighting effect and creates a visual spectacle. Furthermore, the stiffness of the polycarbonate means that the bottom-out sound is characterized by clarity, which can be particularly satisfying for typists or gamers who require responsive keypresses. Conversely, the Perky's nylon construction not only dampens sound but also contributes to a softer feel when typing or gaming, potentially offering a more plush experience that some users may find more comfortable over extended use.
In summary, while both the Silent Green and HMX Perky switches employ different materials that lead to distinct sound profiles and tactile sensations, they also share a commonality in that users can achieve similar results if they prefer a hybrid experience. For instance, a combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings could yield a balanced sound and feel, capturing the crispness of polycarbonate while also softening the overall auditory experience with nylon. Ultimately, the choice between these two types of housing materials allows users to tailor their typing experience to their specific preferences, whether they lean towards a sharper, clearer sound or a deeper, more contained auditory response.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces highlight their respective characteristics. The Silent Green requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range and offering a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Perky is lighter, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to users who prefer a switch that requires less pressure, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. While the Silent Green leans towards those who appreciate a heavier push feel, the Perky caters to those seeking a softer touch. Therefore, the Silent Green is the heavier option, whereas the Perky is lighter, providing a clear choice based on user preference for typing force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, notable differences arise. The Silent Green features a travel distance of 4 mm, which adheres to the more traditional depth, offering a substantial feel when pressed. In contrast, the HMX Perky has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, catering to the growing preference for quicker response times among gamers and users who favor snappier keystrokes. This shorter distance can enhance typing speed, but may feel abrupt to those accustomed to a more pronounced keystroke. Consequently, if you prefer a hearty depth and the tactile feedback that comes with it, the Outemu Silent Green would be the preferable choice, while the HMX Perky is ideal for those seeking efficiency and responsiveness.
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 Silent 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is notable for its muted operation, designed to minimize noise during typing. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where quietness is essential, such as shared workspaces or late-night usage. On the other hand, the HMX Perky linear switch features a more pronounced sound profile, which is likely enhanced by its softer nylon housings. The Perky switch's acoustics are described as being satisfying and pleasant to type on, though the exact nature of this sound can depend heavily on the keyboard and keycap combination used.
In terms of feel, the Silent Green switch tends to have a smooth, uninterrupted keypress that favors a linear typing style. This linear nature provides a consistent experience without tactile feedback, catering to those who prefer a seamless and fluid typing motion. Contrastingly, the HMX Perky switch offers a typing experience that is not just neutral but also deeply satisfying, primarily due to its shorter travel distance. This shorter actuation can lead to a more engaging typing experience, perhaps encouraging faster typing with a sense of responsiveness that some users may find appealing.
Overall, both the Outemu Silent Green and HMX Perky linear switches offer distinct benefits that cater to different preferences. If you're seeking a quieter typing experience, the Silent Green will serve well in minimizing sound. Alternatively, the Perky provides a satisfying feel with a slightly more engaging auditory response, thanks to its nylon housing and design. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will hinge on individual priorities—be it sound, feel, or typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding tactile feedback and typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams that offers a solid feel, the Silent Green may be the right pick for you. This switch can provide a more deliberate typing experience, making it ideally suited for those who spend long hours typing or gaming and appreciate a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. However, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, then the Perky switch would be more appealing. Its softer nylon housing lends itself to a highly satisfying and neutral typing experience, complemented by a shorter travel distance that can increase your typing efficiency. Furthermore, if you prioritize a less noisy environment while typing, opting for the Silent Green would be beneficial, as it is designed with sound dampening in mind, whereas the Perky focuses on a delightful tactile engagement without specific sound characteristics. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you want a heavier, more robust feel with noise reduction or a light, quick, and satisfying experience with the Perky. Choose based on what best fits your typing style and environment to enhance your overall experience.
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