Outemu Silent Ocean vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it’s important to consider the unique characteristics and benefits of each option, and that's where the Outemu Silent Ocean and HMX Perky come into play. The Silent Ocean, known for its linear feel, offers a smooth and consistent keystroke with no tactile bump, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Perky features softer, glittery nylon housings that provide a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, complemented by a shorter travel distance that leads to a more condensed feel with each keystroke. While the Silent Ocean excels in delivering a silent operation, the Perky adds a touch of aesthetic appeal and comfort with its innovative design. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 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 housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the HMX Perky, we can see distinct differences in their top housings, which consequently influence the sound profiles produced by each switch. The Silent Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness. This characteristic contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, especially beneficial for those who desire a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Perky's top housing is made of nylon, a softer material that absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This fundamental difference illustrates how the choice of material affects not only the sound but also the tactile experience, as users may prefer either the brightness of polycarbonate or the warmth of nylon depending on their typing preferences.
Interestingly, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a similar sound characteristic in that department, despite the variance in the top housings. Nylon's ability to absorb sound leads to a duller and rounder profile, enhancing the overall tactile feedback users experience when bottoming out. This similarity suggests that while the Silent Ocean and Perky may differ in their upper sections, when it comes to the bottom housings, they will produce comparable results regarding sound depth and cushioning during key presses. The impact of the bottom housing is significant, as it shapes the final auditory feedback upon bottoming out, creating a fuller sound profile for both switches regardless of their differing top material.
Ultimately, the acoustics and responsiveness of each switch will be a blend of the materials used in both the top and bottom housings. In the case of the Silent Ocean, the polycarbonate top will deliver a punchy sound during key releases, while the nylon bottom maintains a warm undertone. Meanwhile, the Perky finds a balance between its nylon top and bottom, providing a uniform deep sound experience throughout. This analysis highlights how the contrasts in the top housing materials can lead to varied auditory experiences, while the similar nylon bottoms help unify the overall performance of the switches, catering to different user preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Ocean features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing 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 lighter option overall. This distinction means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch for longer sessions may find the Perky more suited to their needs, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel in their typing experience might lean towards the Silent Ocean. Ultimately, the key takeaway is that while both switches offer unique benefits, the Silent Ocean is the heavier option, providing a firmer push compared to the lighter, more responsive feel of the HMX Perky.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Silent Ocean features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional depth preferred by many users who enjoy a more substantial keypress. In contrast, the HMX Perky has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, catering to those who favor quicker response times, such as gamers. This shorter distance can enhance typing speed but may feel abrupt to some users who appreciate the deeper feedback of a longer switch. Therefore, if you value the traditional sensation and depth of a 4 mm travel distance, the Silent Ocean is the optimal choice, while the Perky is better suited for those seeking faster actuation with its 3.4 mm distance.
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 Ocean 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is designed to be exceptionally quiet, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. This feature provides a more discreet typing experience, allowing users to maintain focus without being distracted by clacky or loud keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch offers a more vibrant auditory feedback. While still being linear, the Perky's sound profile is likely more pronounced due to its softer nylon housings, creating a satisfying thock when bottoming out. Ultimately, while the Silent Ocean caters to those seeking a muted experience, the Perky appeals to those who enjoy a slightly more audible yet still subtle sound.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Ocean switch emphasizes a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience, capitalizing on its linear mechanism without any tactile bumps or resistance. This can lead to a more seamless typing flow, particularly suited for long periods of use or for gaming where quick key presses are essential. Conversely, the HMX Perky offers a unique sensation thanks to its shorter travel distance, which gives the impression of a condensed and agile response. Users can expect a deeply satisfying experience from the Perky, making each keypress feel efficient and ergonomically enjoyable. While both switches are linear, the differences in their housing materials and travel distances contribute to distinct tactile experiences.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Ocean and HMX Perky switches offer different auditory and tactile qualities that cater to varied preferences. The Silent Ocean provides a quiet, smooth experience ideal for focused settings, while the Perky delivers a more responsive and satisfying feel, enhanced by its sound profile and shorter travel distance. Each switch has its unique attributes, ensuring that regardless of your choice, you can achieve a pleasurable typing experience tailored to your specific needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, your decision should be guided by your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a more tactile experience that provides a significant weight behind each keystroke, and you enjoy a slightly heavier actuation with a solid feel, the Silent Ocean, with its 65-gram bottom out force, will suit you well. This switch is ideal for those who may be engaged in heavier typing tasks, such as coding or professional writing, where precision and stability are paramount. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter feel that promotes quicker typing speeds, the HMX Perky, with its 50-gram bottom out force, is a standout choice. Its softer, glittery nylon housing offers a neutral and deeply satisfying experience, especially beneficial for gamers or casual typists who enjoy rapid key presses and a condensed typing experience due to the shorter travel distance. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences, whether that be the sturdiness of the Silent Ocean or the light, enjoyable typing of the HMX Perky.
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