Outemu Silver vs. HMX Perky

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard, both the Outemu Silver and the HMX Perky present unique offerings that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Silver, a linear switch, is designed for those who prioritize smooth keystrokes without tactile feedback, providing a clean and uninterrupted typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Perky, also a linear switch, is celebrated for its softer, glittery nylon housing which contributes to a neutral yet deeply satisfying typing experience. With a shorter travel distance, the Perky promotes a more condensed typing experience that might appeal to gamers and fast typists alike. While both switches serve the linear community well, their distinct characteristics may sway users in different directions. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Silver Linear

HMX Perky Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silver and the HMX Perky, a clear distinction arises from the choice of materials for their top housings. The Silver utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the rigidity of the material. In contrast, the Perky opts for nylon, known for its softer properties that yield a deeper and fuller sound. The choice of polycarbonate helps to ensure that RGB lighting effects are enhanced by its translucency, allowing for vibrant illumination through the switch. Therefore, users who prioritize a clearer and more resonant sound profile alongside RGB lighting might lean towards the Silver, while those who favor a more rounded audio experience might prefer the Perky.

On the other hand, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, which gives them a common element that influences their acoustics. The nylon material in both the Silver and the Perky leads to a deeper and more absorbed sound, resulting in a duller tone when the key bottom-outs. This similarity signifies that regardless of the differing top housings, both switches will provide a certain level of consistency in sound profile due to their identical nylon bottoms. Consequently, users will experience a cohesive auditory sensation at the bottom of the key press, promoting an enjoyable typing experience for both switches.

Ultimately, the combination of different top housings and the shared nylon bottom results in unique overall sound characteristics for each switch. The Outemu Silver achieves a blend of clarity and brightness due to its polycarbonate top, which contrasts with the rounded tones produced by the HMX Perky's nylon top. While the nylon bottom helps maintain a baseline of depth and fullness, the impact of the top housing distinguishes their performances. Consequently, users selecting between the two switches will weigh the immersion in RGB visuals and crisp acoustics of the Silver against the Perky’s softer touch and deep sound profile, drawing parallels and differences in their overall typing experiences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, we observe distinct differences that cater to varying typing preferences. The Outemu Silver switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the HMX Perky requires a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making the Perky easier to press and more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In terms of bottom out force, the Silver again shows a heavier characteristic at 65 grams compared to the Perky's 50 grams, indicating that the Outemu Silver offers a more substantial feedback when fully pressed down. Consequently, if a user favors a lighter touch for more comfortable use over prolonged periods, the HMX Perky switch would be the preferred choice, while those who appreciate a stronger push feel may opt for the heavier Outemu Silver switch.

Travel distance

The Outemu Silver linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Perky linear switch offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference in travel distances indicates that the Silver switch provides a more pronounced key press experience, which some users may prefer for its depth and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Perky switch, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and users who seek faster response times and a more abrupt action. Therefore, if you're inclined towards a switch that feels more responsive, the HMX Perky would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial key travel might lean towards the Outemu Silver. Overall, the key distinction lies in the depth provided by the Outemu Silver compared to the swifter action of the HMX Perky.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have a specific notable characteristic associated with it. In contrast, the HMX Perky linear switch offers a more distinct auditory experience, described as neutral and satisfying. This means that while the Silver’s sound profile may not stand out, using the Perky is likely to provide a more engaging and harmonious acoustic feedback when typing, although individual experiences will still vary depending on the keyboard build and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, there isn't a detailed account of the sensory experience offered by the Outemu Silver, making it difficult to gauge how it compares to other switches. Conversely, the HMX Perky linear switch is recognized for its softer, glittery nylon housings which contribute to a notably pleasant tactile sensation. The Perky's shorter travel distance allows for a more condensed typing experience, likely resulting in quicker key presses and a satisfying feedback loop during use.

Ultimately, while the subjective experiences of the Outemu Silver linear switch remain largely ambiguous, the HMX Perky linear switch presents itself as a compelling option with its neutral sound profile and satisfying linear feel. If sound and feel are paramount to your experience, leaning towards the Perky would be advisable, as its characteristics promise a more engaging typing feel, while the Silver may be a more basic choice without outstanding features.

Conclusion

To summarize, when choosing between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, your decision should be influenced by your specific gaming or typing preferences. If you prefer a stiffer keypress with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Outemu Silver might be more suitable for you, especially if you enjoy a durable, robust feel that can help reduce accidental keystrokes during intense gaming sessions. However, if you gravitate towards a lighter, more relaxed typing experience with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, the HMX Perky switch could be your go-to. The Perky switch not only features a softer construction with a glittery nylon housing but also offers a neutral, deeply satisfying feel and a shorter travel distance, which is ideal for fast typists or those who type for prolonged periods. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you value a firmer tactile feedback or a smoother, effortless keystroke experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Perky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more