HMX Perky vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Perky and the Huano Sakura are two compelling options for enthusiasts, each bringing unique characteristics to the table. The HMX Perky, with its softer nylon housing and shorter travel distance, provides a neutral typing experience that many find deeply satisfying, especially for those who enjoy a more condensed feel. Its clacky and polished design delivers a silk-like touch that can make typing feel effortless, perfect for quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switches are distinguished by their feather-light touch, making them ideal for extended typing sessions where comfort is key. With medium acoustics, they maintain a pleasant balance between quiet operation and tactile feedback, appealing to users who appreciate a more subtle auditory experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, whether you lean towards a clackier, more polished feel or a lighter, softer touch. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Perky and Huano Sakura, notable differences in their top housings emerge. The Perky utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its softer texture and sound characteristics. This means that the Perky delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the nylon's ability to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Huano Sakura features a POK top housing, which is made of polyketone, a material lauded for its exceptional smoothness and durability. With a low coefficient of friction and significant wear resistance, the Sakura's POK housing provides a clackier and more pronounced sound compared to the muted tones of the Perky, illustrating the distinct acoustic and tactile experiences offered by each switch.
On the other hand, both the HMX Perky and Huano Sakura feature the same nylon material for their bottom housings. This similarity leads to a shared deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon absorbs sound exceptionally well. The bottom housing significantly influences the overall feel and bottom-out sound of both switches, allowing users to experience similar tactile feedback while typing, regardless of the differing top materials. This means that while the top housings contribute to the acoustic differences and overall sound profile, the commonality in their bottom housings ensures consistency in the typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of materials leads to a hybrid outcome in the overall performance of each switch. The nylon bottom housing in both the Perky and Sakura solidifies a common ground where users can expect similar bottoming-out sensations and sound absorption. However, when it comes to the top housings, the distinct acoustic properties—softer and deeper in the Perky versus smooth and clacky in the Sakura—create varied sound profiles and typing experiences. Thus, users choosing between these switches will find that while the bottom housing provides a consistent auditory and tactile foundation, the different top materials allow for personal preferences in sound and feel to take precedence.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Perky linear switch to the Huano Sakura linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The Perky has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Sakura is indeed lighter overall, making it more suitable for users who prefer faster, less fatiguing typing experiences, especially during extended usage such as in work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Perky's slightly heavier forces may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback while typing. Ultimately, if users prioritize lightness for comfort, the Huano Sakura would be the better choice, while those who prefer a bit more resistance might opt for the HMX Perky. Both switches fall on the lighter side of the spectrum, allowing for a more enjoyable experience during long periods of typing.
Travel distance
The HMX Perky linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Perky is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that many gamers may prefer for quicker actions. Conversely, the Sakura’s longer travel distance might appeal to users who favor a deeper keystroke, as it provides a more substantial sensation while typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference: those seeking a faster response time may lean towards the Perky, while those who enjoy a heartier depth in their keystrokes might find the Sakura more to their liking.
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 Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 HMX Perky linear switch produces a delightful clacky noise, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound that creates an engaging auditory experience while typing. The crispness and brightness of the sound can amplify the overall enjoyment of your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura linear switch has a more understated acoustic profile, classified as having medium acoustics, which is ideally suited for long typing sessions without causing auditory fatigue. Although the Perky's clacky sound may bring a lively atmosphere to your setup, the quieter Sakura offers a more subdued auditory environment, making it perfect for shared workspaces or those who prefer less noise.
When referring to feel, the HMX Perky switches excel with a polished and silky texture, resulting in a remarkably smooth and refined typing experience. This smoothness comes from a combination of high-quality materials and potentially factory lubing, leading to reduced friction and effortless key travel. In comparison, the feel of the Huano Sakura linear switch remains unspecified in the provided information, leaving it uncertain how it would stack up against the polished and silky sensation of the Perky. Therefore, while the Perky provides a luxurious tactile feedback that elevates typing comfort, any subjective qualities in the Sakura remain unknown.
In summary, the HMX Perky linear switch distinguishes itself with a lively clacky sound and a smooth, polished feel ideal for a responsive typing experience. Meanwhile, the Huano Sakura linear switch, while quieter with medium acoustics, offers a feather-light touch that is conducive to prolonged typing. Depending on your preferences, both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences, though the Perky leans toward a more vibrant character compared to the more muted appeal of the Sakura. Regardless of the choice, each switch presents unique qualities, and your decision will ultimately depend on the balance of sound and feel that best fits your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Perky linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a slightly heavier switch that provides a clacky sound and a wonderfully polished and silky feedback, the HMX Perky is likely the better fit for you. Its bottom-out force of 50 grams may deliver a satisfying, deeper experience during your typing sessions while offering a condensed travel distance that enhances responsiveness. Alternatively, if you prefer a more feather-light touch with a lower bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Huano Sakura switch might be more appealing, particularly for extended typing where comfort and reduced fatigue are paramount. The Sakura is expected to provide a smoother typing experience but lacks the distinct sound profile of the Perky. Ultimately, you should consider how much weight, sound, and tactile feedback matter to you when making your decision; both switches offer unique advantages that can significantly impact your overall typing experience.
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