HMX Perky vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference can make all the difference in your typing experience. The HMX Perky, known for its softer, glittery nylon housing, offers a deeply satisfying and neutral typing feel, with a shorter travel distance that enhances its condensed experience. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a gentle touch while typing and prefer a streamlined workflow. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers bring a dynamic flair with their shorter activation point and long pole stem, providing a distinctive "speed" feel that many gamers and fast typists might favor. Additionally, these switches produce a creamy sound signature that adds a unique auditory layer to your typing experience, blending subtlety with performance. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts and offer distinct advantages, they serve different preferences in tactile feedback and auditory response. 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
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Perky and the Jwick Splash Brothers, a clear distinction emerges in their top housing components. The Perky features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due in large part to the softer nature of nylon. This characteristic allows the material to absorb sound rather than reflect it, yielding a result that many users may perceive as warmer and more muted. In contrast, the Splash Brothers employ a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enabling a clearer resonance when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also lends an aesthetic advantage, as it is particularly designed to showcase RGB lighting, making it a preferred choice for those who value visual appeal alongside auditory feedback.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Perky and the Splash Brothers utilize nylon, which leads to a more uniform experience in the bottom-out sound and feel. With both switches sharing this material in the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent and deeper sound profile when the key is fully compressed. The nylon's ability to absorb sound mitigates any harshness that might arise during bottoming out, creating a cushioned typing experience. Thus, despite the differences in top housing, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a common foundation that would likely ease the transition between the two models, ensuring that users still benefit from a fuller sound when pressing the keys down.
The differing properties of the top housing materials naturally lead to varying tactile experiences while typing on either switch. For example, the Perky’s nylon top will soften the sound when releasing a key, further emphasizing the warm acoustic profile of the switch. In contrast, the Splash Brothers, with their polycarbonate top, provide a more pronounced and clear sound when the key is released, offering a feedback that can be perceived as snappier or more responsive. While the switches demonstrate different sound profiles due to their contrasting top materials, the impact of the nylon bottom housing ensures that both types can elicit pleasing auditory experiences. Ultimately, users may find that despite the differences, each design can yield satisfying results dependent on their preferences in sound and feel during typing sessions.
Weight
The HMX Perky linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch both offer relatively light pressing experiences, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. The Perky switch has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Splash Brothers switch lacks a specified actuation force, which makes direct comparison difficult; however, its bottom out force is 48 grams. The bottom out force of the Perky is slightly higher at 50 grams. In terms of weight, both switches are considered light, but the Perky is marginally heavier in terms of actuation force, providing a bit more resistance when activating the switch. If the actuation force of the Splash Brothers were known, more precise comparisons could be drawn, but as it stands, those looking for a lighter option might prefer the HMX Perky, while those who enjoy a stronger feel might find the overall forces of either switch within their comfort zone.
Travel distance
The HMX Perky linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Perky the shorter option and the Splash Brothers the longer one. Given that both switches are relatively close in travel distance, users seeking faster response times may prefer the Perky due to its shorter travel. However, those who appreciate a more substantial pressing experience may favor the Splash Brothers for its additional millimeter, providing a touch more depth in each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding key feel 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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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 HMX Perky linear switch is noted for providing a neutral acoustic profile, making it suitable for both office and home environments. This moderate sound signature ensures that it doesn't overpower conversations or distractions, making it an all-around choice for various settings. Similarly, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch features a neutral sound as well, which is equally appropriate for diverse use cases. The alignment in their sound profiles suggests that users can expect a similarly quiet and unobtrusive typing experience, irrespective of which switch they choose.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Perky is renowned for its softer nylon housing coupled with a shorter travel distance, leading to a typing experience that is both condensed and deeply satisfying. In contrast, the Splash Brothers switch offers a more dynamic feel characterized by mild responsiveness, a bouncy action, and a polished touch. This switch employs a combination of snappy and bouncy traits, providing a lively typing sensation. The juxtaposition of these features means that while the Perky delivers a smooth and satisfying experience, the Splash Brothers brings a more energetic responsiveness that can keep the user's hands engaged during extended typing sessions.
Overall, the HMX Perky and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches both deliver a neutral sound profile, making them compatible for various environments, but they differ significantly in their tactile feedback. The Perky focuses on a satisfying, condensed experience, while the Splash Brothers bring a lively and responsive touch to the table. Choosing between these switches depends on whether a user values a smooth typing experience or a more dynamic engagement with the keyboard. Regardless of preference, both options provide rewarding outcomes, ensuring that newcomers will find satisfaction and utility in either choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Perky linear switches and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches, it boils down to your specific needs and preferences in your typing experience. If you prioritize a soft, neutral feel with a condensed typing experience, the Perky's glittery nylon housing and light actuation force of 50 grams will deliver a satisfying and easy-going typing experience, making it ideal for casual use or when comfort is a top priority. On the other hand, if you seek a more dynamic and responsive feel, the Splash Brothers with its slightly lower actuation force of 48 grams offers a snappy and bouncy experience that is particularly well-suited for gamers or those who enjoy a lively typing sensation. The creamy sound signature of the Splash Brothers adds an engaging auditory element, perfect for a more active typing environment. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you intend to use your keyboard—whether it’s for general typing, gaming, or a mix of both—and what tactile feedback and sound profile will enhance your overall enjoyment.
Mentioned in this article
