HMX Perky vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular linear options that stand out are the HMX Perky and the Bsun Tomcat. The HMX Perky is celebrated for its softer, glittery nylon housings that provide a neutral and satisfying typing experience, making it a fantastic choice for users seeking a more condensed typing feel due to its shorter travel distance. Its categorization as 'Clacky,' 'Polished,' and 'Silky' suggests a delightful auditory feedback alongside a smooth keystroke that many find appealing. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat offers a unique typing experience characterized by its Ly stems, which contribute to a super smooth keystroke while also producing a resonant sound profile during use. While both switches embrace the linear design, they cater to different preferences—whether it's the nuanced and vibrant feedback of the Perky or the silky, resonant feel offered by the Tomcat. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Perky Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Perky and the Bsun Tomcat feature distinctly different top housing materials, which shape their sound profiles. The Perky opts for a nylon top housing, known for its softer properties that contribute to a deeper, fuller sound. This design absorbs more sound due to the softer nature of nylon, resulting in a more muted acoustic response that many users appreciate for its rounded and nostalgic auditory experience. In contrast, the Tomcat utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for its rigidity and clarity. This material is firm enough to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, delivering a crisper audio response that facilitates a brighter typing experience; especially effective when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency.

When examining the bottom housing, both switches share the same material: nylon. This creates a uniformity between the two in terms of feel and sound during key presses, as the nylon bottom facilitates a deeper and fuller sound akin to that of the Perky's top housing. This similarity means that while the top housings diverge in terms of acoustic properties, both switches will share the same softer, dampened bottom-out sound thanks to the nylon material. The impact of the bottom housing on key press feel will be consistent across both switches; the tactile experience felt when pressing down will be comparable since they utilize the same material.

Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials yield varied auditory experiences while the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a unified feel in key presses. Users seeking a more subdued and retro sound may lean towards the Perky's nylon top housing, appreciating its warmth. Alternatively, those who prefer crisp, clear sounds and a more vibrant appearance might favor the Tomcat's polycarbonate top housing. Regardless of preference, the nylon bottom in both switches guarantees that users will encounter a similar foundation of sound profile and pressing experience, blending the unique characteristics of the upper housing materials with a dependable commonality in base design.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Perky linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Perky features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a light switch that is well-suited for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming. In contrast, the Tomcat has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This variance suggests that users might find the Tomcat switch to provide a more substantial typing experience, while the Perky could be easier on the fingers over long sessions. Ultimately, those who lean towards lighter switches may favor the Perky for comfort, whereas users seeking a bit more resistance might prefer the Tomcat.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the HMX Perky linear switch is 3.4 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Perky the shorter option and the Tomcat the longer one, which can significantly affect the typing or gaming experience. Those who prefer faster response times may gravitate towards the Perky due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Tomcat's longer travel distance may be more appealing for users who favor a more substantial feel during key activation, providing a hearty depth that some find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profile of the HMX Perky linear switch, it’s characterized by a clacky quality which produces a sharp and snappy auditory feedback when pressed. This crisp and bright sound adds an engaging tactile experience to typing, as the percussive nature of the switches is inviting for users who enjoy responsive auditory cues. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch does not have a specified sound descriptor, leaving its auditory characteristics somewhat open-ended. It’s important to note that the overall sound can be influenced by the keyboard construction, including the materials of the board and the choice of keycaps, suggesting that users might find similarities in sound regardless of brand if they’re using similar setups.

In terms of feel, the Perky linear switches are notable for their polished and silky textures, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. The combination of these descriptors indicates that users can expect minimal friction and an enjoyable return when pressing keys, leading to a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, information regarding the tactile feel of the Tomcat switches remains unavailable, making it difficult to compare directly. However, if the Tomcat aims for a smooth typing experience as indicated, one might anticipate similar ease of operation, though without the specific characteristics outlined for the Perky switch.

Overall, both the HMX Perky linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch offer unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The Perky’s clacky sound and silky, polished feel provide a deeply satisfying typing experience that many enthusiasts seek, while the Tomcat’s unknown audio characteristics and smoothness suggest potential for a different yet pleasant experience. Without direct comparisons for the Tomcat’s feel and sound, it remains an intriguing option for those exploring the linear switch market, and users can likely discover comparable typing sensations across both brands depending on their specific keyboard configurations and personal preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Perky and Bsun Tomcat linear switches, it's essential to consider your typing style and preferences. If you favor a lighter switch that offers a quick and satisfying typing experience, the Perky is an excellent choice with its 50-gram actuation force and polished, silky feel. Its clacky sound profile enhances the enjoyment of each keystroke, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a lively auditory feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel and appreciate a super smooth typing experience, the Tomcat with its 54-gram bottom-out force might be more suited to you. The Tomcat's resonant sound profile and smoothness are ideal for individuals looking for a balance between comfort and performance without compromising on a delightful keyboard feel. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a lighter, more responsive switch or a slightly heavier, silky-smooth experience with a harmonious sound.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Perky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more