HMX Perky vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it’s essential to understand the differences in feel and sound that can greatly enhance your typing or gaming experience. The HMX Perky, a linear switch, is celebrated for its softer, glittery nylon housing, providing a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience with a shorter travel distance—perfect for those who prefer a smoother keypress that minimizes resistance. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor stands out as a tactile switch that delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, ensuring each keystroke is accompanied by a pronounced tactile feedback without being overly assertive. This balanced performance makes the Viola Tricolor excellent for users who enjoy a touch of character and feel in their typing. Both switches have distinct advantages: the Perky for a condensed and fluid typing experience, and the Viola Tricolor for an invigorating tactile sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Perky and the Haimu Viola Tricolor showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, which profoundly affect their sound profiles. The Perky utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic composition, which dampens sound and results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This quality arises from nylon's ability to absorb sound waves, leading to a more muted and rounded sound signature. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor is crafted with a polycarbonate top housing, a stiffer plastic that enhances clarity and resonance. Consequently, switches with polycarbonate housings deliver a sharper, higher-pitched sound, ideal for users seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback, particularly beneficial for RGB lighting situations due to the material’s translucency.
Interestingly, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which introduces a significant layer of similarity between the two models. The nylon bottom housing in both cases contributes to a deeper and more robust sound profile, regardless of the disparity in their top housing materials. The absorption properties of nylon ensure that when keys are bottomed out, they provide a satisfying and full-bodied feedback. This shared characteristic implies that, while the overall sound profiles may differ during key release, the fundamental impact of typing on both switches aligns closely due to identical bottom housings. This congruence indicates that those who opt for either switch will experience a consistent feeling of stability and weightiness when pressing down on the keys.
Ultimately, the individual qualities of the Perky and Viola Tricolor manifest in their performance characteristics—specifically in how each switch produces sound and feels during use. The nylon top housing of the Perky fosters a rounder sound that is less abrasive, while the polycarbonate top of the Viola Tricolor creates a bright, clear acoustics suited for gamers and typists desiring a tactile response. Despite the contrasting upper housing materials, the dwelling of nylon in both bottom housings guarantees that users will share an underpinning experience of satisfying sound quality and tactile feedback on key presses. Thus, while there are notable differences in sound profiles driven by housing material selection, the core experience remains engagingly similar.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Perky linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Perky features a light actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor has an unspecified actuation force but a significantly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that while the specific actuation force for the Viola isn’t provided, it likely requires more effort to engage than the Perky, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. As a result, typists or gamers looking for a lighter switch would benefit more from the Perky, while those who prefer a heavier, more tactile feel might lean towards the Viola, especially considering the additional effort required at bottoming out.
Travel distance
The HMX Perky linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch features a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Perky switch is the shorter option, offering players a more responsive experience that is often favored in gaming scenarios for quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor, with its greater travel distance, provides a more substantial feel that some users may appreciate for its depth and feedback. Therefore, if a gamer is looking for speed and responsiveness, the Perky switch would be the ideal choice, whereas those who prefer a more tactile and pronounced keystroke might gravitate towards the Viola Tricolor.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 tends to offer a softer auditory experience due to its nylon housing, which is designed to keep noise levels down. This allows for a quiet, almost subdued typing experience that some users may find soothing, ideal for environments where noise control is important. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch delivers a distinctive thuddy and punchy sound profile, characterized by a bassy, low-pitched tone. This results in a richer auditory experience that provides noticeable acoustic feedback with each keypress, adding a layer of character to the typing session. While both switches have their own merits, the Perky leans towards a more understated sound, whereas the Viola Tricolor offers a robust and satisfying auditory moment with each keystroke.
In terms of feel, the Perky switch delivers a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience that is enhanced by its shorter travel distance. This contributes to a condensed typing sensation that many users appreciate for its smooth operation. The Viola Tricolor, on the other hand, features a pronounced tactility that balances firmness and responsiveness without being overwhelming. Its invigorating feedback, coupled with its medium tactile nature, strikes a fine balance between sensitivity and engagement, ensuring that typists receive the requisite information about actuation without feeling fatigued or overwhelmed by sensation. Both switches offer engaging experiences but cater to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the HMX Perky and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches each bring their unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences. The Perky’s softer sound profile and condensed feel create a quieter, smoother typing session ideal for more subdued environments, while the Viola Tricolor’s bassy sound and pronounced tactile feedback provide an engaging and characterful experience for those who enjoy a more dynamic typing style. Ultimately, choosing between them will come down to individual preference regarding sound and feel; those seeking a quieter, linear switch may favor the Perky, whereas users looking for a punchy tactile experience will likely be attracted to the Viola Tricolor.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the HMX Perky linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you prefer a light, smooth, and straightforward feel while typing, the HMX Perky linear switch is an excellent choice. Its lower actuation force of 50 grams makes it conducive for rapid typing, particularly for gaming or long writing sessions where you desire a gentle touch without significant resistance. The condensed travel distance allows for a satisfying and responsive typing experience, perfect for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more defined feedback and a tactile sensation, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is tailored for you. With a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams, it provides a pronounced yet balanced tactility that strikes a chord with users who enjoy the distinctive "thud" of each keystroke. This sound profile, coupled with the invigorating feel of the switch, enhances the immersive quality of your typing, making it ideal for both work and leisurely writing. In summary, your choice should hinge upon whether you value speed and smoothness or tactile feedback and depth in your keyboard experience; knowing this will guide you in selecting the switch that best aligns with your typing style.
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