HMX Perky vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, selecting the right switch can make a significant impact on your typing experience. The HMX Perky, a linear switch, is celebrated for its softer and glittery nylon housings that provide a neutral yet deeply satisfying feel. With a shorter travel distance, the Perky offers a more condensed typing experience, suitable for those who prioritize speed and smoothness in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown, a tactile switch, presents a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation. Its medium-light actuation force caters to users seeking a balance between responsiveness and extended comfort, making it an excellent choice for long typing sessions. The WS Brown's delightful auditory feedback, coupled with its nylon housing and POM stem combination, brings a sense of nostalgia to enthusiasts. While both switches offer distinct advantages—linear smoothness versus tactile feedback—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Nylon
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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Perky and the Wuque Studio WS Brown feature nicely crafted nylon top and bottom housings, indicating a deliberate choice in materials that directly influences the typing experience. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material, praised for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer plastic composition. This characteristic is essential in producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Since both switches are constructed with nylon housings, users can expect a consistently rich auditory experience, marked by a duller and rounder sound compared to those crafted from harder plastics. This shared material greatly diminishes any potential for drastic differences in sound quality, presenting a harmonious synergy between both models.
Although the Perky and WS Brown switches utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings, the arrangement affects how the sound is experienced during use. For instance, the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. While both switches share nylon, the overall auditory and tactile feedback during typing would retain a degree of similarity, yet might exhibit subtle differences based on other design elements notwithstanding the shared material. Consequently, users can anticipate that the experience of bottoming out will resonate with the intended sound profile crafted by the nylon base—an experience that will be similarly replicated between both switches.
The identical housing materials serve to bridge the characteristics of typing feedback and sound profile, yet the overall experience could involve variances based on other features such as spring tension or design intricacies unique to each model. Nevertheless, with nylon being the common thread, one can expect an overall mellow and resonant sound experience from both the HMX Perky and Wuque Studio WS Brown. Apart from these individual traits that might emerge from each switch, the shared property of nylon stands as a reliable constant, ensuring that users will enjoy a consistent and satisfying typing experience across both offerings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Perky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, we see a clear difference in their characteristics, particularly in terms of weight. The Perky switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, classifying it as a light switch. In contrast, the WS Brown switch features an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 55 grams, which categorizes it as medium-light. This implies that while both switches provide a relatively easy press, the Perky is notably lighter overall due to its clearly defined actuation force. Those who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions may find the Perky more suitable, while those who enjoy a slightly heavier feel might be drawn to the WS Brown's bottom out force, despite the non-defined actuation force. Overall, the Perky offers a softer experience, whereas the WS Brown presents a more substantial resistance when fully pressed down.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Perky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, the Perky features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the WS Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference indicates that if you're looking for a switch that offers a shorter, more responsive feel, the Perky would be the better choice, catering to those who desire quicker key presses for gaming or fast-paced tasks. On the other hand, the WS Brown, with its longer travel distance, may deliver a more substantial typing experience for users who appreciate the tactile feedback and depth associated with longer switches. Therefore, while both switches can serve different preferences, the Perky offers a shorter travel distance compared to the WS Brown, which is longer.
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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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
The HMX Perky linear switch has a smooth and subdued sound profile that creates a serene typing atmosphere, making it ideal for quiet environments. Its soft nylon housing contributes to this pleasant auditory experience, giving a more muted and refined acoustics during typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offers a charming yet familiar sound that enthusiasts appreciate, thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem combination. The auditory feedback is not overtly loud, which makes it suitable for office or shared spaces, but it does carry a bit more character than the Perky, resulting in an engaging typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Perky switch delivers a smooth, linear action that is deeply satisfying owing to its reduced travel distance. This design fosters a more condensed typing experience, allowing for quick inputs with minimal resistance, making it appealing for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their typing sessions. Conversely, the WS Brown tactile switch provides a medium-light actuation force that balances responsiveness and comfort. The tactile bump is pleasantly noticeable without being overwhelming, making long typing sessions less fatiguing while offering enough feedback to ensure each keystroke is registered. This blend caters to users who enjoy a bit of tactile sensation without straying too far from a linear switch experience.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Perky linear and Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switches have unique qualities, they both offer enjoyable typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Perky excels in delivering a smooth, quiet action that is ideal for swift typing, while the WS Brown serves up a delightful tactile experience that still provides a degree of auditory feedback. Whether users prefer the soft linearity of the Perky or the familiar tactile nature of the WS Brown, each switch is designed to provide satisfying results, allowing newcomers to find a suitable option based on their typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the HMX Perky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you lean towards a lighter touch and prefer a smoother, unimpeded keystroke, the Perky switch would be ideal, especially for fast typists or gamers seeking a quick response and less finger fatigue. Its softer nylon housing and shorter travel distance make it well-suited for those who appreciate a streamlined typing experience without unnecessary resistance. On the other hand, if you value feedback and tactile sensation during your typing, the WS Brown switch would be a more fitting choice. Featuring a medium-light actuation force paired with a satisfying tactile bump, these switches offer a comfortable blend of responsiveness and a familiar auditory experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. They are particularly great for longer typing sessions, as the feedback helps guide your fingers and can reduce fatigue. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize speed and smoothness with the Perky or desire the tactile engagement and comfort of the WS Brown.
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