HMX Perky vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the HMX Perky and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile can significantly influence your typing experience. The Perky, a linear switch, is renowned for its softer, glittery nylon housings that provide a neutral and deeply satisfying feedback, ideal for users who prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keypress due to its shorter travel distance. This makes it a great option for those who prioritize speed and fluidity—perfect for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a markedly different experience with its pronounced 70g tactile bump and captivating “thocky” sound profile. This tactile switch engages typists with its immersive resistance and resonates with delightful acoustic feedback, making it great for users who enjoy that satisfying tactile and auditory experience while typing. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the Perky providing a more condensed typing experience and the WS Heavy Tactile delivering a more pronounced tactile sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Perky and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile utilize nylon for their switch housings, which significantly influences their overall sound and feel during typing. The nylon material is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature compared to harder plastics. This softness allows the nylon to absorb more sound during key presses, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. As such, users of both switches can expect a similar acoustic performance, marked by a rich, resonant sound that enhances the overall typing experience.
In terms of housing composition, both the Perky and the WS Heavy Tactile feature nylon for both their top and bottom housings. This uniformity in material choice leads to a cohesive typing feel across the entire switch. Each type's bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feedback when a key is pressed down, while the top housing plays a key role in the sound produced during a key release. As both switches are constructed from the same material, the qualities imparted by nylon are evenly distributed, allowing users to enjoy a consistent tactile response alongside the desired auditory effects.
While both switches are built from the same nylon material, another essential factor affecting user experience may stem from the specific designs or characteristics of the individual switches themselves, such as varying actuation points or tactile feedback profiles. This differentiation could result in subtle variations in how the switches feel or sound during use, despite the overarching similarities derived from the nylon housings. Nonetheless, if the design aspects are aligned, users can expect very comparable results in terms of sound depth and tactile experience when typing on either the HMX Perky or the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile.
Weight
The HMX Perky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch present a distinct contrast in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Perky switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience that is conducive to lengthy work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a significantly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a robust pushing sensation while typing. Ultimately, those who desire a lighter feel for prolonged use should lean towards the Perky, while users seeking a stronger push should consider the WS Heavy Tactile, as it provides a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Perky linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm makes the Perky the longer option, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial key press, which can provide a feeling of depth and satisfaction. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile’s shorter travel distance could cater to those who favor quick, responsive keystrokes, making it suitable for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference; if you prefer a less abrupt feel and enjoy a heartier depth, the Perky would be the better fit, while the WS Heavy Tactile may be ideal for those looking for a more responsive typing experience.
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 Heavy Tactile 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 sound profile of the HMX Perky linear switch remains unspecified, but typically, linear switches are known for having a quieter, smoother sound compared to their tactile and clicky counterparts. This contrasts sharply with the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, which produces a rich auditory experience characterized by its "thocky" sound. Described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant, the WS Heavy Tactile's auditory feedback is sharp and engaging, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate a crisp and immersive sound while typing. The exact sound experience may vary based on the choice of keyboard and keycap material, but the inherent qualities of the switches themselves provide a good baseline for what to expect.
When considering the feel of these switches, the HMX Perky's tactile feedback is unspecified, yet linear switches generally offer a smooth feel without any distinct bump. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile boasts an impressive tactile experience characterized by a firm 70g bump. Users can expect medium tactility that strikes a balance between being overwhelming and subtle. The tactile feedback is reinforced by additional descriptors like bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, creating a lively and responsive typing sensation. This energetic feedback can enhance the overall typing experience, providing not just a physical but also an emotional engagement during use.
In summary, the HMX Perky linear switch presents a more muted and smooth typing experience, aligning with the common traits of linear switches, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile offers a robust auditory and tactile feedback profile that many find appealing. Those who prefer a quieter, seamless experience may gravitate toward the Perky, whereas those seeking invigorating auditory and tactile sensations while typing will likely favor the WS Heavy Tactile. Each switch provides its own unique benefits, allowing users to select based on their personal preferences and intended usage for their mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Perky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lighter touch and a more subdued auditory experience, the Perky switches would be well-suited for you. Their 50-gram actuation force makes typing effortless and enjoyable, especially if you appreciate a neutral and deeply satisfying feel with shorter travel distances. This switch is ideal for long typing sessions, whether for gaming or professional work, without causing fatigue. On the other hand, if you find satisfaction in tactile feedback and a more pronounced auditory engagement, the WS Heavy Tactile switch should be your pick. With a 70-gram actuation force, these switches offer a firmer and more robust typing experience, characterized by their captivating "thocky" sound and an invigorating tactile bump. This switch is perfect for those who love the thrill of pronounced feedback while typing and desire a more immersive experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and the auditory and tactile sensations that resonate most with you.
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