HMX Perky vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves navigating a landscape rich with options, and the HMX Perky and Wuque Studio WS Jade provide two intriguing paths within the realm of linear switches. The HMX Perky is celebrated for its softer, glittery nylon housing, offering a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience with a notably shorter travel distance, making it well-suited for those who prefer a more condensed typing feel. In contrast, the WS Jade distinguishes itself with its unique metallic insert that creates a bright, resonant sound profile, complemented by a light diffuser that enhances its RGB aesthetics, resulting in a typing experience that is both creamy and smooth with a rock-solid bottom-out. While both switches offer clacky and silky characteristics, the Perky leans towards a polished typing feel, while the Jade excels in resonance and smoothness. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Perky and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, we can see that both utilize plastics known for their sound-dampening qualities, though they employ different materials. The Perky's top and bottom housings are constructed from nylon, which is known to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted and rounded acoustic experience. Conversely, the WS Jade features a POM (polyoxymethylene) material for both its top and bottom housings, which also aims to create a deeper and pleasing sound profile. While both materials are designed to enhance acoustic performance, the specific characteristics of POM lead to a sound that is distinctively unique yet similarly muted.
The implications of these material differences are noteworthy when it comes to the overall typing experience. The nylon used in the Perky is revered for its classic quality, providing a solid and satisfying feel as well as an associated sound that resonates with many users. In contrast, the POM housing of the WS Jade introduces its own unique auditory signature that, while not identical to nylon, still adheres to a muted sound experience. This means that while the tactile sensation and auditory feedback of each switch may differ, both the HMX Perky and the Wuque Studio WS Jade successfully offer a satisfying typing sound profile that is on the deeper side.
In terms of behavior when pressed, the differences in housing materials—nylon for the Perky and POM for the WS Jade—create a unique interaction, though both maintain a focus on producing a pleasant sound profile. The Perky’s nylon bottom housing will affect how the switch feels and sounds upon bottoming-out, making it softer and potentially more cushioned. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the WS Jade ensures that while it still creates a notably deeper sound, the feel can be sharper given POM’s properties. Ultimately, while the Perky and WS Jade deviate in their composition, both aim to provide unique sound profiles and tactile sensations that users will appreciate, making them both excellent choices for tactile enthusiasts.
Weight
The HMX Perky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch offer distinct tactile experiences due to their differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Perky features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a more gentle typing feel, perfect for long hours of use without fatigue. In contrast, the WS Jade has a firmer actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more pronounced resistance that some users find satisfying for a substantial typing experience. As a result, the Perky is the lighter switch option while the WS Jade is heavier, catering to different user preferences. While both switches exhibit progressively increasing resistance, they diverge in their overall heft, making it essential for users to choose based on their desired typing dynamics.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the HMX Perky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch differ slightly, with the Perky measuring 3.4 mm and the WS Jade at 3.6 mm. This makes the Perky the shorter of the two, offering a more responsive experience that's favored by gamers seeking quicker key presses. In contrast, the WS Jade provides a longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their key presses, creating a satisfying tactile experience. While both switches fall within the modern trend of shorter travel distances, the difference in their measurements suggests that users could tailor their choice based on personal preference for either responsiveness or a more substantial typing feel.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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 switch produces a clacky sound profile that delivers a sharp and snappy auditory feedback, characterized by a bright and crisp tone. This distinct sound is pleasing to many typists and adds to the overall experience of using the keyboard. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switch also offers a clacky nature, but it elevates the auditory experience with its resonant qualities thanks to a metallic insert in the stem base. This gives it a higher-pitched and more immersive sound that is clean and sharp, enhancing the keyboard's acoustic richness. Both switches share a clacky tone, but the WS Jade adds an extra layer of resonance that sets it apart.
In terms of feel, the Perky switch excels with a polished and silky typing experience, thanks to its smooth finish which minimizes friction for effortless key travel. The silky nature of the Perky provides a refined typing feel, making each keystroke incredibly satisfying. The WS Jade, while also silky, incorporates a creamy texture that delivers a buttery smoothness as fingers glide effortlessly over the keys. This creamy sensation offers a unique experience that is distinctly pleasurable, especially during extended typing sessions. Both switches emphasize smoothness, but the creamy feel of the WS Jade introduces a delightful variance.
In conclusion, both the HMX Perky and Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switches provide an engaging typing experience, albeit with different sound characteristics and nuances in feel. The Perky stands out for its polished and silky touch along with a straightforward clacky sound, while the WS Jade enhances the auditory experience with its resonant properties and creamy smoothness. For those looking for a satisfying tactile experience, either switch would deliver comfortable and enjoyable typing, although the differences may cater to varying preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Perky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch ultimately comes down to your preferences for typing experience and tactile feedback. If you prefer a lighter switch with a condensed typing experience, the Perky may be more suitable for you, especially if you enjoy a more pronounced clacky sound paired with a polished and silky feel. This switch's softer actuation can lend itself well to prolonged typing sessions without the fatigue that might come with heavier switches. On the other hand, if you seek a sturdier feel with a medium actuation force and a uniquely creamy and smooth typing experience, the WS Jade is the better option. Its resonant sound profile and rock-solid bottom-out provide a satisfying auditory and tactile experience, particularly if you appreciate an enchanting RGB display enhanced by its light diffuser. Ultimately, consider what aspects of a keyboard experience matter most to you—whether it be the lush smoothness and sound of the WS Jade or the lightweight, engaging feel of the Perky—so you can select the switch that aligns best with your desires.
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