HMX Perky vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for a satisfying typing experience, two notable contenders are the HMX Perky and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Perky is celebrated for its softer nylon housing, delivering a neutral yet deeply satisfying typing feel with a condensed travel distance that makes for quick and efficient keystrokes—perfect for those who seek a polished and clacky typing experience. In contrast, the WS Morandi emphasizes not only innovative design, featuring a light column that enhances RGB visuals, but also an airy smoothness thanks to its UPE stem. Its all-POM housings yield a buttery, silky feel with a muted sound profile, catering to users who prefer a low-pitched, thocky sensation. Both switches have their unique strengths; while the Perky might appeal to users who enjoy a vibrant and responsive feedback, the WS Morandi attracts those who appreciate aesthetics and a softer auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
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
3.50 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 Morandi, it's important to note that they utilize different plastics for their top and bottom housings. The HMX Perky is made entirely of nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs more sound and leads to a duller, more rounded auditory experience. Conversely, the WS Morandi employs POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housings, which is celebrated for its unique ability to create a pleasing and distinct sound profile. POM, while also contributing a deeper sound, brings an element of muteness, differentiating it from the resounding characteristics of nylon.
In terms of performance, the choice of housing materials significantly affects the sound profiles produced by each switch. With the Perky, the uniform use of nylon for both the top and bottom housing means that the nuanced qualities of nylon are leveraged throughout the entire switch. This leads to a consistently deeper sound that is rich and resonant, whether bottoming out or releasing the key. On the other hand, the WS Morandi, with its POM construction, yields a sound that may be perceived as more refined and less pronounced than that of the Perky. Although both switches produce a deeper sound, the use of POM introduces a level of muting that can provide more subtle auditory feedback, setting it apart from the fuller tones of nylon.
Ultimately, despite their different material compositions, both the HMX Perky and the WS Morandi can yield similar auditory results if one understands how each material influences the sound profile. While nylon provides a pronounced depth that creates a fuller sound experience, POM can also achieve this quality but offers a slightly more subdued auditory output due to its properties. If blended effectively—acknowledging that the top housing primarily influences the sound upon release and the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out feel—users can achieve satisfying sound experiences with either switch. Thus, depending on personal preferences for sound characteristics and tactile feedback, both switches can cater to those looking for a deeper auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Perky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, a notable difference emerges in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Perky boasts an actuation force of 43 grams and a slightly higher bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch ideal for users who prefer to type for extended periods, such as during long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the WS Morandi has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range and catering to those who enjoy a firmer push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Perky is the lighter option, while the Morandi is the heavier choice. Users seeking a lightweight switch for comfort should gravitate towards the Perky, whereas those who desire more resistance in their keystrokes may find the Morandi more appealing.
Travel distance
The HMX Perky linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This 0.1 mm difference indicates that the Perky switch is the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker actuation and response times. On the other hand, the WS Morandi offers a deeper feel at 3.5 mm, catering to those who prefer a more substantial bottom-out experience when typing or gaming. Ultimately, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, opting for the Perky would provide a more responsive interaction, whereas the WS Morandi may be suited for users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke depth.
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 Morandi has an MSRP of $4.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Morandi for $3.90.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Perky switch delivers a clacky auditory experience, characterized by sharp and snappy tones that produce a crisp, bright, and percussive quality with each keystroke. This makes it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate an audible feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switch offers a more subdued acoustic profile, featuring low-pitched thockiness that delivers a deep, rich sound when pressed. This creates a mellower typing experience, which may be preferred by users seeking a less intrusive sound while typing. Given these distinctions, users will find that their sound preferences significantly influence the overall experience, with the Perky leaning towards a more vibrant tone, while the Morandi's sound is calming and bass-heavy.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Perky switch presents a polished and silky typing experience, providing a smooth and refined key travel that minimizes friction and enhances overall typing satisfaction. This swiftness offers a seamless interaction that is sure to please typists looking for a refined touch. In contrast, the WS Morandi switch emphasizes a buttery and creamy feel, translating into a fluid keystroke experience that feels both effortless and smooth. Both switches also share the descriptor of "silky," indicating they offer similarly luxurious typing sensations. However, the nuanced difference between the Perky's polished characteristic and the Morandi's creamy texture may lead to varying preferences depending on individual typing styles.
In conclusion, both the HMX Perky and Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches provide unique, yet satisfying experiences suited to different user preferences. The Perky excels in delivering a bright, clacky sound and a polished feel, making it ideal for those who thrive on acoustic feedback and refined key travel. Conversely, the WS Morandi's low-pitched thocky sound combined with its buttery, creamy feel caters to users looking for a softer auditory and tactile experience. Ultimately, your decision may come down to your specific needs and preferences regarding sound and feel; however, both switches promise to deliver a satisfying typing experience regardless of choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Perky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the environments you'll be using them in. If you favor a lighter touch with a more condensed travel distance and enjoy a clacky sound profile, the Perky might be ideal for you. Its polished and silky feel, combined with a light bottom-out force of 50 grams, makes it perfect for extended typing sessions without fatigue. This switch thrives in settings where a lively auditory feedback is appreciated, offering a bright and snappy experience that can energize your workflow. On the other hand, if you prefer a richer, more subdued auditory experience with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the WS Morandi is well-suited for you. Its creamy and buttery feel, along with a low-pitched thocky sound, evokes a sense of calm and satisfaction during each keystroke. This switch is particularly beneficial in quieter environments where you might not want to disturb others. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not only your tactile and auditory preferences but also the context in which you'll be typing, ensuring that you select a switch that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.