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HMX Perky vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+

An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Perky and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ both offer unique advantages that can cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Perky, known for its softer and glittery nylon housings, provides a neutral yet deeply satisfying typing experience, enhanced by a shorter travel distance that makes typing more efficient and less taxing on the fingers. In contrast, the WS POM+ stands out with its all-POM construction, delivering a deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature and a buttery-smooth keystroke that many typists find highly appealing. While the Perky might be favored for those looking for a condensed and gentle touch, the WS POM+ attracts users who appreciate sound and feedback with their keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

43g

Actuation force

45g

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

3.60 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

T2

Stem material

POM

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

22mm extended double-stage spring

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Perky and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, a notable distinction lies in the materials used for the top and bottom housings. The HMX Perky features nylon throughout both its upper and lower housings, renowned for its softer properties. This characteristic enables the Perky switches to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile, as the nylon absorbs more sound waves than harder materials. Typing on switches made from nylon typically results in a duller, rounder sound, enhancing the overall auditory experience and providing users with a satisfying tactile feedback upon keypresses and releases.

Conversely, the WS POM+ utilizes POM, or polyoxymethylene, for both its top and bottom housings. POM is celebrated for its exceptional durability and unique acoustic properties, leading to a distinctive sound profile that is also deeper and relatively muted, albeit different from that produced by nylon. While both the Perky and WS POM+ share the quality of generating a more substantial sound output through softer materials, the specific auditory experiences differ due to the inherent characteristics of POM compared to nylon. This contrast highlights how housing materials can significantly influence sound, even when they exhibit similar fundamental qualities.

Despite the differences in material between the HMX Perky and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, it's important to note that both designs aim to provide a pleasurable typing experience with rich sound profiles. When using each switch, the overall sound produced is a combination of both top and bottom housings, which can create a synergistic effect. The Perky’s nylon components will still deliver a classic, muted sound signature, while the WS POM+ offers an alternative with its POM blend. Regardless of the slight variations, end-users can expect satisfactory results in terms of depth and acoustic richness in both setups, ultimately reflecting the shared commitment to quality craftsmanship in both switch designs.

Weight

The HMX Perky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their 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 ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly beneficial during extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the WS POM+ has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light range. This heavier force may appeal to users seeking a more substantial push feel during typing, offering a sense of resistance that some find satisfying. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences, the HMX Perky is the lighter option, which could help reduce fatigue over long periods, whereas the Wuque Studio WS POM+ provides a bit more heft for those who enjoy a firmer typing experience.

Travel distance

The HMX Perky linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Perky the shorter option, catering to those who favor a more responsive feel, especially beneficial for gamers seeking quick actions. In contrast, the WS POM+, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial key press, providing a deeper sensation that some may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference; if you favor speed and responsiveness, the Perky will suit you better, while if you prefer a feeling of hearty depth, the WS POM+ may be the more suitable option.

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 POM+ comes in at $3.90 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

In terms of sound, the HMX Perky linear switch has not been explicitly described, making it difficult to assess its acoustic characteristics compared to other switches. However, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ features a deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature, which many users find appealing for its richness and fullness during typing. It's essential to keep in mind that the sound produced by any switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycap material, so the Perky's sound profile might also reveal itself in different contexts.

When it comes to feel, the Perky switch is noted for its softer, glittery nylon housings, offering a typing experience that is neutral and deeply satisfying. This design contributes to a more condensed experience due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the WS POM+ switch is celebrated for its buttery-smooth keystroke, suggesting a highly responsive and fluid typing sensation. Although the Perky may provide a distinctive experience, both switches seem to excel in their smoothness, resulting in a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience overall.

In conclusion, while the HMX Perky linear switch provides a softer, more condensed typing experience with its unique housing, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switch stands out with its deep "thock" sound and buttery smooth action. Although we await more definitive information on the sound profile of the Perky, both switches promise a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, appealing to those who prioritize a smooth keystroke and a pleasant acoustic feedback in their mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Perky or the WS POM+, you're likely to experience a high level of satisfaction in your daily typing tasks.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the HMX Perky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you're inclined toward a lighter switch that promotes a more compact and rapid typing style, the Perky is an excellent choice with its 50-gram bottom-out force and shorter travel distance. The softer, glittery nylon housing enhances the neutral yet satisfying feel, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a quicker, more responsive keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer press and are attracted to the rich sound profile of a "thock" with a smooth keystroke, the WS POM+ is your go-to option. With a bottom-out force of 55 grams, it provides a medium-light resistance that can help to reduce typing fatigue over long sessions while maintaining a delightful auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing habits, whether you favor a quicker, lighter touch or a more weighted, acoustic-rich feel.

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