HMX Perky vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Perky and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear both offer distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences. The HMX Perky is celebrated for its unique combination of a softer, glittery nylon housing that delivers a clacky, polished, and silky typing experience. Its shorter travel distance contributes to a more condensed and satisfying feedback with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking a lively and engaging typing sensation. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear emphasizes a serene work environment while maintaining exceptional responsiveness. With its ingeniously designed stem railings that include discreet cutouts, this switch minimizes noise without relying on silicone dampeners, providing a distinct typing feel that is both tranquil and precise. While the Perky appeals to those who relish a more tactile and vibrant sound with a softer touch, the WS Silent Linear caters to users who prioritize a quiet office experience without sacrificing performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Perky and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear utilize nylon as their housing material, both for the top and bottom segments. Nylon is well-regarded in the mechanical switch community for its acoustic properties, which contribute to a distinct auditory experience. With a relatively softer plastic composition, nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics, which tend to create sharper notes. This characteristic results in typing experiences that are not just functional but also acoustically satisfying, as both the Perky and the WS Silent Linear will produce mellower and rounder sound signatures due to their identical housing materials.
While both switches employ nylon in their construction, the influence of each housing on the feel and sound profile can vary. The bottom housing of each switch plays a critical role in the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback felt by the typist. Therefore, it is essential to consider how the combination of the two housings works together. For instance, while the nylon in both switches may promote a deep sound profile, the overall experience when typing on each may differ slightly depending on other design aspects such as spring tension and actuation points. Nonetheless, both the Perky and the WS Silent Linear will yield similar auditory results, thanks to their identical nylon materials, although some variance in tactile feedback could arise from their specific engineering features.
In summary, the use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings of the HMX Perky and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear creates a foundation for comparable sound profiles between the two switches. Even though the materials are the same, other design elements may result in different tactile sensations. Still, the core acoustic characteristic remains consistent; both switches will deliver a rich and rounded sound due to the inherent properties of nylon. If users appreciate a quieter and more muted typing experience, the choice between the two might ultimately come down to personal preference in tactile feedback, rather than stark differences in construction material.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Perky linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Perky switch boasts a light actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less exertion. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear switch has an unlisted actuation force, which leaves an absence of information on its triggering threshold, but it does feature a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This indicates that the WS Silent Linear may provide a more substantial feel when bottoming out compared to the Perky. Overall, the Perky switch is the lighter option, while the WS Silent Linear is on the medium-heavy side, appealing to users looking for a firmer push feel during use.
Travel distance
The HMX Perky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch offer slightly different travel distances, with the Perky measuring 3.4 mm and the WS Silent Linear at 3.5 mm. This makes the Perky the shorter option by 0.1 mm. For users who prefer a more responsive experience, the Perky may be advantageous due to its shorter travel distance, providing quicker actuation, which is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear's longer travel distance might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing a key, offering a deeper and potentially more satisfying typing experience. Overall, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in 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 Silent Linear comes in at $4.20 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Perky linear switch stands out with its clacky profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is both crisp and bright. This auditory feedback can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy hearing each keystroke distinctly. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch is designed with noise reduction in mind, offering a neutral to muted sound profile that minimizes the auditory distractions typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Featuring discreet cutouts in its stem railings, the WS Silent Linear enables a subdued typing experience, making it ideal for environments where quiet operation is preferred. Consequently, while the Perky delivers an engaging auditory experience, the WS Silent Linear caters to those who prioritize tranquility in their workspace.
In terms of feel, the HMX Perky linear switch is characterized by its polished and silky sensations, providing users with a smooth and refined typing experience. The materials used and potential factory lubing contribute to reduced friction and a fluid key travel that enhances typing comfort. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear offers a milder typing experience that focuses on approachability. While the WS Silent switch may not deliver the same level of smoothness as the Perky, its gentle characteristics nonetheless provide a comfortable typing environment without overwhelming tactile or auditory feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Perky appealing to those who appreciate a more dynamic and luxurious feel, while the WS Silent Linear ensures a gentler touch.
Overall, the HMX Perky and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches present distinct qualities suitable for varying user needs. If you favor a more engaging and tactile typing experience with pronounced feedback, the Perky switch will likely meet your preferences. Alternatively, if your focus is on a quieter and milder typing experience, the WS Silent Linear will offer a seamless blend of responsiveness and tranquility. Both options will ultimately yield satisfying results, but your choice should reflect your individual typing style and the environment in which you plan to use the keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Perky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, consider your typing environment and personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter touch with a clacky sound and enjoy a smooth, crispy typing experience, the Perky switches might be the better choice for you. Their shorter travel distance can make for a more responsive feel, making them ideal for fast typists and gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you work in a quieter environment or prefer a more subdued audio experience, the WS Silent Linear switches are the way to go. With their medium-heavy actuation force and muted sound, these switches allow for a focused typing experience without disturbing others around you. They strike a balance between responsiveness and quiet operation, making them appropriate for both casual and professional settings. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and the atmosphere in which you spend your time typing.
Mentioned in this article
