HMX Perky vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Perky and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile each offer unique benefits that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Perky, characterized by its clacky and polished sound profile, is designed for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. With a softer nylon housing, these linear switches provide a silky-smooth feel and a shorter travel distance, making them ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a more condensed and satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch stands out for its medium tactility and exceptional noise reduction, making it an excellent choice for professionals in office environments. Utilizing a distinctive design that eliminates traditional silicone dampeners, these switches deliver a crisp yet silent response that doesn’t compromise on tactile feedback. While the Perky switch is perfect for those seeking an engaging and pronounced typing experience, the WS Silent Tactile offers a balance of tranquility and responsiveness, catering to those who prioritize a quieter workspace. 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
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
The HMX Perky and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches share a notable similarity in their housing materials, utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Both switches benefit from nylon's characteristic sound profile, which contributes to a deeper and more resonant auditory experience while typing. This acoustic performance is largely attributed to nylon's relatively soft composition, which dampens sound and minimizes harshness. As a result, users can expect a consistently smoother auditory feedback from both switches due to their shared housing material. Whether typing on the Perky or the WS Silent Tactile, the nylon housings create a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall tactile experience.
While both switches employ nylon for their housings, the way this material interacts with the overall typing experience may still differ slightly due to any variations in design, spring tension, or other internal components. In switches, the bottom housing typically has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing governs the sound upon release. As both the Perky and the WS Silent Tactile utilize the same nylon material throughout, they will evoke similar responses regardless of which switch is engaged. Consequently, even small internal differences, if any, will not overshadow the shared acoustic qualities imparted by the nylon housings.
In conclusion, the alignment of housing materials in both the HMX Perky and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile creates a unified foundation for sound and feel across both switches. Users can expect a harmonious typing experience defined by the properties of nylon, ensuring that sound characteristics remain consistent regardless of the specific switch. Whether typing on the Perky or the WS Silent Tactile, the redundancy of nylon as a housing material allows for predictable and satisfying feedback, solidifying the appeal of these switches amid various typing preferences.
Weight
The HMX Perky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch present a clear contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Perky has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option that is ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch has an unspecified actuation force but a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which positions it in the medium-heavy range. This heavier bottom out force may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Overall, the Perky is the lighter option, while the WS Silent Tactile offers a more pronounced resistance at the bottom of the keystroke, making it more suitable for those who find comfort in a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Perky linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Perky switch provides a marginally shorter travel distance compared to the WS Silent Tactile. If you're looking for a quicker, more responsive typing experience, the Perky could be the better choice due to its shorter actuation distance. However, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper key press, the WS Silent Tactile’s greater travel distance might be more suitable for you. Both switches, while close in travel distance, cater to different preferences—one being slightly more responsive, and the other offering a more traditional 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 Tactile 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 delivers a clacky auditory experience that is characterized by a sharp and snappy tone when pressed. This crisp and bright sound can make typing feel more engaging and lively, perfect for those who enjoy auditory feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, engineered to keep noise levels at a minimum while delivering a tactile feedback experience. While the Perky's clackiness makes it more expressive and potentially distracting in certain environments, the WS Silent Tactile is ideal for quiet settings like offices, where maintaining a lower sound level is crucial.
In terms of feel, the HMX Perky switches are renowned for their polished and silky finish, which translates to a remarkably smooth and refined typing experience. This smoothness is attributable to the materials and potential factory lubrication, minimizing friction for effortless key travel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch presents a unique tactile experience characterized as accented, invigorating, and mild. This means it provides a pronounced but balanced tactile feedback without being overwhelming, designed for users who appreciate a more subdued but still responsive typing feel. Overall, while the Perky excels in delivering a smooth and streamlined experience, the WS Silent Tactile combines tactility with a gentle touch, catering to those who may prefer a bit more feedback in a quieter operation.
In summary, the HMX Perky linear switch stands out for its lively clackiness and silky smoothness, providing an emotionally engaging and effortless typing experience. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch excels in environments requiring silence without sacrificing the tactile feedback that typists cherish. Depending on your preferences—whether you prioritize sound ambience or tactile response—you'll find that these switches offer distinctly fulfilling typing experiences that serve different needs and settings.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Perky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch will largely depend on your typing environment and personal preferences. If you thrive on a lighter typing feel, enjoy a responsive and "clacky" sound profile, and appreciate a typing experience that is both polished and silky, the HMX Perky switch is ideal for you. These traits make it suitable for gaming and casual typing scenarios where rapid keystrokes are the norm. On the other hand, if you work in a shared office space or prefer a quiet yet tactile feedback experience, the WS Silent Tactile will be your best bet. Its medium-heavy actuation force and carefully engineered design provide a satisfying tactile feel without the distracting noise, making it perfect for focused work or environments where silence is preferred. In essence, choose the Perky for an engaging, expressive typing experience, and opt for the WS Silent Tactile for a subtle yet enjoyable feel that respects your surroundings.
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