HMX Perky vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that enhances your typing or gaming experience, the HMX Perky and Outemu Yellow Silver provide two compelling options, each with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX Perky, with its softer and glittery nylon housings, offers a deeply satisfying and polished typing experience, characterized by a shorter travel distance that results in a more condensed feel. This switch is celebrated for its ‘clacky’ and ‘silky’ characteristics, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate feedback and a nuanced sound profile while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver is favored for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, which appeals particularly to gamers and typists seeking speed and responsiveness without any unnecessary distraction. While both switches are linear in nature, one provides a more tactile and auditory experience, while the other excels in quick, unobtrusive performance. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
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
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the HMX Perky and Outemu Yellow Silver switches present a fascinating contrast in their effects on sound profiles, primarily due to their differing top housing materials. The Perky's nylon top housing is designed to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that effectively absorbs sound. This results in a duller and rounder auditory experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a muted and serene typing experience. Conversely, the Yellow Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity, which produces a sharper and more resonant sound. This material not only contributes to a clearer auditory feedback but also enhances the switch’s responsiveness, making it well-suited for those who favor a lively and distinct typing experience.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials in both switches are the same, as they both utilize nylon. This consistency means that while the upper housings create contrasting sound profiles, the lower housings ensure a shared characteristic of a deep and rounded sound beneath the keystroke. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, producing a cohesive auditory experience across both switches despite their differing top components. When typing on either switch, the soft nylon can dampen the bottom-out sounds, leading to a pleasant tactile feedback that adds to the overall comfort of use.
Therefore, despite the differences in the top housing materials—nylon for the Perky that offers warmth and polycarbonate for the Yellow Silver that delivers clarity—the similarity in the nylon bottom housings provides a compatible foundational experience. Users can achieve similar results in terms of bottom-out feel and deeper sound, allowing for a cohesive typing experience that balances both softness and clarity in auditory feedback. Whether one favors the dulcet tones of nylon or the bright resonance of polycarbonate, the shared characteristics of the bottom housings mean that both switches can cater to a range of typing preferences while delivering a satisfying engagement with each keystroke.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Perky linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Perky features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the Yellow Silver has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Perky again claims the lighter sentiment with a force of 50 grams compared to the Yellow Silver's 55 grams. This makes the Perky a more suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter feel, potentially allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver caters to users who appreciate a bit more resistance, thus offering a more substantial typing experience. In summary, the HMX Perky is the lighter option, while the Outemu Yellow Silver is the heavier switch, appealing to different preferences in typing force.
Travel distance
The HMX Perky linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Perky switch is better suited for gamers seeking faster response times due to its shorter travel distance, which can enhance performance during rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver's longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper typing experience. In conclusion, if you’re looking for a quicker, more responsive feel, the HMX Perky would be the ideal choice, while the Outemu Yellow Silver would be preferable for users who appreciate a greater depth in their keystrokes.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 switch produces a clacky tone that is sharp and snappy, delivering a crisp and bright auditory experience with each keystroke. This characteristic makes it an engaging option for those who enjoy an audible feedback while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch has a neutral sound profile, which is moderate in both actuation force and sound, making it versatile for all types of users—whether at home or in a more formal office environment. The difference in sound profiles highlights the Perky's emphasis on auditory feedback, whereas the Yellow Silver caters to those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Perky switch stands out with its polished and silky characteristics, providing a notably smooth and refined typing experience. The materials used and potentially factory lubing contribute to a reduction in friction, allowing for exceptional key travel ease. This luxurious feel can enhance typing speed and comfort, making it enjoyable during extended usage. The Outemu Yellow Silver switch does not have specific descriptors for its feel, but it is known for its light actuation force, which suggests a degree of responsiveness and ease in key presses. While we cannot directly compare the tactile feel of the Yellow Silver due to the lack of descriptors, both switches cater to a smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, the HMX Perky and Outemu Yellow Silver switches each provide unique auditory and tactile experiences suited to different preferences. The Perky offers a clackier sound and a polished, silky feel, making it great for users who enjoy feedback in their typing. The Yellow Silver, with its neutral sound and light actuation force, targets gamers and typists who seek speediness without compromising on comfort. Depending on your priorities, either switch may suit your needs, and while they may deliver similar overall results in terms of functionality, the nuances in sound and feel can significantly influence your typing enjoyment and efficiency.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Perky linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a lighter actuation and a more condensed typing experience, the Perky is a great fit. Its 50-gram bottom out force paired with a clacky sound profile makes it especially satisfying for those who enjoy a responsive and lively keyboard, whether for gaming or typographical tasks. The silky and polished feel enhances your typing experience, ensuring smooth key travel with minimal resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer something slightly more robust, the Yellow Silver, with its 55-gram bottom out force, could be your go-to. This switch strikes a balance with its neutral sound and speediness, making it suitable for both gaming and general use, particularly if you value a moderate actuation without the auditory excitement of a clacky switch. Ultimately, assess your priorities—whether it’s the smooth and engaging feedback of the Perky or the adaptable and responsive nature of the Yellow Silver—to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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