KTT Ash Gray vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Ash Gray and HMX Perky present two distinct options tailored to different typing preferences. The KTT Ash Gray switch stands out with its tactile response that strikes a delicate balance between substantial yet unobtrusive feedback, making it ideal for those who appreciate a touch of resistance without overwhelming their fingers. It offers an easy-to-press mechanism that delivers a pleasant, mild typing experience while ensuring each keystroke feels rewarding. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch features a softer, more glittery nylon housing that enhances its linear characteristics, resulting in a smooth and satisfying keypress that emphasizes a condensed travel distance. This can be particularly appealing for typists seeking speed and fluidity without the distraction of tactile bumps. Both switches cater to specific user needs, whether it’s the tactile delight of the Ash Gray or the sleek efficiency of the Perky. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the HMX Perky switches diverge significantly in their choice of top housing materials, which leads to distinct sound profiles. The Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to polycarbonate’s rigidity, which enhances resonance and clarity, making it an excellent choice for setups involving RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Perky employs a nylon top housing, a material that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer composition. Nylon absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience. Thus, while both switches serve the purpose of key actuation, their top housings fundamentally influence the character of their sound when each key is released.
Conversely, the bottom housing material in both the KTT Ash Gray and HMX Perky is nylon, which emphasizes the similarities in their overall sound profile during typing. Since both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound when pressing the keys, as the softer plastic muffles noise and creates a satisfying thock sound. This characteristic underlines the fact that despite the contrasting materials used in the top housings, the consistency in bottom housing means that the typing experience from a bottom-out perspective will carry a comparable sound hallmark across both switches, making them attractive to users who prioritize that auditory feedback.
Ultimately, the variation in housing materials creates distinct experiences depending on whether a user is focusing on key release or key press sounds. The polycarbonate top of the Ash Gray brings clarity upon release, while the nylon top of the Perky offers a smooth, rounded transition. However, both switches present a unified sound experience at the bottom due to their shared nylon housing, suggesting that while they may be designed differently, the resulting sound profiles can complement each other. Thus, choosing between them may come down to personal preferences regarding the distinct sound each housing material brings during key presses versus releases while enjoying a similar bottoming experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, we notice differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying preferences in typing experience. The Ash Gray switch has an actuation force of 38 grams, which is lighter than the Perky's 43 grams, making it more suitable for users who favor a softer touch during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the bottom out forces are slightly different, with the Ash Gray at 53 grams and the Perky at a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Ash Gray requires more force to press all the way down, it does allow for an overall softer actuation feel compared to the Perky. In summary, for those who appreciate a lighter switch for longer use, the Ash Gray would be the choice, while users who prefer a consistent and slightly firmer experience might lean towards the Perky.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the Ash Gray offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Perky measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This minor difference of 0.1 mm highlights the Ash Gray as the longer travel option, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial key press, providing a deeper tactile experience. On the other hand, the Perky's shorter travel distance could be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for more immediate actuation. For those who prioritize responsiveness, the Perky might be the better choice, while individuals who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback may lean towards the Ash Gray. Ultimately, although both switches are relatively close in travel distance, their subtle differences cater to varying preferences in user experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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.
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 KTT Ash Gray tactile switch presents a neutral profile that strikes a balance between moderate actuation force and sound level. This makes it versatile for various settings, whether you're at home or in a professional environment. Its sound is unobtrusive enough not to disturb others, yet still offers a satisfying auditory feedback that typists can appreciate. In contrast, the HMX Perky linear switch lacks specific sound descriptors, which means its sound characteristics remain unknown. However, it is important to note that the overall sound impact of both switches can be greatly influenced by the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and even the surface they are used on.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch excels with its easy-to-press mechanism, requiring minimal force to activate, which leads to a comfortable typing experience. It offers a mild tactile feedback that keeps typing pleasant without overwhelming the user. This gentle resistance aids in reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned typists alike. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Perky linear switch is not explicitly described, leaving its tactile response and general typing sensation a mystery. This makes it difficult to generalize how it compares to the Ash Gray in terms of user experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch provides a neutral sound and an easy-to-press feel, making it a fantastic choice for those who value both comfort and subtle feedback while typing. The HMX Perky linear switch, while also enticing with its softer nylon housing, lacks specific sound and feel characteristics that would allow for a direct comparison. Therefore, if you are seeking a well-rounded switch experience, the Ash Gray is a reliable option, while the Perky may offer a mysterious alternative, potentially rewarding those willing to explore further.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a tactile response that strikes a balance between noticeable feedback and subtlety, the Ash Gray is an excellent choice, enhancing your typing experience while still being easy on the fingers, thanks to its medium-light actuation force of 53 grams. This switch is well-suited for a variety of tasks, whether you're typing up long documents or gaming, and its neutral sound profile makes it versatile for both quiet workspaces and home settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer key press and a more condensed typing experience, the HMX Perky with its light actuation force of 50 grams may be more up your alley. The Perky is designed for those who want to glide through their typing with ease and appreciate a lightweight switch, making it perfect for casual typing or rapid keystrokes during gaming sessions. In short, lean towards the Ash Gray for a balanced tactile feel and reliable versatility, while the Perky caters to those who value a light, effortless key press without the fuss of tactile feedback.
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