TTC Brother vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Brother and HMX Perky offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The TTC Brother, a clicky switch renowned for its lightweight actuation of just 37g, delights users with its satisfying crunchy sound and tactile feedback that strikes a perfect balance between presence and comfort. Its lively auditory response makes it a favorite among those who love a pronounced keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Perky linear switch provides a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke that many find deeply satisfying. With its softer nylon housing and shorter travel distance, it offers a more fluid typing experience, ideal for those who prioritize speed and subtlety over tactile feedback. While the Brother caters to clicky switch enthusiasts seeking auditory satisfaction, the Perky appeals to users who favor a streamlined, less disruptive typing experience. 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
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
17.5mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and the HMX Perky present a fascinating comparison in housing materials, particularly through their top housing selections. The TTC Brother utilizes a polycarbonate top housing known for its stiffer nature, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as it allows light to pass through, enhancing the visual experience. In stark contrast, the HMX Perky opts for a nylon top housing, which is characterized by a softer texture that absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound profile. Thus, while the Brother's polycarbonate top offers clarity and brightness, the Perky's nylon top favors a more subdued auditory experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which positions them on the same footing regarding sound absorption and quality. The nylon material, being a classic choice for switch housing, produces a fuller sound profile and significantly dampens noise due to its softer composition. Consequently, both the TTC Brother and the HMX Perky will yield a similar auditory experience when pressed, as the bottom housing's properties largely influence the bottom-out sounds. In both cases, the use of nylon ensures a consistency in deeper, richer sound, making for an engaging typing experience, regardless of the profile produced by the differing top materials.
The interplay between the top and bottom housings significantly shapes the overall typing experience. In the case of the TTC Brother, the polycarbonate top enhances the release sound while the nylon bottom absorbs much of the impact noise, creating a unique auditory dynamic. Conversely, the HMX Perky, with both top and bottom made of nylon, produces a consistent sound profile across the board, contributing to a more uniform experience. Ultimately, while their top housing materials diverge in type and effect on sound, their shared nylon bottom aligns them in acoustic performance, illustrating how different materials can manipulate sound while still achieving similar end results.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Brother switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, making it the lighter option, ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Perky switch requires a heavier actuation force of 43 grams, which can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. While the TTC Brother's bottom out force is unknown, the HMX Perky’s bottom out force is 50 grams, indicating that it requires a more considerable force to press all the way down. Thus, if users prioritize a lighter touch and potentially longer typing endurance, the TTC Brother is the better choice. However, for those who enjoy a heftier tactile feedback, the HMX Perky would be more suitable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, we see that the Brother has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Perky measures at 3.4 mm. This means that the Brother switch offers a slightly longer travel distance than the Perky. If one prefers a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Perky may be appealing, as shorter distances often provide quicker response times, making them suitable for gamers. However, those who favor a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys may opt for the Brother switch due to its greater depth. Thus, individuals looking for a faster response might lean toward the Perky, whereas those who enjoy a hearty depth should consider the TTC Brother.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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
The TTC Brother clicky switch delivers a sound profile that is undeniably appealing to enthusiasts of tactile feedback. Its crunchy auditory signature resembles the satisfying sound of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, making each keystroke a delightful experience. This pronounced clickiness ensures that typists receive clear, unmistakable feedback with every press, enhancing the overall typing rhythm. In contrast, the HMX Perky linear switch does not have a described sound profile, implying a neutral sound experience that may attract users who prefer quieter operation. However, it's essential to recognize that sound can vary significantly based on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, which may lead to different auditory experiences for each switch.
When it comes to feel, the Brother switch stands out as easy to press, requiring just 37g of actuation force, making typing an effortless task. Its stepped tactile design offers mild resistance with a noticeable tactile bump, providing clear feedback while ensuring that it's not overwhelming during longer typing sessions. This design reduces finger fatigue, allowing for extended use without discomfort. The HMX Perky linear switch, while described as providing a deeply satisfying experience, lacks specific details about its tactile feedback. Generally, linear switches offer a smooth keystroke without the tactile bump, making them ideal for users who favor uninterrupted travel without distraction.
In summary, the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out for its engaging crunchy sound and responsive tactile feedback, ideal for those who enjoy an interactive typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Perky linear switch may appeal to users seeking a quieter and smoother operation, though further details regarding its specific characteristics are lacking. Ultimately, both switch types cater to distinct preferences, ensuring that whether you choose a clicky or linear switch, you will find a typing experience tailored to your liking. Each switch provides unique sensory qualities, inviting users to explore and identify their ideal switch for personal satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Perky linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you are someone who enjoys the classic feedback of a clicky switch, finds joy in the distinct, crunchy sound, and seeks an effortless typing experience thanks to its light actuation force, the Brother is an excellent option for you. Its tactile bump strikes a balance between providing feedback without overwhelming your keystrokes, making it ideal for both casual typing and gaming where auditory satisfaction matters. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued, linear experience and appreciate a smooth, quieter keystroke, the Perky linear switch may be your better bet. Its lighter bottom-out force and shorter travel distance can offer a fast-paced typing experience that's comfortable and ideal for daily use or gaming without the audible distraction that clicky switches produce. Therefore, take some time to reflect on whether you value sound and tactile feedback or a seamless, quieter typing experience, as this will guide your decision in choosing the right switch for your keyboard.
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