Jerrzi Coral vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch is crucial. The Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Perky are two notable options within the realm of linear switches, each with its own unique characteristics. The Coral switch stands out for its distinctively crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, delivering a sophisticated tactile experience with every keystroke. This switch is often favored by users looking for a balance of performance and elegance in their typing. On the other hand, the HMX Perky offers a more neutral and satisfying feel, thanks to its softer nylon housings and shorter travel distance, leading to a more condensed typing experience. This makes the Perky an attractive option for those who prioritize speed and comfort in their keystrokes. While both switches deliver excellent performance, they cater to different preferences, making it essential to consider what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard. 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
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Perky, a distinct contrast emerges between their top housings. The Jerrzi Coral features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing it to generate clearer and more resonant sounds as well as enhancing the RGB lighting thanks to its translucency. In stark contrast, the HMX Perky opts for nylon as its top housing material, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience. This fundamental differences in top housing materials reflect a division in sound characteristics, catering to diverse user preferences for keyboards.
On the bottom housing front, however, both switches share a commonality, as the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Perky both utilize nylon materials. The nylon bottom housing in the Coral mirrors the Perky’s, delivering deeper and fuller sound experiences that come from the softer plastic's sound-absorbing qualities. Given that both switches utilize the same material in their bottom housings, they will likely present a similar feel and audible effect upon bottoming out, providing a level of uniformity in this aspect despite the contrasting top materials. This resonance in sound profile between the two switches at the bottom housing allows users to enjoy a consistent tactile experience even with differing top components.
Ultimately, the integration of polycarbonate in the Coral’s top housing and nylon in the Perky’s presents an opportunity for keyboard enthusiasts to choose based on their sound preferences. A user seeking a sharper, more vibrant sound will find the Jerrzi Coral appealing, especially for gameplay scenarios where immediate audio feedback is key. Conversely, those who favor a more muted and rounded auditory experience may gravitate towards the HMX Perky. However, regardless of these contrasts in top housing, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing which provides a rich and full sound, ensuring that both models offer a satisfying keypress experience while allowing users to tailor their preferences through their choice of top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Coral has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Perky requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions might find the Coral more comfortable, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push might lean toward the Perky. However, the Coral's bottom out force remains unknown, making it difficult to assess how it would feel when fully pressed down in comparison to the Perky's well-defined bottom out force of 50 grams. The heavier bottom out force in the Perky indicates a firmer landing when typing or gaming, which could appeal to users desiring a pronounced tactile experience. Ultimately, individuals should consider their preferences for typing feel and fatigue when choosing between these two switches, with the Coral leaning towards lighter use and the Perky catering to those who appreciate a more robust touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, a clear distinction is evident. The Jerrzi Coral has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Perky measures 3.4 mm. This makes the Perky the shorter switch, which may appeal to gamers who favor quicker response times and more immediate feedback from their keystrokes. In contrast, the Coral's 3.7 mm distance provides a more substantial feel, which some users may appreciate for a deeper, more satisfying keypress. For those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel of the Perky will likely deliver similar results in terms of rapid actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences regarding key travel depth and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Coral switch produces a pleasant low-pitched resonance that lends a bass-heavy and mellow tone to your typing experience. This characteristic not only creates a more understated auditory environment but also allows for a satisfying acoustic feedback that many users appreciate. However, specific details about the sound profile of the HMX Perky switch are not provided, leaving a gap in direct comparison. Sound can also vary significantly based on the keyboard's construction and keycap materials, so it’s important to consider these factors when evaluating the auditory experience of any switch.
In terms of feel, the Coral switch stands out with its silky typing experience, designed to facilitate exceptionally smooth keystrokes. This smoothness minimizes resistance during both pressing and releasing of keys, allowing for an effortless typing rhythm. Conversely, while no specific descriptors are given for the HMX Perky switch, it is noted that its softer, glittery nylon housing contributes to a more neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience. Without detailed references for the Perky, we cannot directly assess its feel against the Coral.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Coral switch is characterized by its low-pitched sound and silky smooth typing feel, making it a great choice for those who prioritize a refined auditory and tactile experience. The HMX Perky switch offers a neutral yet satisfying typing feel, although specific sound qualities remain undetermined. While both switches offer distinct benefits, the Coral's crisp audio and smoothness might appeal more to users seeking nuanced performance, whereas the Perky could better suit those who prefer a condensed travel distance and softer materials. Ultimately, your choice may depend on the typing experience you prioritize, but both options promise a pleasurable interaction with your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Jerrzi Coral and HMX Perky linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a typing experience that is both smooth and refined, the Coral switch is an excellent choice. Its unique low-pitched sound and silky feel create a luxurious typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions, whether for work or leisure. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more neutral typing experience that still offers satisfaction, the Perky switch may be your best option. With its lighter 50-gram bottom-out force and shorter travel distance, the Perky is particularly well-suited for fast typists who appreciate a more compact keystroke. As such, if you're looking for a switch that balances comfort with performance in a way that promotes speed and efficiency, the HMX Perky stands out. Ultimately, both switches cater to different aspects of typing preference, allowing you to choose according to the feel and sound that resonates most with your typing style.
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