KTT Cream Yellow vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX Perky present two appealing linear options, each catering to different preferences in typing experience. The Cream Yellow is celebrated for its distinctive clacky sound profile, resulting from its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which allows for resonant audio feedback while typing. This switch offers a notably bouncy feel, enhanced by a lengthened spring that delivers a lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Perky stands out with its softer and glittery nylon housings, providing a neutral yet deeply satisfying typing experience. Its shorter travel distance facilitates a more condensed typing sensation, making it suitable for those who prefer a quicker, fluid response without the extra auditory feedback. Both switches offer unique characteristics that appeal to varying typing styles, making them worthy contenders in the realm of mechanical keyboards. 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
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 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 Cream Yellow and the HMX Perky differ significantly in their choice of materials for the top housing, leading to distinct sound profiles that affect the overall typing experience. The Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness, which results in a brighter and crisper sound. This material's rigidity enhances the clarity of the acoustics produced during keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate sharp and precise auditory feedback. In contrast, the Perky uses a nylon top housing, a material celebrated for its softer composition, resulting in a muted and rounded sound profile. The nylon absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate, thus delivering a deeper auditory experience that many users find comforting and appealing. Therefore, while the Cream Yellow's polycarbonate construction enhances clarity and brightness, the Perky's nylon offers warmth and fullness, appealing to a different set of preferences.
Conversely, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches feature nylon material. This creates a synergy between the two models, as nylon delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile universally. Regardless of the top housing differences, both the KTT Cream Yellow and HMX Perky benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon in the bottom housing, leading to a consistent experience in terms of depth and resonance when bottoming out. This shared use of nylon ensures that when users press the keys down, they will encounter that distinctive round and rich sound, which adds to the overall tactile pleasure of typing, irrespective of the top housing material.
The contrasting materials in the top housing of the Cream Yellow and Perky reveal how sound profiles can significantly alter the user experience, while the shared nylon bottom housing ensures certain acoustic qualities remain consistent. Users opting for the Cream Yellow may find delight in the crispness and clarity ideal for RGB-illuminated setups, whereas those who prefer the soothing depth of sound will likely gravitate toward the Perky. Ultimately, despite the differences in their external housings, both switches deliver unique results that cater to varying preferences while sharing a common acoustic foundation due to their nylon bottoms.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Cream Yellow requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, contrasted with the lighter 43 grams of the Perky. This difference indicates that the Cream Yellow may provide a more substantial typing feel, making it preferable for users who enjoy a stronger push. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Cream Yellow is 58 grams, again heavier than the Perky's 50 grams. Ultimately, the KTT Cream Yellow is the heavier option, which may benefit typists or gamers who seek a more pronounced tactile feedback during use, while the HMX Perky, with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces, is suited for those favoring longer typing sessions with less finger fatigue.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Perky linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This indicates that the Cream Yellow offers a tad more depth, making it potentially more suitable for users who appreciate a hearty feel when pressing keys. On the other hand, the Perky's shorter travel distance could cater to gamers seeking faster response times and a more immediate actuation, aligning with the trend toward shorter distances in modern switches. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive experience with less depth, the Perky would be the better choice, whereas those who favor a deeper key press may find the Cream Yellow more appealing. Overall, the difference between the two switches is minimal, but it reflects varying preferences in tactile feedback and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow 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
The KTT Cream Yellow switch is well-regarded for its distinctively clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that many users describe as crisp and bright. This clacky quality is attributed to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which allow for a more resonant audio experience. Although the HMX Perky switch lacks a detailed sound description, its construction with softer nylon housings suggests that it may have a more subdued auditory profile. However, without specific information on the Perky's sound characteristics, it's challenging to draw a direct comparison, but the Cream Yellow could be favored for those who appreciate a pronounced sound.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch is known for its bouncy nature, offering a spring-like sensation that provides a lively rebound when the key is pressed. This elastic feedback can enhance the typing experience, making it notably engaging for users who enjoy a more dynamic response. Conversely, while the HMX Perky’s feel characteristics have not been specified, its description points to a neutral and satisfying typing experience, which may appeal to those who prefer a more straightforward and consistent keypress. Both switches could potentially cater to different preferences in terms of typing feedback.
In summary, choosing between the KTT Cream Yellow and HMX Perky linear switches largely depends on individual preferences related to sound and feel. The Cream Yellow stands out with its clacky sound and bouncy feel, making it ideal for users seeking auditory and tactile engagement. Meanwhile, the Perky might offer a more subdued sound profile along with a neutral typing experience, appealing to those who value simplicity. If you're looking for a lively auditory experience, the Cream Yellow would likely be the better choice, while the Perky could cater to those who prefer a quieter keyboard without sacrificing an enjoyable typing sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and actuation force. If you enjoy a slightly heavier feel with a bottom-out force of 58 grams and appreciate the audible feedback of a “clacky” sound profile, then the Cream Yellow is likely the better fit for your needs. Its bouncy feel thanks to the lengthened spring and short travel distance provides a lively and engaging typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more tactile response and a vibrant sound while they type. Conversely, if you favor a lighter key pressure with a bottom-out force of 50 grams and prefer a neutral, satisfying typing experience without pronounced sound, the HMX Perky is well-suited for you. Its softer nylon housing and shorter travel distance create a refined feel that lends itself well to prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In essence, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize an engaging auditory and tactile experience (KTT Cream Yellow) or a smoother, quieter typing experience (HMX Perky).
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