TTC Flaming Pink vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Perky each bring unique characteristics to the table, appealing to different preferences among users. The TTC Flaming Pink switch is celebrated for its smooth, responsive feel, coupled with a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances both gaming and everyday typing sessions. Its bright sound profile strikes a balance, making it suitable for various environments without being overly loud. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switch offers a distinct typing experience with its softer, glittery nylon housings, providing a neutral yet deeply satisfying sensation. Thanks to its shorter travel distance, users can enjoy a more condensed and efficient typing experience. Both switches cater to individuals seeking comfort and performance, but their differing sound profiles and tactile feedback can influence your choice. 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
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Perky offer distinct sound profiles due to the different materials used in their top housings, while sharing a similar material for their bottom housings. The Flaming Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, polycarbonate is translucent, making it an excellent choice for users who plan to incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboard setup, as it allows for vibrant backlighting effects.
In contrast, the HMX Perky utilizes a nylon top housing, which is associated with a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer properties. The absorption of sound by nylon results in a duller and rounder auditory experience, shifting the typist's perception towards a more muted feedback. While the materials differ, this means that the Flaming Pink will produce a brighter sound when keys are released, while the Perky will offer a more subdued auditory return, reflecting their respective housing materials.
However, when it comes to their bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, which ensures that the typing experience retains a commonality. The deeper and fuller sound profile produced by the nylon bottom housing remains consistent across both models, providing a familiar sensation and auditory feedback when the key bottoms out. This means that while the top housings create distinctive sound characteristics that cater to varied preferences, the foundational feel and sound of both switches maintain a sense of continuity due to the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing, ultimately creating a well-rounded typing experience, regardless of which switch is chosen.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch have identical specifications in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, both requiring a light 43 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out. This means that users of either switch can expect a similar typing experience, characterized by a light touch that is ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Since both switches exhibit the same actuation and bottom out forces, neither is heavier or lighter than the other, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a softer keystroke feel. Ultimately, users choosing between these two switches will find that their performance and tactile feedback will be closely comparable, ensuring consistency in their typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the Flaming Pink stands out with a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Perky has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that gamers or users seeking faster response times might benefit from the quicker actuation offered by the Perky switch, although the difference is minimal. On the other hand, the Flaming Pink’s longer travel distance may provide a more substantial tactile experience, which some users prefer for a fuller feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, if you value responsiveness, the Perky is the shorter option, while the Flaming Pink is a better choice if you appreciate a more pronounced travel depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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 TTC Flaming Pink linear switch is noted for its bright yet not overly loud sound profile, which provides a satisfying bottom-out sound that contributes to an overall premium typing experience. This makes it ideal for both gaming and everyday tasks, offering a delightful auditory feedback without being distracting. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switch features a more neutral sound characteristic. With its softer nylon housings, the Perky is designed to give a quieter typing experience, although specifics about its sound profile are less defined than those of the Flaming Pink. Keep in mind that the final sound of any switch will also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Flaming Pink switches are recognized for their smooth and responsive action, providing a fluid typing experience that many users appreciate, particularly during fast-paced gaming or extensive typing sessions. The Perky switches, with their condensed travel distance and softer housing, offer a typing experience that is described as deeply satisfying and neutral. Users of the Perky may appreciate the shorter travel, which can lead to quicker actuation and potentially more relaxed typing sessions, though it may feel different compared to the more pronounced actuation of the Flaming Pink.
Overall, while both the TTC Flaming Pink and HMX Perky linear switches cater to users looking for smooth performance, they offer different qualities that may appeal to different preferences. The Flaming Pink excels in providing a pronounced sound and a traditional longer travel feel, while the Perky offers a unique, condensed experience that may feel more comfortable for some. Depending on your typing style and sound preference, either switch can deliver a delightful experience, but choosing between them could come down to whether you value a vibrant auditory experience or a more subdued and compact feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, your choice should reflect not only your typing preferences but also the type of experience you desire from your mechanical keyboard. If you prioritize a smooth, responsive feel alongside a satisfying bottom-out sound with a bright yet not overpowering audio profile, the Flaming Pink switch is an excellent choice. Its versatility makes it suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks, offering an engaging and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more condensed typing experience with a softer and deeply satisfying feel, the HMX Perky switches might be more to your liking. The glittery nylon housings provide a unique aesthetic and contribute to a quieter typing experience due to their shorter travel distance. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you seek a vibrant auditory feedback and a broad application or prefer a more compact and subtle typing feel.
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