TTC Flaming Purple vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple 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 TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Perky offer distinct yet appealing options for users seeking a linear experience. The TTC Flaming Purple stands out with its resonant sound signature that leans toward the bassy end, providing an engaging auditory backdrop to typists. This switch excels with a feathery feel and a relatively low bottom-out force of 47g, making it a fantastic option for those who favor a light and responsive keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Perky caters to users desiring a more condensed typing experience, characterized by its softer, glittery nylon housing that delivers a neutral yet satisfying touch. The shorter travel distance found in the Perky facilitates quick actions, appealing to gamers and typists alike who value efficiency. Ultimately, both switches have unique qualities, making them suitable for different preferences, whether it be sound, feel, or performance. 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
42g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
47g
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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Perky, a notable distinction arises in the top housing. The Flaming Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer properties. This material also benefits greatly from translucency, enhancing RGB lighting effects, making it an appealing choice for users who value aesthetics as well as acoustics. In contrast, the HMX Perky features a nylon top housing, a material recognized for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder, duller characteristic. Thus, while both switches aim for impressive auditory experiences, they diverge significantly in texture and sound clarity due to the varying properties of polycarbonate and nylon.
However, when we turn to the bottom housing, both switches share the same material: nylon. Both the Flaming Purple and the Perky incorporate nylon in the bottom housing, yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile in both cases. This commonality means that the bottom-out sound and feel are well-matched, as the softer plastic of nylon similarly absorbs sound and creates a consistent typist experience across the two switches. In essence, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that regardless of the contrasting top materials, both switches share a unified sound experience when it comes to bottoming out.
Ultimately, the differing top and bottom housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and HMX Perky create a unique blend of auditory experiences. The Flaming Purple’s nylon bottom allows for a deeper sound, while its polycarbonate top can produce a crisper response, especially during key release. Conversely, the Perky remains consistently rounded in its sound due to its all-nylon construction. Thus, while both switches may aim for an enjoyable typing experience, the combination of these different housings results in distinct sound qualities, making it possible for users to choose based on their auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, both exhibit relatively light specifications, making them suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming. The Flaming Purple features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Perky has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means the Flaming Purple is the lighter option overall, providing a slightly easier keystroke activation. However, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are minimal, implying that users will experience a relatively similar typing feel between the two switches. Both switches cater to those who prefer a lighter touch, making them well-suited for those who prioritize comfort during prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the Flaming Purple features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Perky offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Flaming Purple the longer of the two switches, providing a deeper sensation when pressing down on a key, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Perky may appeal to gamers who prioritize rapid response times, as it allows for quicker key presses and potentially faster gameplay. Both switches are shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance yet not as shallow as the 3.0 mm option, striking a balance between depth and responsiveness for different user preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 Flaming Purple linear switch stands out with its bassy and resonant sound profile that provides a rich auditory experience. When typing, the sound emanates a low-pitched and engaging flair, characterized by a slight poppiness that enhances the overall keystroke. This deeper sound signature can add a level of enjoyment to typing and gaming sessions. Unfortunately, the HMX Perky linear switch lacks a specific description for its sound quality, making it hard to directly compare. However, one can expect that the overall acoustics would depend heavily on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, suggesting that both switches might contribute unique sound experiences depending on these factors.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Purple excels with its feathery and silky characteristics, requiring a light actuation force of only 47g for key presses. This gentle resistance allows for a comfortable typing experience, promoting extended usage without causing finger fatigue. The smoothness of the switch further enhances its appeal, providing a light and responsive feel during both casual typing sessions and intense gaming. The HMX Perky linear switch, on the other hand, is noted for its softer (and glittery) nylon housing, which likely contributes to a comfortable typing experience as well, although specifics regarding its travel distance and resistance have not been provided.
In summary, both the TTC Flaming Purple and HMX Perky linear switches offer unique qualities. While the Flaming Purple is known for its engaging sound and very light, smooth feel, the Perky seems to deliver a satisfying experience, albeit with less detail on its auditory characteristics and tactile feedback. If you’re looking for a switch with a pronounced sound and feathery feel, the Flaming Purple is the clear choice, whereas the Perky might provide a neutral typing experience that could still be enjoyable, potentially leading to similar typing results despite the differences in qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Perky linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're looking for a switch that delivers a light and feathery feel with a touch of bass in its sound profile, the Flaming Purple is an excellent choice. Its lighter bottom-out force of 47 grams makes it particularly suitable for long typing sessions, whether you’re gaming or working, as it minimizes finger fatigue and enhances comfort. Moreover, if you appreciate a switch that adds an engaging auditory flair with its unique poppy undertones, the Flaming Purple will make your keystrokes more enjoyable. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a slightly heavier actuation force and a shorter travel distance for a more compact typing experience, the HMX Perky might be the better option. While it leans towards a neutral experience, the Perky’s design still promises satisfying feedback, making it appealing for both casual and serious typing. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, sound preferences, and desired force sensitivity when making your decision.
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