Gateron Glory Red vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves at a crossroads between options that promise distinct typing experiences. The Gateron Glory Red switch stands out for its light actuation force and smooth keystroke, providing a delightful typing experience with an optimal travel distance—making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize quick, effortless keystrokes and enjoy long typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switch features softer, glittery nylon housings that deliver a more condensed typing experience thanks to their shorter travel distance. This switch is favored by those who appreciate a neutral feel that balances responsiveness with comfort, offering a satisfying tactile feedback. While both switches are linear and geared toward providing a smooth typing experience, the choice between the two often boils down to personal preference for actuation force and travel distance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red with the HMX Perky, both switches make use of nylon for their top and bottom housings, which underscores a shared foundation in their design aesthetic and functional characteristics. Nylon, being a classic switch housing material, contributes to a distinctive sound profile that is deeper and fuller, thanks to its softer plastic composition. The use of nylon allows both switches to absorb sound effectively, leading to a more subdued auditory experience when typing. This shared characteristic assures users that both switches will yield a similar tactile and acoustic sensation during use, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Diving deeper into the sound profiles produced by the Nylon housings, we observe how both switches produce a consistently duller and rounder sound. This can be attributed to the way nylon interacts with sound waves; its material properties enable it to mute sharper frequencies, thereby delivering a smoother auditory feedback when a key is pressed. Consequently, whether one opts for the Gateron Glory Red or the HMX Perky, users can expect a somewhat identical performance in terms of sound signature—users will experience a pleasant typing sound that does not have the harshness sometimes found in switches made from harder plastics.
However, while both switches feature the same material for their housings, the overall experience may still differ based on other factors such as spring tension, actuation force, and personal typing style. The impact of the bottom housing is particularly significant when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Thus, while the nylon housings of both the Glory Red and Perky switches offer a shared and favorable typing experience, subtle differences in design or actuation can lead to varying user preferences that extend beyond their housing materials. Ultimately, choosing between the two may come down to specific performance nuances rather than fundamental material differences.
Weight
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch exhibit differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, impacting their overall typing experience. The Glory Red switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier compared to the HMX Perky, which has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This difference in actuation force suggests that users may find the Glory Red switch requires a bit more effort to register a keystroke, which could be favored by those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Red switch is unknown, while the Perky's bottom out force is recorded at 50 grams. This means that while the Perky presents a clear tactile feedback experience upon bottoming out, we cannot assess the depth of the Glory Red's feel in this regard. Overall, those preferring a lighter switch should lean towards the HMX Perky, while others who enjoy a stronger push may find the Gateron Glory Red more to their liking, pending any bottom out feedback from the former.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the Glory Red measures 3.6 mm, while the Perky offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that those who favor a more responsive and quicker actuation may prefer the HMX Perky, as its shorter travel distance can facilitate faster response times, making it particularly appealing for gaming. However, players who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down may find the Gateron Glory Red more to their liking due to its longer travel distance, which provides a deeper and more satisfying keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for response time versus key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Red switches produce a relatively quiet and subdued noise. This is typical of linear switches, making them suitable for environments where sound may be a concern, such as offices or shared spaces. The HMX Perky switches, on the other hand, may exhibit a soft, muted because of their unique nylon housings and construction, though specifics are unknown. Overall, both switches lean towards a quieter sound profile, which is a common trait among linear switches, ensuring that they will not disturb those around you while typing.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red switches are known for their smooth keystroke and balanced travel distance, which provides a satisfying typing experience without any tactile bump or click. This quality allows for rapid key presses and a fluid typing motion. In contrast, the HMX Perky switches are designed to deliver a more condensed typing experience with a neutral yet gratifying feel, thanks to their softer nylon housings. The shorter travel distance can lead to quicker actuation and a responsive typing experience, albeit potentially at the expense of some of the fluidity found in the Glory Reds.
Overall, both the Gateron Glory Red and HMX Perky linear switches provide distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel, appealing to different preferences among typists. While the Glory Red leans towards a smooth and enjoyable keystroke with subdued sound, the Perky offers a satisfying experience with a somewhat more condensed design. Ultimately, either switch can facilitate a quiet and pleasant typing experience, making them both excellent choices for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To summarize, when choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, consider how you plan to use your keyboard and your personal preferences. If you favor a smooth, effortless keystroke with a light touch, the Glory Red switches would be an excellent choice; they are designed to provide a fluid typing experience, making them ideal for extended typing sessions, gaming, or casual usage where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a typing experience that feels more thoughtfully condensed with a satisfying return, then the HMX Perky switches are likely to be a better fit. Their slightly heavier bottom out force and shorter travel distance can enhance precision in typing and make them particularly enjoyable for tasks requiring quick, accurate input like coding or competitive gaming. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you prioritize a lighter, smoother feel or a more substantial, condensed typing experience. Each switch brings its own flavor to the table, so consider your typical usage scenarios, and choose accordingly for the best overall experience.
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