TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the tactile TTC Gold Brown Pro and the linear HMX Perky each offer distinct advantages catering to different typing preferences. The Gold Brown Pro is celebrated for its nuanced feedback, featuring a gentle tactile bump that provides a subtle reminder of each keystroke without overwhelming the typist. Its low-pitched sound profile ensures a quiet experience, ideal for those who wish to maintain focus and minimize distractions in a shared or quieter environment. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switches are designed for a more streamlined experience, boasting a condensed travel distance that allows for swift key presses with a satisfying linear feel. The softer nylon housing contributes to a pleasant typing experience, making it a great choice for gamers and typists who appreciate smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes. While both switches have their unique benefits, choosing between them ultimately depends on whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Gold Brown Pro or the fluidity of the HMX Perky. 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
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
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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 housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and HMX Perky switches present a fascinating contrast, particularly in their top housings. The Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer nature, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality is ideal for users seeking a more resonant auditory feedback, making it especially compatible with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the HMX Perky opts for a nylon top housing, a material recognized for its softer composition that fosters a deeper and fuller sound. The result here is a more subdued auditory experience; however, users who prefer a rounder sound will appreciate the Perky's nylon top which creates a distinct contrast to the sharper tones of the Gold Brown Pro.
The bottom housing of both switches, however, exhibits a remarkable similarity. Both the Gold Brown Pro and HMX Perky utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes a deeper, fuller sound due to nylon's inherent properties of sound absorption. This consistent choice means that regardless of the differences in their top housings, the overall auditory experience when bottoming out the switches will be akin. Both switches thus create a complementary sound profile; the bottom housing's nylon helps moderate the acoustic effects of the top housing, giving a balanced sound that highlights the strengths of the material used.
When considering the interactions between these materials, it becomes clear that each has designated roles in shaping the auditory feedback of each switch. In the case of the Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing, it injects a more clear and vibrant sound during the release phase of a keystroke, while the nylon bottom housing ensures a rich sound when bottoming out. Conversely, the HMX Perky’s nylon top housing dampens the sound, creating a more muted experience during the release, yet the similar nylon base continues to provide a robust auditory sensation upon keystroke completion. Ultimately, while each switch offers a unique soundscape influenced by its top housing material, the shared nylon bottom ensures that those with similar preferences can still find fulfilling auditory enjoyment across both options.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch to the HMX Perky linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Gold Brown Pro features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier than the HMX Perky, which has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This means that typists who prefer a more substantial push feel might gravitate towards the Gold Brown Pro, while those who favor a lighter touch may find the HMX Perky to be more suited for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Brown Pro is currently unavailable, while the HMX Perky has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that once the HMX Perky is fully pressed down, it requires a notable amount of force to reach the bottom. The absence of a bottom out force for the Gold Brown Pro leaves a gap in the comparison, but based on the available information, the HMX Perky provides a clearer picture of its resistance and feedback. Ultimately, for users looking for a lighter switch, the HMX Perky is the better option, while the Gold Brown Pro caters to those who prefer a heavier force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, we observe a notable difference in their specifications. The Gold Brown Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Perky offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Perky switch more responsive, which can be advantageous for gamers or those who prefer quicker key actuation. Conversely, the Gold Brown Pro provides a deeper feel with its longer travel distance, which may be more satisfying for users who appreciate a substantial tactile experience when typing. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the HMX Perky would be the better choice, whereas those seeking a more pronounced depth might lean towards the TTC Gold Brown Pro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 Gold Brown Pro provides a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral auditory experience. This switch produces a deep, rich sound reminiscent of a soft thud with each keystroke, making it pleasant to use without being overly loud. The sound is rich yet subdued, making it suitable for shared workspaces where you want to maintain a calm environment. In contrast, specific sound characteristics for the HMX Perky linear switch remain unspecified, which leaves it open to interpretation based on the keyboard it’s paired with and the choice of keycaps.
The feel of the TTC Gold Brown Pro is pleasantly multifaceted, characterized by its polished and silky movement that provides a gentle typing experience. With its mild and subtle resistance, this switch allows for a smooth and refined keystroke that maintains a gentle tactile feedback, ideal for users who appreciate a nuanced touch. Notably, the Gold Brown Pro features a stepped tactile bump that gently guides you through the keystroke without overwhelming resistance. On the other hand, the specifics regarding the feel of the HMX Perky linear switch are unknown, which could suggest a more uniform typing experience. Linear switches typically provide smooth keystrokes without tactile feedback, so the Perky may yield a more consistent typing sensation albeit without the tactile nuance found in the Gold Brown Pro.
In summary, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch excels in providing a soft auditory profile and a refined tactile feel, making it a great option for users who appreciate both subtlety in sound and an elevated typing experience. The lack of specific details about the HMX Perky linear switch leaves many of its subjective qualities open-ended, but it’s reasonable to expect a smooth and direct typing experience typical of linear switches. For those who prioritize a blend of tactile feedback and sound dampening, the Gold Brown Pro is a standout choice, while the Perky remains a mystery that might cater to a different mood of typing preference.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a gentle tactile feel that provides subtle feedback without overwhelming your focus, the Gold Brown Pro is an excellent choice. Its polished, silky nature coupled with a low-pitched thocky sound makes it ideal for quiet environments, such as offices or shared spaces, where you want to remain immersed in your work. On the other hand, if you prefer a more straightforward and satisfying keyboard experience with effortless key presses, the HMX Perky linear switch is likely more suited to you. With its lighter bottom out force and responsive feel, it’s perfect for fast-paced typists or gamers who prioritize fluidity over tactile feedback. Ultimately, consider the setting in which you’ll be using your keyboard and whether you want the tactile nuance of the Gold Brown Pro or the smooth, swift action of the Perky to enhance your typing experience.
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