TTC Gold Red Pro vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Red Pro and HMX Perky are two compelling linear options that cater to different typing preferences. The Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility, providing a smooth and effortless keypress that suits a wide range of applications—from intense gaming sessions to productive office work. Its neutral sound signature strikes a balance, making it well-suited for various environments without being distracting. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switches excel with their unique nylon housings that offer a plush feel and a more condensed typing experience, thanks to a shorter travel distance. This allows for rapid keystrokes while retaining a deeply satisfying touch. Both switches deliver a neutral typing experience that can appeal to users looking for a consistent feel; however, their distinct materials and designs offer unique advantages that may cater to specific user preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
18.5mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Perky are two distinct keyboard switches that utilize different materials in their top housings, leading to contrasting sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Gold Red Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer makeup, which enhances resonance and clarity. In contrast, the HMX Perky sports a nylon top housing. Nylon, described as a classic switch material, yields a deeper and fuller sound profile because its softer nature absorbs more sound. As a result, while the Gold Red Pro may be favored by those who prefer bright and vibrant sound effects, the Perky's acoustic characteristics are better suited for users desiring a more muted, rounder auditory experience.
Interestingly, both the Gold Red Pro and the HMX Perky utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a shared element in their sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper sound when a key is bottomed out, as nylon effectively absorbs impact vibrations. Therefore, regardless of the sharpness derived from the Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate top, the commonality of the nylon bottom housing ensures a certain level of depth and fullness that can make typing on either switch feel satisfying. This similarity allows users to expect a cohesive typing experience in terms of the bottom-out feel, regardless of the distinct tonal qualities brought by the top housing materials.
In summary, while the Gold Red Pro and the Perky exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials—with polycarbonate offering crispness and nylon delivering depth—their shared nylon bottom housing contributes to a comparable bottom-out sound profile. Those who enjoy the sharper tones from the Gold Red Pro can appreciate how the nylon bottom helps create a balanced typing experience. Conversely, users of the HMX Perky benefit from the sound-dampening qualities of nylon, which can make for a comfortable and nuanced typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique auditory experiences driven by their materials, while the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a degree of harmony in tactile feel and sound.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red Pro and HMX Perky linear switches present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches share the same actuation force of 43 grams, which means that users can expect a consistent feel when triggering a keystroke. However, they differ significantly in their bottom out forces, as the HMX Perky boasts a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Gold Red Pro's bottom out force is unknown. This suggests that the Perky is a heavier switch overall, providing a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, which some users may prefer for a tactile typing experience. Meanwhile, the TTC Gold Red Pro's lack of a specified bottom out force leaves its total weight ambiguous, but it is positioned as the lighter option given its actuation force alone. For users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Gold Red Pro might be more suitable, while those who appreciate a heavier, more pronounced key feel may gravitate toward the HMX Perky.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, we see a notable difference. The Gold Red Pro boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Perky features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This indicates that the Gold Red Pro provides a more pronounced depth during key presses, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback when typing or gaming. Conversely, the HMX Perky, with its shorter travel distance, could be favored by gamers and those who prioritize responsiveness, as the reduced distance allows for quicker actuation. Therefore, if a user is seeking a snappier response, the Perky would be the preferable choice, while those who enjoy a traditional, more robust feel might lean towards the Gold Red Pro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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 Red Pro linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, characterized by a thocky and low-pitched signature. This makes it versatile and suitable for various settings, whether gaming or office work, as it produces a deep yet soft sound reminiscent of a gentle thud. The neutral tone ensures that it’s not overly intrusive, appealing to both casual and serious typists. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switch lacks specific sound descriptors provided in the information, which makes it difficult to compare directly. However, it's common for linear switches to have a less pronounced sound, so it may also adopt a more subdued auditory presence similar to the Gold Red Pro.
Regarding the feel, the Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its polished and silky texture, resulting in a refined and smooth typing experience. The gentle resistance offers a mild feel, making it approachable for all types of users, while the subtle characteristics allow for an unobtrusive tactile experience. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch is fitted with softer nylon housings, promoting a neutral and satisfying typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Perky switch may contribute to an even more condensed feel, but without additional details, a direct comparison in terms of overall tactile feedback cannot be confidently drawn.
In summary, both the TTC Gold Red Pro and HMX Perky linear switches present appealing qualities but differ in characteristics that might cater to different users. The Gold Red Pro excels with its versatile sound and polished feel, making it an excellent all-rounder. Meanwhile, while the Perky switch offers a neutral experience complimenting its softer design, further details are needed to fully evaluate its sound and tactile feedback against the Gold Red Pro. Overall, each of these switches provides distinct advantages that can meet varied typing preferences, allowing users to choose based on their specific needs and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific needs and preferences. If you value versatility and ease of use, the Gold Red Pro is an excellent choice for you. Its low actuation force and polished, silky feel provide a smooth and seamless typing experience, making it suitable for various applications such as gaming, office work, or casual typing. Its neutral sound profile strikes a harmonious balance, ensuring it won't be disruptive in shared environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a more condensed typing experience and appreciate a deeper, satisfying feedback with a slightly heavier feel, the HMX Perky switch might be more suited to you. With its shorter travel distance, it delivers a unique tactile experience that some users find deeply satisfying, especially for those who enjoy a bit of texture in their key presses. Consider what aspects matter most to you—whether it’s the smooth versatility of the Gold Red Pro or the unique tactile sensation of the Perky—and you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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