TTC Gold Red vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red and HMX Perky linear switches offer distinct experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Gold Red is widely celebrated for its buttery smooth typing feel, boasting a light to medium resistance that makes it comfortable for extended use. Its snappy sound profile adds a touch of personality to your setup without overwhelming your auditory senses, making it ideal for both typing and gaming enthusiasts who appreciate a balanced experience. On the other hand, the HMX Perky brings its own charm with a unique softer and glittery nylon housing that contributes to a deeply satisfying and neutral typing experience. Its shorter travel distance offers a more condensed feel, appealing to users who prefer quick key presses and efficient typing. Each switch has its own set of advantages, from the polished smoothness of the Gold Red to the condensed responsiveness of the 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
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the HMX Perky, a noticeable difference arises in their top housings, which play a crucial role in defining the overall sound profile of each switch. The Gold Red switch utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This clarity and resonance is particularly beneficial for those seeking a bright acoustic experience, especially when RGB lighting is involved, as polycarbonate's translucence allows for vivid illumination. In contrast, the HMX Perky utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. The inherent sound absorption characteristics of nylon help to create a mellower auditory experience, favoring those who prefer a muted and rounded sound over the crispness of polycarbonate.
While both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, the sound profiles they produce are a blend of the top and bottom materials. In the case of the TTC Gold Red, its nylon bottom housing enhances the overall sound quality, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound that complements the piercing clarity provided by its polycarbonate top. This combination allows for a more balanced acoustic experience when typing, as the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the HMX Perky features a cohesive nylon composition in both the top and bottom housings, ensuring a uniform sound quality that leans heavily into the softer characteristics of nylon. This results in a consistent acoustic experience, where the subdue and rounded tones predominately define the switch's perception.
In essence, while the TTC Gold Red and HMX Perky showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—the use of nylon in both switches' bottom housings introduces a shared acoustic element that enhances their sound profiles. Users of either switch can expect a deeper, fuller auditory experience due to the nylon's ability to absorb sound, albeit with differing levels of clarity owing to the contrasting top housing materials. As a result, individuals can choose between an incisive and resonant typing experience with the Gold Red or the more subdued and rounded tones provided by the Perky, allowing personal preference and aesthetic considerations to ultimately guide their decision.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch exhibit identical specifications when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces, both featuring an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This similarity means users can expect comparable performance in terms of keystroke activation and overall typing experience. Both switches are classified as light, making them suitable for users who prefer longer typing sessions or extended gaming without excessive strain. The lightweight design caters to those who appreciate a softer touch for everyday use, ensuring comfort during prolonged periods of key presses. As neither switch is heavier than the other, users seeking a more substantial typing experience may want to consider alternatives with greater actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the differences are quite notable. The TTC Gold Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional standard, providing a deeper feel that many users appreciate for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX Perky has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, catering to those who prefer a more responsive experience, especially beneficial for gaming where quick key presses are essential. Thus, if you favor a more substantial typing experience, the Gold Red would be the ideal choice, while the Perky is better suited for users seeking speed and responsiveness. Overall, the Gold Red has the longer travel distance, while the Perky has the shorter one, highlighting a distinct variation in user experience between the two options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 linear switch is noted for its thocky and low-pitched feedback, delivering a satisfying deep sound with every keystroke. The audio profile is rich and grounding, characterized by a soft “thud” that adds a touch of personality without overwhelming the user. Its neutral sound makes it versatile enough for various settings, whether at home or in a professional environment. In contrast, there is no specific sound profile provided for the HMX Perky linear switch, which leaves an unknown quality regarding its acoustic characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red switches shine with their mild and silky typing experience. They offer a gentle typing sensation, making them accessible for both novices and seasoned typists alike. The subtle resistance and polished finish contribute to a refined feel, minimizing friction and enhancing overall smoothness during use. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switches are described as having a neutral and satisfying typing experience, but further details about their specific tactile qualities remain unknown. As such, while both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience, the specifics of the Perky's feel are not yet clear.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Red and HMX Perky linear switches aim to provide satisfying typing experiences, albeit with different sound profiles and tactile qualities. The Gold Red excels with its thocky sound and smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback alongside intuitive touch. The Perky, while less documented in terms of sound and tactile characteristics, promises a deeply satisfying experience with a shorter travel distance. Therefore, while you can expect a generally enjoyable typing experience from both, the Gold Red may appeal more to users who value sound and premium feel, whereas the Perky is still a mystery waiting to be fully explored.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a buttery smooth typing experience with a tactile and somewhat snappy sound profile, the Gold Red switch is an excellent option. With its mild feel and subtle sound, it suits a range of environments, whether you're typing at home or in a shared workspace. On the other hand, if you prefer a more condensed typing experience with a soft and neutral touch, the Perky switch may be the better fit for you. Its unique glittery nylon housing provides a satisfying feel and makes it ideal for those who enjoy a smooth and efficient typing experience without the extra auditory embellishments. In the end, consider what matters most to you—if you seek a dynamic and engaging sound with a smooth feel, go for the Gold Red. However, if you prioritize comfort and a quick action during typing, the HMX Perky might be your switch of choice.
Mentioned in this article
