TTC Gold Silver vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Perky offers distinct advantages suited for different preferences and use cases. The TTC Gold Silver is celebrated for its rapid responsiveness, featuring a shortened travel distance that provides a decisive and solid bottom-out with each keystroke. Its resonant sound profile and silky smoothness add to the tactile experience, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists seeking speed and tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX Perky switches, crafted from softer nylon housings, deliver a neutral and satisfying typing experience, making them ideal for users who prioritize comfort and a less aggressive sound while still enjoying a smooth key action. Both switches offer unique qualities, with the Gold Silver leaning towards performance and precision, while the Perky focuses on a more subdued and pleasant typing feel. 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
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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 employed in the TTC Gold Silver and HMX Perky mechanical switches exhibit distinct characteristics that shape their performance and auditory experience. The Gold Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, allowing for a clearer resonance when a key is released. This design is particularly advantageous for users who enjoy vibrant RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effects of backlighting. In contrast, the Perky features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer composition of nylon enables it to absorb more sound, leading to a more muted auditory feedback that can be appealing for those preferring a rounded typing experience.
Both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, creating a significant point of similarity. Here, the nylon material contributes to a deeper sound profile with a softer touch, thereby enhancing the tactile feedback as users activate the switch. This commonality allows the TTC Gold Silver and HMX Perky to deliver pronounced bottom-out sounds and a satisfying feel during key presses. While both incorporate nylon at the bottom, the polycarbonate top of the Gold Silver juxtaposes the nylon top of the Perky, leading to a divergence in overall acoustic character. The combined result of these differing top and bottom materials means that while the sound upon activating the key remains somewhat consistent, the release and overall auditory signature vary noticeably due to the materials used at the top.
When it comes to the overall experience of typing on these two switches, the combination of their respective materials leads to distinctively themed auditory profiles. The polycarbonate top of the Gold Silver combined with its nylon bottom creates an interesting juxtaposition, providing clarity in immediate key action and depth during bottom-out. For the Perky, its entire housing being made of nylon cultivates a seamless, consistent experience that emphasizes a smooth typing feel while maintaining a muted sound. Both switches deliver unique results in their own rights, primarily driven by the interaction of the chosen materials, but ultimately aligning in performance due to the shared nylon bottom housing, suggesting that even when differences exist, users can still achieve satisfying results based on their sound and feel preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, several differences arise. The Gold Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Perky's 43 grams. This means that while the Gold Silver requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke, the Perky provides a lighter touch, potentially contributing to less fatigue during long typing sessions. However, the Gold Silver does not have a specified bottom out force available, whereas the Perky has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams. The known bottom out force of the Perky indicates it is designed to offer a firmer and more substantial feel when pressing the key all the way down, which may appeal to those who prefer a heavier typing experience. In summary, users looking for a lighter switch might lean toward the HMX Perky due to its lower actuation force, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may find the TTC Gold Silver more to their liking, pending the bottom out force details.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, it's clear that there is a slight difference between the two. The Gold Silver has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Perky measures at 3.4 mm. This makes the Perky the shorter option, appealing to gamers who prioritize quick response times. Conversely, the Gold Silver provides a bit more depth, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more pronounced key press. Both switches fall within the modern trend of shorter travel distances, though the Gold Silver offers a slightly greater travel for those who seek a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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 Silver linear switch stands out with its thocky, low-pitched, and neutral acoustic profile, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a satisfying auditory feedback on each keystroke. The deep, rich sound produced by the Gold Silver creates an immersive typing experience, whether you're working or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Perky linear switch does not have a specific sound description available; thus, it remains unknown how its sound profile compares to the Gold Silver. It’s important to note that the overall sound produced by any switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's choice and keycap materials, meaning you might adapt the Perky sound experience easily.
In terms of feel, the Gold Silver is characterized by its polished and silky texture, delivering a smooth and refined typing experience that minimizes friction. The mild and subtle resistance from this switch offers a gentle and approachable feel, making it easy on the fingers while maintaining a satisfying key travel. Unfortunately, no specific descriptions are available for the HMX Perky in terms of feel either, leaving its tactile experience unknown. Given the Gold Silver's superior smoothness, it would likely deliver a better tactile response compared to the Pery.
In summary, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch excels in both sound and feel, offering a richly immersive auditory experience and a smooth, polished touch while typing. The Gold Silver's low-pitched thocky sound profile offers clear advantages, while its refined feel likely surpasses that of the HMX Perky, whose qualities remain unspecified. As such, if you prioritize sound and a buttery smooth feel in your typing experience, the Gold Silver is a robust choice. Conversely, should the HMX Perky prove satisfactory in your testing, it may serve as a suitable alternative, especially if its unique characteristics do align with your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch largely depends on your personal priorities and typing preferences. If you value rapid responsiveness and a more decisive typing experience, the TTC Gold Silver is an excellent option. Its smooth travel, thocky sound, and polished feel create an engaging and satisfying typing experience that is perfect for fast-paced gaming or quick typists who thrive on immediate feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer touch with a neutral and satisfying feel, the HMX Perky linear switch is a better fit. With its lighter bottom out force, it promotes a more relaxed typing style while still delivering a condensed and effective experience. Therefore, if you're looking primarily for speed and pronounced tactile feedback, the Gold Silver will serve you well, while the Perky is ideal for those seeking comfort and a gentle typing experience. Ultimately, understanding your preferences will guide you in choosing the switch that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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