Gateron Ink Red vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that promise unique typing experiences. The Gateron Ink Red and the HMX Perky both feature linear designs, yet they cater to different preferences in feel and sound. The Gateron Ink Red is celebrated for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those who favor a lighter typing style. Its silky smoothness and crisp, clacky sound profile contribute to an effortless and enjoyable typing experience, appealing to users who appreciate feedback in their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Perky switches shine with their softer, glittery nylon housings, offering a more neutral typing sensation alongside a shorter travel distance that encourages a more condensed and satisfying feel. While both switches provide smooth operation, the choice between them hinges on whether you prioritize lighter actuation and sound character or a more compact and comfortable travel experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and HMX Perky switches showcase distinct sound characteristics due to their differing compositions. The Gateron Ink Red employs a proprietary INK blend for its housings, both top and bottom, which is known for producing a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. This unique characteristic creates a clacky auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch features a nylon top and bottom housing, a classic choice that is celebrated for generating a deeper, fuller sound. The properties of nylon, which is a softer plastic, allow it to absorb more sound and produce a duller, rounder auditory experience compared to the sharper tones of the Ink Red.
When focusing on the impact of the housing materials on the bottom-out feel and sound, the differences become more pronounced. With the Ink Red's INK blend, both top and bottom housings carry a high-pitched tone that remains consistent throughout the typing experience, emphasizing the pointed auditory signature. On the other hand, the HMX Perky's nylon housing contributes to a fuller bottom-out sound and feel, enriching the typing experience with its rounded quality. The construction of the Perky switch allows for a more muted experience, as the nylon effectively absorbs the higher frequencies that the Ink Red accentuates. Thus, while both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, the mark they leave sonically diverges due to their housing materials.
In terms of overall results, despite their contrasts, both switches can deliver satisfying tactile and auditory responses during use. If someone enjoys the clackiness of the Ink Red but prefers the sounds associated with the nylon housing of the Perky, they may find an appreciation for each in different settings. For instance, mixing and matching the two could lead to a hybrid experience, with the Ink Red contributing its pointed, higher-pitched sound when releasing keys, while the Perky endows a fuller bottom-out experience. In this way, while the materials differ fundamentally in sound properties, both can produce desirable outcomes based on user preference and keystroke dynamics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, a notable difference emerges in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Red features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, positioning it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the HMX Perky is lighter, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This disparity indicates that the Perky is easier to press, which may be beneficial for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Ink Red is heavier at 60 grams compared to the Perky's 50 grams, suggesting that the Ink Red provides a more substantial feel when fully pressed down. Therefore, while both switches offer a linear experience, the HMX Perky is ideal for those seeking a lighter, more effortless keypress, while the Gateron Ink Red appeals to those desiring a firmer response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the Ink Red stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Perky features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference positions the Ink Red as the more traditional option, offering a deeper press that some users may prefer for a more satisfying tactile experience. Conversely, the Perky's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and more rapid keystrokes, albeit at the potential cost of a more abrupt feel. Ultimately, if you desire a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, the Ink Red is the clear choice, whereas those prioritizing speed and responsiveness might favor the Perky.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Red switch offers a unique auditory experience characterized by a chirpy quality complemented by moderate clackiness. This blend results in a typing sound that is satisfying yet not overwhelming, making it suitable for various environments, from home setups to professional offices. The Ink Red’s sound profile, defined by its crisp and clacky notes, contrasts with the HMX Perky switch, which is predominantly clacky, delivering a sharp and snappy audio signature when pressed. While both switches offer distinct sounds, the Perky's sound can be characterized as brighter and more percussive, creating a more lively typing atmosphere.
In terms of feel, both the Ink Red and Perky switches provide a silky and polished typing experience. The Ink Red is particularly well-regarded for its smooth and mild characteristics, minimizing resistance during typing and enhancing comfort for users who prefer a lighter touch. Conversely, the Perky switches also boast a polished feel, reinforcing a similarly smooth experience, although the shorter travel distance of the Perkys may provide a more condensed typing sensation. This could appeal to individuals who appreciate quicker keystrokes. Overall, both switches enable a seamless typing experience, appealing to those who prioritize smooth key travel.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Red and HMX Perky switches have their unique strengths in sound and feel, they share significant similarities that can cater to different typing preferences. The Ink Red's chirpy audio profile and mild, polished feel make it ideal for those seeking ease of use in quieter settings. Meanwhile, the Perky’s percussive clack and compact keystroke offer a different flavor of satisfaction, making it perfect for shorter typing engagements. Ultimately, both switches can provide a fulfilling experience, ensuring that users regardless of their choice will enjoy smoothness and quality in their typing endeavors.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Red and the HMX Perky linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your individual typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a switch with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and enjoy a typing experience characterized by a smoother, more polished feel combined with a crispy, clacky sound profile, then the Ink Red would be your ideal choice. It's well-suited for a variety of scenarios, whether you're typing at work or gaming at home, allowing for a more versatile usage. On the other hand, if you're looking for something lighter and more compact, the HMX Perky with its 50 grams of force may be the better option. Its softer and glittery nylon housing offers a deeply satisfying yet neutral typing experience, while the shorter travel distance can provide a quicker response, making it appealing for fast typists or gamers. Both switches deliver an exceptionally smooth feel, but by considering the force, sound profile, and tactile feedback that align with your typing style, you can confidently select the switch that will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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