Gateron Jupiter Red vs. HMX Perky

Overview

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX Perky both appeal to gamers and typists alike, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Jupiter Red is celebrated for its smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes, which are achieved through a medium-heavy actuation and a single-stage spring design. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a polished and creamy typing feel, enhanced by high-precision molds and softer backlight effects that create a seamless experience. On the other hand, the HMX Perky is distinguished by its softer, glittery nylon housing, providing a deeply satisfying and neutral typing experience. With a shorter travel distance, the Perky switch allows for a more condensed and possibly quicker typing style, appealing to users who prioritize speed. While both switches are linear and designed for a smooth keystroke, the Jupiter Red leans towards a more robust typing experience, while the Perky offers a more responsive 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

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

HMX Perky Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX Perky, a clear distinction emerges between their respective top housings, while both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings. The Jupiter Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer composition. This characteristic results in a sharper and more resonant sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate a crisp and clear typing experience. On the other hand, the Perky utilizes a nylon top housing, a traditional material that produces a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its softer composition. The contrast between these two materials plays a significant role in the auditory experience each switch provides.

In examining the bottom housing of both switches, we find that both the Jupiter Red and the Perky employ nylon, which is heralded for its sound absorption qualities. As a classic material in switch housing, nylon creates a rounder and more muted sound, leading to a deeper and more substantial typing experience. Since the bottom housing largely influences the sound and feel of the switch when bottomed out, both switches share a similar sensory characteristic in this regard. The uniformity of the nylon material in the bottom housing suggests that users can expect a consistent baseline sound profile, regardless of the different top housing materials.

When it comes to the overall performance, the differences in the top housing material can create varying sound profiles, while the similarity in the bottom housing ensures a cohesive experience at the bottom-out stage. Users looking for a more vibrant and bright sound may lean towards the Jupiter Red due to its polycarbonate top housing, while those preferring a warmer and fuller sound might find the HMX Perky more appealing. The combination of these different materials ultimately allows for a customizable typing experience, catering to a wide range of preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Red requires an actuation force of 45 grams, coupled with a bottom out force of 60 grams, classifying it as a medium-force switch. In contrast, the HMX Perky is lighter, needing only 43 grams to actuate and a total of 50 grams to bottom out. This makes the Perky more suitable for users who favor a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Jupiter Red may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Perky is the lighter switch, while the Jupiter Red is heavier, catering to different user preferences regarding typing feel and comfort.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Gateron Jupiter Red features a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which aligns with the most traditional distance, offering a deeper feel for those who prefer a more substantial key press. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, catering to gamers and users seeking faster response times, even though this shorter distance may feel more abrupt to some. Therefore, if you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel of the Perky may be advantageous, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key press will likely favor the Jupiter Red. In summary, the Jupiter Red offers a longer travel distance at 4.0 mm compared to the Perky's 3.4 mm, making it the better option for users who prefer deeper key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch presents a neutral sound profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force that makes it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in the office. This neutrality is particularly advantageous for users who may be new to mechanical keyboards, as it provides a balanced auditory experience without being too loud or too soft. On the other hand, the sound qualities of the HMX Perky switch are unknown, which suggests that while the Jupiter Red is reliably neutral, you may need to conduct further research to determine how the Perky compares in this regard.

In terms of feel, the Jupiter Red is lauded for its polished, creamy, silky, and mild characteristics. This combination ensures a smooth and refined typing experience, enhanced by reduced friction and ease of key travel. The use of quality materials and possibly factory lubrication contributes to a buttery sensation, making each keystroke feel seamless and pleasant. While details about the feel of the HMX Perky switch are not provided, expectation of a “neutral and deeply satisfying” typing experience suggests it may offer its own unique sensation, though the specifics are currently unknown.

Overall, both switches cater to distinct preferences with the Gateron Jupiter Red offering a well-rounded, polished, and versatile typing experience. Its neutral sound and smooth feel are beneficial for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. The HMX Perky, while lacking precise descriptors in terms of sound and feel, promises a condensed and satisfying typing experience thanks to its shorter travel distance and distinctive nylon housing. If you favor either switch, you can expect quality in sound and feel, though the Jupiter Red may provide a more consistent and proven experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you appreciate a smooth, textured feel with a medium-bottom out force—ideal for both typing and gaming—then the Jupiter Red is an excellent choice. Its polished, creamy, and silky attributes ensure a refined keystroke experience, perfect for extended typing sessions or when you require consistent performance and feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force for quicker response times and a more condensed typing experience, the Perky switch would be more suitable. Its unique nylon housing contributes to a satisfying feel, and while specific sound characteristics weren't detailed, its intended design suggests it will cater well to users looking for an enjoyable and less strenuous typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and the balance you seek between smoothness and actuation force.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

HMX Perky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more