KTT Kang White vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Kang White and the HMX Perky both stand out as exceptional linear options, each offering distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Kang White is celebrated for its poppy sound profile and the remarkable smoothness afforded by its self-lubricating materials, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback and a satisfying auditory experience. Its low-pitched, neutral character adds to its allure, appealing to users who value a clean and steady typing rhythm. In contrast, the HMX Perky features a softer, glittery nylon housing that promises a condensed typing experience thanks to its shorter travel distance. This switch delivers a neutral yet deeply satisfying feel, perfect for typists who prefer a more compact and responsive action. While both switches excel in their own right, they cater to different aspects of the typing experience. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
The KTT Kang White and the HMX Perky use fundamentally different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles. The Kang White employs a polycarbonate top housing that generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer structure, which enhances sound resonance and clarity. In contrast, the HMX Perky utilizes a nylon top housing characterized by its softer properties, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. The difference in materials fundamentally alters how each switch interacts acoustically with the environment, showcasing the stark contrast between the sharper sound that polycarbonate provides and the warmer, duller tones produced by nylon.
Conversely, both switches share the same bottom housing material: nylon. This commonality means that when typing, both the KTT Kang White and the HMX Perky will exhibit similar and consistent qualities in terms of sound absorption. Nylon’s inherent softness mitigates high-frequency sounds, leading to a rounder and fuller acoustic experience regardless of the top housing differences. As such, while the top housings create distinct sound characteristics, the bottom nylon housing harmonizes the overall experience, ensuring that the deeper notes are prevalent in both switches.
Ultimately, the interaction between the different housing materials results in an amalgamation of sound properties for each switch. With the KTT Kang White's polycarbonate top contributing to a sharper attack and the HMX Perky's nylon top promoting a more mellow sound, the two switches offer unique auditory experiences. However, their shared nylon bottom ensures that the foundation of the sound remains consistent, allowing users to enjoy rich, round notes regardless of the top housing's contribution. This blend of properties demonstrates how the materials employed in mechanical keyboard switches can be configured to create diverse audio and tactile profiles tailored to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Kang White features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Perky offers a lighter touch with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an appealing choice for users who favor a more comfortable typing experience over extended periods. The lighter feel of the Perky may be advantageous for both office work and lengthy gaming sessions, while the heavier Kang White switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push. Ultimately, the Kang White is the heavier switch, whereas the Perky is the lighter option. Both switches offer distinct characteristics suited to different user preferences, making them valuable choices in their respective categories.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The KTT Kang White features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Perky has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This variance indicates that the Kang White provides a more traditional feel, which some users may prefer for its hearty depth and tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX Perky, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker responsiveness, allowing for faster key presses and potentially improved performance in gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will cater to individual preferences, with the KTT Kang White being the longer option and the HMX Perky offering a more rapid response due to its shorter distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 per 10 switches.
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
The KTT Kang White linear switch boasts a typing sound characterized as low-pitched, creating a richer, bass-heavy tone that is often described as dazzling. This type of sound profile gives it a mellow quality, making it pleasant for both quiet environments and shared spaces. Additionally, it has a neutral sound characteristic, making it versatile enough for various settings, whether at home or in the office. In contrast, while the HMX Perky linear switch does not have specific sound descriptors provided, the use of softer and glittery nylon housings might imply a more subdued auditory experience. However, without specific sound details, it's hard to make a definitive comparison in this area.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Kang White switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness due to its self-lubricating material. This contributes to an incredibly consistent typing experience that allows for effortless keystrokes, ideal for long typing sessions where fatigue could be a concern. Meanwhile, the HMX Perky switch offers a typing experience that is described as neutral and deeply satisfying, enhanced by its shorter travel distance which may lead to a more condensed and possibly snappier feel. Without precise descriptors for the Kang White's feel, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison, but both switches promise a gratifying tactile experience in their own ways.
In summary, the KTT Kang White and HMX Perky linear switches cater to different preferences while maintaining the common goal of a pleasant typing experience. The Kang White excels in sound quality with its low-pitched and neutral profile, coupled with smooth keystrokes that many users will appreciate. On the other hand, the Perky offers a soft touch and a unique typing satisfaction through its design. Both switches offer unique qualities, and your choice between them will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize sound or a more tactile interaction.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a medium bottom-out force and appreciate a typing experience that combines smoothness with a richer sound profile, the Kang White is an excellent choice. Its self-lubricating material not only enhances the smoothness but also contributes to a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound that many users find satisfying, making it ideal for those who want a more substantial feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a more condensed travel distance and a deeply satisfying typing experience, the Perky switch would be your go-to option. Its lighter force not only allows for faster typing but also offers a softer feel with a neutral sound profile, perfect for both casual users and those who prioritize speed and efficiency. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value a rich auditory experience and heavier actuation with the Kang White, or if you lean towards a lightweight, quick response with the Perky.
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