KTT Laurel vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Laurel and the HMX Perky stand out as two appealing linear options, each catering to different preferences in typing experience. The KTT Laurel, known for its medium-light actuation force, features a full POM housing complemented by a long pole design that ensures a responsive yet comfortable feel. Its short travel distance allows for a quick typing experience, while the low-pitched sound profile adds a pleasant acoustics to your keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for those who value subtlety without sacrificing performance. On the other hand, the HMX Perky captivates users with its softer, glittery nylon housing, delivering a neutral and satisfying typing sensation. Its condensed travel distance contributes to a snappy response, ideal for typists who appreciate a tad more speed in their keystrokes. While both switches offer unique attributes to enhance your keyboard experience, 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
1.80 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
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Laurel and HMX Perky switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, leading to distinct sound profiles while also sharing similar characteristics. The Laurel features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housing, known for its hard, densely packed structure that provides a unique and muted sound. This material tends to create a deeper auditory experience, giving the switch a characteristic thump when pressed. In contrast, the Perky switches are constructed with nylon for both top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized for being a softer material that absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Though differing in material composition, both switches aim to achieve a smooth and satisfying typing experience, underlining how the choice of housing affects the overall acoustic and tactile qualities.
While both switches produce deep, muted sound profiles, the nature of their sound generation differs fundamentally due to the materials used. The KTT Laurel's POM housings contribute a pleasing yet unique sound that seemingly contrasts with each keystroke, relying on the rigidity of POM to ensure a tighter sound profile. This quality is particularly pronounced when typing, as the feel of the switch and the bottom-out sound cater to those who appreciate a distinct but not overpowering auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Perky’s combination of nylon allows for more sound absorption, creating a rounder and softer auditory experience. Such attributes can appeal to users who prefer a quieter typing environment, illustrating how variations in material hardness influence not just sound but also the tactile experience of pressing keys.
Despite these differences, both switches manage to achieve similar results in terms of providing a satisfying typing experience. The overall depth of sound is enriched by the construction of each switch, whether through the muted tones of the POM in the Laurel or the rounded acoustics of the nylon in the Perky. Importantly, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel, whereas the top housing influences the sound during release. This shared understanding of the impact of housing materials allows users to appreciate the unique qualities of each switch while recognizing the underlying principles that create a fulfilling interaction, no matter which material is preferred.
Weight
The KTT Laurel and HMX Perky linear switches share the same specifications, with both featuring an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, making them light switches overall. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of keystroke activation and bottoming out, making either switch suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as they minimize finger fatigue. Since both switches have equal actuation and bottom-out forces, there is no distinction in terms of weight preference; therefore, users looking for a lighter, easily actuated switch will find both options equally appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference or brand loyalty, as their performance in terms of actuation and bottom-out force is essentially the same.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Perky linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Laurel offers a greater feel of depth when pressing down on a key, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke. In contrast, the Perky's shorter travel distance may provide a quicker response time, making it a suitable choice for gamers or those who favor rapid key presses. If you prioritize responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the Perky's 3.4 mm distance might better suit your needs. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference, as the Laurel offers a heartier depth, while the Perky delivers a more expedited keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 KTT Laurel switch has a subtly low-pitched sound profile that contributes to a more bass-heavy and mellow typing experience. This feature can create a soothing auditory backdrop that enhances the overall typing environment. In contrast, the sound profile for the HMX Perky switch is currently unknown; however, it's worth noting that sound can heavily depend on additional factors like the keyboard design and keycap materials used alongside any switch.
In terms of feel, the KTT Laurel offers a snappy typing experience, thanks to its longer pole design and medium-light actuation, which result in highly responsive key presses. This responsiveness adds to the pleasure of typing as it provides a dynamic interaction with the keys. The HMX Perky, while lacking specific descriptors regarding its feel, promises a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, stemming from its softer and glittery nylon housing. The shorter travel distance may offer a different tactile feedback that some users might prefer over a snappier response.
In conclusion, both switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The KTT Laurel is ideal for those who favor responsive and snappy actuation coupled with a low-pitched sound, while the HMX Perky seems to prioritize a satisfying and more condensed typing experience, albeit with unknown sound characteristics. For newcomers, sampling both switches could yield valuable insights into personal preferences, as they can offer a range of results based on tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Laurel and HMX Perky linear switches, your choice will largely depend on your personal preferences regarding feel and sound experience. If you value a responsive and snappy typing feel, the KTT Laurel is an excellent choice; its medium-light actuation and low-pitched sound create a comfortable and engaging environment perfect for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a typing experience that feels neutral yet satisfying, the HMX Perky switches with their softer, glittery nylon housing provide a condensed feel due to their shorter travel distance. Both switches feature a light bottom-out force of 50 grams, but the Laurel's more pronounced snappiness might suit fast typists and gamers, while the Perky's design targets those who appreciate a smooth and relaxing keystroke. Ultimately, consider your priorities in terms of responsiveness versus ease, and choose the switch that aligns best with your ideal typing experience.
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