Gateron Mars vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and HMX Perky are two linear options that stand out for their unique characteristics and user experiences. The Gateron Mars Switches are celebrated for their innovative design that combines a POK stem with a durable housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, providing a smooth and stable typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switches, with their softer and glittery nylon housings, deliver a more condensed typing experience thanks to a shorter travel distance, making each keystroke feel both neutral and satisfying. While the Mars is ideal for those seeking durability and a reliable tactile response, the Perky appeals to users looking for a unique aesthetic and minimized key travel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the HMX Perky, one notable similarity is found in their top housings, as both switches utilize nylon. This commonality results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for each switch, attributed to nylon's softer plastic composition. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, leading to a dulled and rounded auditory experience when typing. This shared characteristic means that users can expect a similar acoustic performance from both switch types when it comes to the sound produced as keys are released.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Gateron Mars and HMX Perky differ significantly; the Mars features a POM bottom housing, while the Perky uses nylon for its bottom component. The POM material is known for creating a more unique and pleasing sound that is notably deeper and somewhat muted. This difference indicates that while both switches share auditory similarities in the top housing, their bottom housing materials will influence the overall tactile feedback and sound profile differently. As a result, users can experience varied sound dynamics based on the materials used in the bottom housing, with the Mars delivering a sound distinctly influenced by its POM layer.
Ultimately, the impact of the differing materials comes down to the specifics of the typing experience. With the Gateron Mars utilizing a POM bottom housing, it will provide a particular bottom-out sound and feel that is less pronounced in the Perky. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Perky will impart its own characteristics, resulting in a sound profile that is more consistent with the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, even though there are similarities in the top housings, the differing bottom materials create a distinctive typing experience, reflecting the nuanced effects of each material choice on key performance and acoustics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Gateron Mars features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the HMX Perky is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that for users who prefer a lighter touch, the Perky may be the more comfortable option for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Mars does not have an available bottom out force, making it difficult to directly evaluate how it feels when pressed all the way down. On the other hand, the Perky's bottom out force is recorded at 50 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when bottoming out, which could provide a more substantial tactile feedback for those who enjoy a heavier typing experience. In summary, while the Perky is the lighter switch with a defined bottom out force, the Mars lacks that bottom out measurement, leaving some of its performance characteristics unknown.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Perky's travel distance is 3.4 mm. This means that the Mars switch offers a longer travel distance, which may provide a more pronounced feedback when pressed down, appealing to those who prefer a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Perky's shorter travel distance might cater to gamers or users who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes. While both switches have distances that fall below the traditional 4.0 mm standard, the difference of 0.2 mm may be significant enough for users to notice their preference during typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more vigorous feel, the Gateron Mars is the better choice, while the HMX Perky suits those who favor quicker activation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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
The Gateron Mars switches produce a sound that is characteristic of a smooth, linear switch with a muted tone, making them relatively quiet during typing. This quieter operation can be desirable in environments where noise can be a distraction. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switches are designed to create a soft and subtle acoustic profile, often described as gentle and pleasing. While both switches provide a linear experience, the specific sound produced by each switch could vary slightly depending on the keyboard's board and keycap materials, but users can expect a generally unobtrusive typing sound from both options.
When it comes to feel, the Mars switches offer a luxurious and smooth operation thanks to their innovative POK stem and unique housing composition. This design allows for a fluid keypress without any tactile bump, which can enhance the gaming or typing experience for those who prefer that kind of linear feel. The HMX Perky switches provide a slightly different sensation, focusing on a softer, more condensed typing experience due to their shorter travel distance. This results in a typing feel that some may find even more satisfying and responsive, allowing for quicker key presses that may benefit fast typists and gamers alike.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mars and HMX Perky linear switches cater to users seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience, albeit with some differences in sound and feel. The Mars switches emphasize a muted sound profile paired with a luxurious smoothness, while the Perky switches offer a gentle acoustic presence and a more compact feel. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on personal preferences regarding sound and typing experience, but both options promise a quality linear feel that can deliver satisfying results.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound, tactile feel, and the overall typing experience you desire. If you favor a lighter touch in your typing, the Perky switch is an excellent option due to its lower bottom out force of 50 grams, which allows for quick and effortless keystrokes, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions without strain. In contrast, if you are drawn to Gateron's innovative design featuring a unique POK stem and a blend of Nylon and POM that may offer a more innovative experience, the Mars switch could be your preferred choice—especially if you prioritize a switch that potentially embodies different characteristics not fully captured by traditional specifications. Additionally, consider the sound profile you enjoy; if you appreciate a quieter typing experience, that may favor the Mars switch, while a more pronounced sound, like that from the Perky, could be more pleasing to you. Ultimately, whether you seek a typing experience that is weighty and resilient or light and responsive, both switches cater to distinct typing styles that can enhance your experience on a mechanical keyboard.
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