Gateron Mini i vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options stand out: the Gateron Mini i, a tactile switch, and the HMX Perky, a linear switch. The Mini i is designed with office environments in mind, providing tactile feedback that is both gentle and satisfying, making it ideal for extended typing sessions without the disruptive noise often associated with traditional switches. Its lightweight feel promotes comfort, while its muted sound profile ensures a professional atmosphere. In contrast, the HMX Perky boasts a softer and glittery nylon housing that enables a more neutral typing experience, characterized by a shorter travel distance that allows for swift keystrokes. While the Perky excels in providing a smooth, uninterrupted feel that some users may prefer for gaming or rapid typing, the Mini i stands out for its subtle tactility and pleasurable feedback that enhances daily typing tasks. 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
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mini i and the HMX Perky both utilize nylon as their primary housing material, which leads to an interesting comparison in sound profiles and tactile feedback. The nylon top and bottom housings of both switches offer a classic feel and auditory experience, as nylon is known for being a softer plastic. This softness plays a crucial role in sound absorption, allowing for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Consequently, both switches are likely to provide similar auditory experiences that are characterized by a duller and rounder sound, creating a satisfying typing atmosphere for users.
While the sound qualities of the Gateron Mini i and the HMX Perky may be quite alike due to their identical housing materials, the way these materials contribute to the overall typing experience can differ based on design metrics. When typing on the Mini i, the nylon bottom housing exhibits strong influence over the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing impacts the sound produced upon key release. Despite both switches featuring nylon in both their top and bottom housings, any unique structural elements or design modifications might still affect the perceived tactile experience during use.
In summary, both the Gateron Mini i and HMX Perky switches leverage the benefits of nylon to deliver a formidable typing experience characterized by rich sound profiles. Users can expect similar results in terms of auditory qualities and the overall tactile feedback inherent to the softness of nylon. The consistency of materials in both switches ensures that enthusiasts of mechanical keyboards will enjoy a complementary typing experience, highlighting the effectiveness of nylon in achieving desired sound and feel dynamics in modern switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, we see some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mini i features an actuation force of 40 grams, making it the lighter option between the two, while the Perky has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that both switches will produce a similar tactile feedback when the key is fully pressed. For users who prefer lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Mini i may be more appealing due to its lower actuation force, whereas users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might favor the Perky's slightly heavier feel. Overall, while both switches offer a light typing experience, the Mini i's slightly lower actuation force could provide an advantage for comfort during extended use.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This uniform distance means that users will experience a similar keypress feel when engaging either switch. Since the travel distances are identical, you can expect comparable results regarding actuation force and overall typing experience, making either switch suitable for those who prefer a consistent feel during use.
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 Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00 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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Mini i tactile switches and the HMX Perky linear switches, the Mini i is characterized by a neutral sound that is moderately quiet, making it suitable for both home and office environments. This balance enables it to maintain a discreet presence while providing satisfying auditory feedback. In contrast, specific sound qualities of the Perky switch are currently unknown, but generally linear switches tend to produce less sound than tactile switches due to the absence of a tactile bump. As such, while the Mini i offers a subtle auditory experience, the Perky may create a quieter typing atmosphere.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mini i switches excel with a blend of characteristics that enhance the typing experience. They deliver bouncy feedback, allowing for a lively performance with a gentle resistance that makes each keypress feel effortless. This is particularly beneficial for extended typing sessions, preventing fatigue. The Mini i switches are also described as mild and subtle, providing a comfortable, approachable feel without being overwhelming. The specifics of the Perky switch’s tactile feedback remain unknown, but linear switches generally offer a smooth experience without any discernible bumps. This could mean that the Perky may provide a more straightforward, uninterrupted keystroke compared to the varied feedback of the Mini i.
Overall, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offers a combination of a neutral sound profile and a bouncy, responsive feel that's designed for comfortable, long-term typing. It balances the need for a professional, quiet workspace with satisfying tactile feedback. Meanwhile, while the sound characteristics of the HMX Perky remain unspecified, it aligns with the linear switch experience, likely offering a smoother action with potentially muted noise levels. In essence, while both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they each aim to enhance the overall typing experience, allowing users to find satisfaction in their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your typing needs and environment. If you spend long hours typing in an office or shared space and value a subtle, tactile experience with a quiet performance, the Mini i is your ideal choice. Its bouncy, easy-to-press feel and muted sound profile create a comfortable and professional typing experience, reducing fatigue and keeping distractions to a minimum. On the other hand, if you prefer a more condensed typing experience with a linear response that offers a satisfying touch without the noise, the HMX Perky switch may be better suited for your style. While both switches feature a light bottom-out force, the Perky's unique feel could enhance your typing if you prioritize speed and a smooth keystroke. In essence, your decision should hinge on whether you favor tactile feedback with muted sounds or a linear feel with a more straightforward action. Consider these factors carefully to align your switch choice with your personal preferences and typing habits.
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