Cherry MX Black vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Black and the HMX Perky present two distinct options for enthusiasts and casual users alike, each with its own unique characteristics. The Cherry MX Black switch has long been a favorite for its classic low-pitched sound, textured feel, and stiff actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a more deliberate typing experience that offers substantial feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switch stands out with its softer, glittery nylon housing, providing a neutral and deeply satisfying typing feel. Its shorter travel distance allows for a more condensed and responsive experience, making it attractive for fast typists or gamers. Both switches cater to different preferences and usage scenarios, offering their own advantages for varying typing styles. 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
60g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Black and HMX Perky keyboards both utilize nylon for their top and bottom switch housings, leading to a remarkably similar typing experience. Nylon is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This softness allows the material to absorb more sound, contributing to a duller and rounder acoustic quality compared to harder plastics, which can create sharper and more pronounced noises. Consequently, both switches share this advantageous property, ensuring that users will experience a satisfying auditory feedback whether they are typing on MX Blacks or Perkies.
When examining the specific contributions of the nylon material in both switches, it's important to consider the mechanics of the sound produced during typing. The top housing of each switch significantly affects the sound when releasing the keys, while the bottom housing influences the impact feel and sound when the keys bottom out. Given that both the Cherry MX Black and HMX Perky employ identical nylon materials for both top and bottom housings, users can expect a consistent auditory and tactile experience across both keyboards. This similarity in housing material results in a unified response throughout the keystroke, making for a cohesive typing sensation.
However, it's worth noting that although the main material of both switches is the same, other variables such as internal spring mechanisms or switch design could potentially impact the overall feel and sound when comparing the two models. While the nylon housings ensure a similar acoustic quality, the design specificity of each switch may lead to nuanced differences in terms of actuation force or travel distance. Nevertheless, for users prioritizing sound and feel, the use of nylon remains a critical factor, and typing results will exhibit a comparable character across both switches, allowing typists to enjoy a rich and satisfying keystroke experience.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Black linear switch to the HMX Perky linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The MX Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Perky is significantly lighter with an actuation force of just 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to users who favor a more effortless keystroke for extended typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, while the Cherry MX Black may provide a more resistant feel, offering a tactile feedback that some users appreciate, the HMX Perky stands out as the lighter option, ideal for prolonged use without fatigue. Thus, individuals should choose based on their preference for either a heavier or lighter switch, depending on their typing style and ergonomic needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, it's clear that the MX Black offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Perky features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference affects the overall feel of the switches during use; the MX Black provides a deeper, more substantial key press that some users might prefer for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX Perky, with its 3.4 mm distance, caters more to gamers and those seeking quick response times due to its shorter travel, which can facilitate faster keystrokes. Therefore, if responsiveness is your priority, the HMX Perky may be the better choice, while the Cherry MX Black might be preferable for those desiring a more profound typing experience.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
The sound profile of the Cherry MX Black switches is characterized by a low-pitched tone that resonates with a bass-heavy and mellow quality, making them relatively subdued during typing. This deeper sound creates a pleasant auditory experience, especially in quieter environments. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the HMX Perky switch remain unspecified, leaving an unknown aspect in terms of auditory feedback. However, keep in mind that the overall sound produced by any switch can be influenced by the choice of keyboard, the materials used, and the keycap profiles.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the MX Black is noted for its textured and stiff characteristics. The texture introduces a subtle friction that can enhance tactile feedback, while the stiffness means that users require a greater amount of force to actuate and bottom out the keys. This can be particularly favored by typists who enjoy a pronounced tactile response. In comparison, the feel of the HMX Perky switches is not detailed, which makes it harder to draw direct comparisons in this regard. It may be that the Perky switches offer a smoother and softer experience, but specifics are absent.
In summary, while the Cherry MX Black linear switches are renowned for their low-pitched sound and a textured, stiff feel, information about the HMX Perky switch leaves certain qualities ambiguous. The MX Black is likely to cater well to those who appreciate a richer auditory profile with a tactile feel. In contrast, the Perky could appeal to users seeking a different type of experience, although its precise characteristics remain unclear. Ultimately, both switches could potentially yield satisfying results for novice users, particularly if one favors auditory depth and textured feedback while the other may be more inclined to seek a smoother typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between Cherry MX Black linear switches and HMX Perky linear switches, you'll want to consider your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a heavier key press and appreciate the classic, textured smoothness combined with a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound, the Cherry MX Black might be the right choice for you, especially if you’re looking for a switch that provides a substantial feedback and resistance while typing. These switches are especially suitable for individuals who do a lot of typing or gaming and prefer that deliberate tactile engagement. On the other hand, if you find that a lighter touch is more comfortable and prefer a condensed typing experience with a satisfying feel, the HMX Perky switches will certainly cater to your needs. Their lighter actuation force and softer nylon housing will provide a refreshing typing experience that’s both neutral and enjoyable, making them ideal for extended typing sessions or for those who prefer speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing the right switch will depend on whether you prioritize the heavy, sturdy feedback of the Cherry MX Black or the light, agile feel of the HMX Perky, so weigh these factors carefully to enhance your typing pleasure.
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