Cherry MX Brown vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up in conversation are the Cherry MX Brown and the HMX Perky. The Cherry MX Brown switch is renowned for its subtlety, providing a light and comfortable typing experience characterized by gentle tactile feedback and low-pitched audio cues. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a bit of feedback without the distraction of loud clicks—perfect for quiet office environments or late-night work sessions. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch offers a different sensation altogether, boasting a silky smoothness and clacky sound, thanks to its softer nylon housing and shorter travel distance. This switch caters to those who favor a more dynamic and satisfying typing experience, making it ideal for both gaming and casual typing sessions. While each switch has its distinct advantages, the decision ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
55g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Cherry MX Brown switches and the HMX Perky switches, one notable similarity is the material used for both the top and bottom housings: nylon. Both switches employ nylon as a classic housing material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is primarily due to nylon's inherent properties as a softer plastic. By effectively absorbing sound, nylon minimizes the harsher overtones often produced by harder plastics. As a result, users can expect a similar auditory experience whether typing on the MX Brown or the HMX Perky, with both switches producing a duller and rounder sound.
Despite sharing the same material for their housings, the impact of construction on the overall typing experience can differ based on the design and other factors inherent to each switch model. Switching between the MX Brown and HMX Perky may yield variances in feel and sound characteristics when the key isn’t fully pressed. While both switches will offer cushioned transitions thanks to the nylon composition, the distribution of this softness can be nuanced. The MX Brown and HMX Perky switches will each have unique experiences due to differences in actuation points, the specific treatment of their nylon materials, or the sorting of the internal components.
Ultimately, whether you choose the MX Brown or the HMX Perky, the consistent use of nylon in both top and bottom housings ensures a fundamentally similar auditory experience. The role of the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down the keys, whereas the top housing contributes to the release sound upon key release. Since both switches employ nylon consistently in these areas, the user can expect comparably muted acoustics and comfort, though the minute distinctions in design and feel could be discerned by sensitive typists or players. Therefore, regardless of choice, users can anticipate a satisfying typing experience marked by the unique charm of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch to the HMX Perky linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the HMX Perky requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams and has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter feel will find the HMX Perky more comfortable for extended sessions, while those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience may favor the slightly heavier Cherry MX Brown. Overall, the Perky's lesser forces provide a smoother and more effortless typing experience, whereas the Brown switch delivers a bit more resistance, appealing to those who prefer a more tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Perky linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys, the Cherry MX Brown provides a bit more room for tactile feedback, which some users find beneficial for typing and provides a more substantial feel. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Perky switch caters to those who favor quicker response times, often preferred by gamers. Therefore, if you are looking for a more responsive switch, the HMX Perky is the better choice. On the other hand, if you appreciate a hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Cherry MX Brown offers that longer travel distance. In essence, the MX Brown is the longer travel option, while the HMX Perky is the shorter one.
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 Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Brown switch provides a low-pitched auditory experience, characterized by a mellow and bass-heavy tone that results in a subtle feedback that isn’t disruptive in quiet settings. This tonal quality, while gentle, is fairly understated, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a less intrusive sound. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch is distinctly clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is bright and percussive when pressed. This more pronounced audio makes the typing experience feel lively and can cater to users who enjoy a more expressive auditory output as they type. Ultimately, while both switches produce sound, the MX Brown leans toward a smooth background noise, while the Perky brings a more vibrant and energetic sound to the forefront.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switch is textured, providing a notable friction when pressed, which can deliver a satisfying tactile feedback for those who appreciate a slight resistance. This textural quality contributes to a more connected typing experience but may not be to everyone’s preference, especially for users seeking a frictionless key press. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch stands out for its polished and silky feel, resulting in a notably smooth and refined typing experience. The reduced friction during key travel can lead to less fatigue and a quicker response time, appealing to users who prioritize speed and ease in their typing. As a result, the feel of the Perky switches is more aligned with contemporary preferences for smoothness, making them a compelling choice for users who favor a fluid typing motion.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Brown and HMX Perky switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, catering to different typing preferences. The MX Brown’s low-pitched sound and textured feel provide a subtle and engaging experience, while the Perky’s clacky sound and smooth texture promote an energetic and frictionless typing environment. Whether you are inclined towards the understated appeal of the MX Brown or the vibrant expressiveness of the Perky, both switches can create enjoyable typing experiences, albeit in very different ways. Your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prefer the gentle feedback of tactile typing or the silky, polished sensation combined with a lively auditory profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, selecting between Cherry MX Brown tactile switches and HMX Perky linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a typing experience that balances subtle feedback with a slightly more textured feel, the Cherry MX Brown is likely your best choice. It's perfect for those who appreciate a tactile bump without overwhelming audio feedback and want that traditional keyboard feel while typing or gaming. The low-pitched sound profile also makes it a great option for quieter environments where you don't want to disturb those around you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, smoother experience that allows for rapid keystrokes and a satisfying clacky sound, the HMX Perky switches are calling your name. Their polished, silky touch is ideal for fast-paced gaming or lengthy typing sessions where comfort and speed are paramount. Ultimately, your choice should align with how you intend to use the keyboard: opt for MX Browns for versatility and subtlety in a variety of settings, and choose Perky switches for a lively, fast typing experience that emphasizes fluidity and response time.
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