Cherry MX Silent Red vs. HMX Perky

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the HMX Perky can significantly influence your typing experience. The Cherry MX Silent Red is designed for those who appreciate a classic linear switch but prefer a more discreet operation; it retains the heavier feel and satisfying typing experience of the original MX Red while eliminating the noise, making it an excellent option for quiet workspaces or shared environments. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch offers a unique typing experience with its softer, glittery nylon housing, providing a neutral feel that many users find deeply satisfying. With a shorter travel distance, the Perky delivers a condensed typing experience that may appeal to gamers or those who prefer rapid keystrokes. Both switches have their distinct advantages, catering to different preferences in sound and sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Silent Red Linear

HMX Perky Linear

$6.00

$4.15 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the HMX Perky switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, making them comparable in terms of material composition. Nylon is renowned for its acoustic properties, particularly its ability to absorb sound, contributing to a fuller and deeper sound profile when typing. This characteristic is beneficial for users who prefer a softer touch and a quieter typing experience, as the properties of nylon help to minimize the sharper sounds often associated with harder plastics. Consequently, both switches will deliver a similar auditory experience owing to their shared housing material, enhancing the overall feel and sound when in use.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the MX Silent Red and the HMX Perky switches again support their nylon construction, resulting in analogous impacts on the typing experience. The bottom housing is significant for defining the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, so having nylon here amplifies the same benefits seen in the top housing. As with the top housing, the nylon construction in the bottom housing absorbs vibrations and reduces excessive noise, allowing for a more subdued and comfortable typing experience. This similarity ensures that both switches present a cohesive and soft tactile feedback that blends seamlessly with the typing action.

While the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the HMX Perky switches are the same, the design intricacies and their assembly can also play a role in the overall typing experience. However, given their identical use of nylon for both top and bottom housings, users can expect similarly pleasant auditory and tactile characteristics from both switches. When typing on either switch, the qualities imparted by nylon will resonate throughout the entire switch mechanism, with the top housing affecting sound when releasing keys and the bottom housing influencing the impact when keys are pressed down. This ensures a unified performance that appeals to those looking for a consistent and enjoyable typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The MX Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Perky is slightly lighter at 43 grams. This makes the HMX Perky a more suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for potentially longer typing sessions with less fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the MX Silent Red is unknown, limiting a direct comparison in that regard. The HMX Perky's bottom out force of 50 grams indicates a firmer feel upon reaching the end of the key's travel, contributing to a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while the actuation forces are relatively close, the Perky switch is lighter overall, and its defined bottom out force provides a contrasting experience that could cater to different user preferences.

Travel distance

The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Perky linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the MX Silent Red provides a more pronounced keystroke experience, appealing to those who prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the HMX Perky may cater to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it requires less distance to register a key press. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Perky would be the better choice, whereas the Silent Red would be more suitable for those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance highlights a trade-off between depth and quickness, with the MX Silent Red having a longer travel distance compared to the HMX Perky.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch excels in providing a muted and thocky auditory experience. Characterized by its low-pitched tone, this switch produces a soft yet satisfying sound that minimizes the clatter typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it especially suitable for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the HMX Perky linear switch does not have specific sound qualities detailed, but it's expected that the sound profile may not be a focal point for users, considering its design emphasizes comfort and a condensed typing experience.

Regarding the feel, the MX Silent Red switch stands out with its textured sensation, offering noticeable friction as keys are pressed. This texture can provide a tactile feedback that some users find preferable for typing accuracy and enjoyment. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch lacks detailed specifications on its feel, making it less clear how it compares in this aspect. However, its shorter travel distance suggests a quicker actuation, which could lead to a different experience altogether.

In summary, while the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a well-defined auditory and tactile experience with its muted thocky sound and textured feel, the HMX Perky linear switch presents an unknown auditory quality and lacks detailed sensations. The Silent Red is ideal for users seeking a quieter environment without sacrificing the satisfaction of a mechanical keyboard, whereas the Perky may appeal to those looking for a potentially swift and neutral typing feel. Ultimately, while both switches can provide enjoyable typing experiences, the MX Silent Red is more clearly defined in its sound and tactile feedback, making it easier to anticipate what you will get.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the HMX Perky linear switches ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you find yourself in a noise-sensitive setting—perhaps you work in a shared office space or you often type late at night—then the Cherry MX Silent Red is the clear choice. Its muted sound profile ensures a quiet typing experience while still offering the satisfying heft that many users appreciate. This switch allows you to enjoy a smooth, linear feel with minimal sound disruption, making it perfect for extended typing sessions where silence is paramount. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more condensed experience that provides a neutral and satisfying feel without the concerns of sound, the HMX Perky is where you'll want to go. With its lighter bottom-out force and shorter travel distance, it can increase your typing speed and comfort, especially for those who prefer a quick and responsive touch. In essence, prioritize the MX Silent Red for a quieter environment and the HMX Perky for a fresher, more dynamic typing experience that enhances fluidity and ease.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Silent Red Linear

$6.00

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

HMX Perky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more