KTT Orange vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Orange and HMX Perky offer two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The KTT Orange, with its bouncy 22mm spring and polycarbonate milky top housing, delivers a frictionless feel and a satisfying low-pitched sound, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more responsive and smooth keystroke. Its factory-lubed mechanism further enhances the typing experience by reducing friction and ensuring a refined key travel. On the other hand, the HMX Perky provides a softer touch with its glittery nylon housings, resulting in a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience that is characterized by a shorter travel distance. This design caters to those who prefer a compact and efficient key response. Both switches have unique benefits depending on your typing preferences and 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
46g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Orange and the HMX Perky, one can easily see the distinct acoustic characteristics imparted by their respective materials. The KTT Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer structure, allowing for a more resonant output. Additionally, its translucency makes it an excellent choice for showcasing RGB lighting, making it visually striking while also enhancing the auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Perky utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, resulting in a more muted and rounder sound, which appeals to users seeking a more subdued auditory feedback when typing.
The bottom housing materials of both switches further emphasize their differing sound characteristics. The KTT Orange features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which, like its top counterpart, contributes to that sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer plastic ensures that sound waves resonate more freely, leading to a clear and pronounced bottom-out sound. The HMX Perky, on the other hand, utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The softer nylon material absorbs some of the sound waves, which influences the bottom-out experience by providing a more subdued impact sound. This divergence in bottom housing materials plays a critical role in the overall typing experience, as it primarily affects how the switch feels and sounds when bottomed out.
Ultimately, while different in composition, both the KTT Orange and HMX Perky offer unique auditory results based on their respective materials. The KTT Orange's use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings leads to a more crisp sound profile throughout the entire keypress action. In contrast, the nylon materials of the HMX Perky offer a softer, fuller sound. If you are looking for similar results in terms of overall performance while prioritizing specific aspects of sound, choosing switches with a combination of polycarbonate for clarity or nylon for warmth can yield complementary auditory experiences. This nuanced interplay between housing materials highlights how choices in switch design can cater to varying preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Orange linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, we find that both switches exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of their weight and feel. The KTT Orange has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the HMX Perky features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an overall lighter switch. This difference in actuation force means the Perky may be better suited for users looking for less resistance for long typing sessions, while the Orange might provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push. The bottom out forces also reflect this trend, with the Perky being slightly lighter at 50 grams compared to the Orange's 53 grams. Thus, if you appreciate a lighter typing experience, the HMX Perky switch would be the better choice, while those preferring a bit more heft might lean towards the KTT Orange.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the KTT Orange linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch provide distinct experiences for users. The KTT Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly longer than the HMX Perky, which measures 3.4 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm may seem minor, but it can influence the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prefer quicker response times may lean towards the shorter travel distance of the Perky, as it allows for a snappier keypress. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more pronounced depth while typing might favor the KTT Orange, as its longer travel can offer a more substantial tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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
When it comes to sound profile, the KTT Orange switch stands out with its distinctly low-pitched tone, which emphasizes a bass-heavy and mellow characteristic that can be quite soothing during extended typing sessions. This low-pitched sound can contribute to a more pleasant auditory experience, especially in quieter environments. In contrast, the sound profile of the HMX Perky switch remains unspecified, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, sound quality can ultimately be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard construction and the choice of keycaps, which might lead these switches to produce varying results.
In terms of tactile feel, the KTT Orange switches are well-known for their bouncy nature and frictionless travel. This means that users will experience a lively and elastic feedback when pressing the keys, allowing for an engaging and responsive typing experience. The meticulously designed components, including the polycarbonate and nylon housings, enhance this dynamic by ensuring a fluid key travel. On the other hand, details regarding the feel of the HMX Perky switches are not provided, leaving an unknown aspect in the comparison. However, given the characteristics of the Orange switches, any similar feel attributes in the Perky switches would potentially contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Considering these aspects, the KTT Orange switches offer a compelling combination of low-pitched sound and responsive tactile feedback, ideal for those who appreciate a smooth and bouncy typing experience. Meanwhile, while the HMX Perky switches are praised for their neutral and satisfying typing quality, without specific details on sound and feel, it is challenging to make a definitive comparison. Choosing between these switches may ultimately depend on personal preference regarding sound and tactile sensation, as both could cater to different typing styles and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Orange linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you prefer a medium-light actuation force of 53 grams and enjoy a bouncy, frictionless feel, the KTT Orange switch might just be your best bet. Its 22mm long spring provides an elastic feedback that makes each keystroke feel lively and satisfying, while the low-pitched sound profile creates a mellow ambiance that complements a quiet workspace. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter touch with a bottom out force of only 50 grams, the HMX Perky switch offers a more condensed typing experience that is deeply satisfying. Its softer, glittery nylon housing provides a pleasant tactile sensation while the shorter travel distance allows for quick and nimble typing. Ultimately, consider your typing style—if you enjoy a more robust and lively feel, go for the Orange; if you prefer a smoother and more minimalist approach, the Perky will serve you well.
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