HMX Perky vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Perky and KTT Pine stand out as two exceptional linear options, each offering a unique typing experience. The HMX Perky, known for its softer, glittery nylon housing, provides a neutral and deeply satisfying feel, complemented by a shorter travel distance that creates a more condensed typing experience. This switch is perfect for users seeking a smoother, easier actuation without the distraction of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Pine, with its striking translucent forest green design, boasts a medium-heavy profile that ensures a buttery smooth operation, enhanced by a polished, factory-lubed finish to reduce friction. The Pine is ideal for those who prioritize a low-pitched, creamy sound and a slightly more substantial keystroke. Both switches have their distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, making the choice between them a matter of personal taste. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When assessing the housing materials of the HMX Perky and the KTT Pine, a distinct contrast emerges between their respective uses of nylon and polycarbonate. The Perky employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material renowned for its softer characteristics. This quality results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as the nylon absorbs more sound waves, creating a duller, rounder auditory experience. In comparison, the KTT Pine utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, which translates to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. Consequently, while both switches can potentially deliver satisfying auditory feedback, they do so through markedly different acoustic properties—nylon producing a more muted experience, and polycarbonate offering clarity and resonance.
The choice of materials also affects the feel and aesthetic qualities of each switch. The Perky's nylon housing not only contributes to the sound profile but also serves to create a tactile experience that is smooth and comfortable. The softness of nylon enhances the overall feel during key presses, making it a well-loved material among those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Pine's use of polycarbonate not only supports its sharper sound profile but also aids in achieving a visually appealing transparency ideal for RGB lighting setups, maximizing the switch’s aesthetic potential. This design choice allows enthusiasts to enjoy both the look of their keyboard and the enhanced auditory feedback provided by the polycarbonate material.
When switches utilize different housing materials, the interaction between the top and bottom housings significantly influences the overall typing experience. With the HMX Perky's consistent nylon composition, both the bottom and top housings provide a uniform sound and feel, leading to a cohesive typing output characterized by its deeper tones. Conversely, with the KTT Pine's dual polycarbonate structure, the sound is more articulate and defined, resulting in a typing experience that emphasizes a clear bottom-out sound and crisp release. As such, while both switches might be designed to cater to distinct sound preferences and tactile responses, understanding the implications of their housing materials can help users select the ideal switch for their typing style and aesthetic needs.
Weight
The HMX Perky linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force, catering to varying user preferences when it comes to typing feel. The Perky switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prioritize comfort over extended typing sessions, such as those working long hours or gaming. In contrast, the Pine switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel under their fingers. This means that while both switches offer smooth linear feedback, the Perky is the lighter option, which can help reduce fatigue during prolonged use, whereas the Pine provides a firmer feedback that some typists may find more satisfying. Overall, users can expect a comfortable typing experience with either switch, but the choice ultimately depends on whether they lean toward a lighter touch or a more robust keystroke response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Perky linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is evident that the Perky has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Pine features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distances may influence user preference based on their typing or gaming styles. The shorter travel distance of the Perky can provide quicker response times, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize speed. In contrast, the Pine’s longer travel distance might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel and depth when pressing the keys. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will likely depend on whether you value responsiveness or a deeper 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 KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 HMX Perky linear switch remains undefined in our current understanding, which leaves a gap in its auditory characteristics. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch is characterized by a bassy and low-pitched tone, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. This sound likely resonates with a somewhat mellow presence, making each keystroke feel robust and satisfying. It's important to note that the perceived sound can be influenced by the choice of keyboard surface and keycap material, so users might experience variations depending on their specific setup.
When it comes to the feel, the Perky switch offers a typing experience that is described as neutral and deeply satisfying, encouraging a focused and engaging touch. In comparison, the Pine switch stands out with its buttery and creamy sensations. The expertly polished and factory-lubed finish of the Pine ensures an incredibly smooth key travel, making each stroke feel effortless and consistent. This textural experience may appeal to users who prioritize a fluid typing experience but contrasts with the Perky switch's more condensed and satisfying keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the HMX Perky and KTT Pine linear switches offer their unique advantages, appealing to different preferences in sound and feel. While the sound profile of the Perky switch remains a mystery, the Pine's rich and deep auditory experience stands out. The typing feel varies as well; the Perky provides a neutral satisfaction, while the Pine ensures a smooth, creamy touch. Users leaning towards either of these switches can expect a compelling typing experience, making their choice largely dependent on personal ergonomic preferences and desired auditory feedback.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the HMX Perky linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, you'll want to consider your typing preferences and the type of experience you desire. If you prefer a lighter switch with a quick and responsive feel, the Perky might be the ideal choice for you. Its low bottom-out force of 50 grams combined with a condensed travel distance promotes a snappy typing experience, perfect for fast-paced typists or those who enjoy a lighter key feel. Moreover, the Perky's softer nylon housing aims to deliver a neutral and satisfying typing sensation, making it attractive for long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial and robust typing experience, the KTT Pine switch, with its 58 grams bottom-out force, would likely suit your needs better. It offers a buttery smooth and "creamy" keystroke that feels seamless and effortless, accompanied by a bassy sound profile that provides a richer auditory experience. In essence, the KTT Pine might be more appealing for those who appreciate a medium-heavy feel paired with a deeper sound. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style and the tactile feedback you enjoy, ensuring an optimal mechanical keyboard experience tailored to your needs.
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