HMX Perky vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch you select can significantly influence your typing experience, and two notable options are the HMX Perky and Akko Rosewood switches, both of which fall into the linear category. The HMX Perky switches are celebrated for their unique combination of softer, glittery nylon housings, which contribute to a typing experience that is not only neutral but also deeply satisfying. Their shorter travel distance makes for a more condensed typing experience, ideal for those who prioritize speed and efficiency. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switches enchant users with their deep, thocky sound, thanks to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that enhances acoustic feedback right from the start. While the Perky switches focus on providing a quick and smooth keystroke, the Rosewood switches offer auditory pleasure along with a solid tactile response. Both switches cater to different preferences in feel and sound, making them appealing for various types of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Perky and the Akko Rosewood keyboards both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, making their housing materials identical in composition. This shared use of nylon leads to several acoustic benefits; primarily, both keyboards are designed to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The nylon's softer plastic properties contribute to sound absorption, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder compared to that produced by harder plastic materials. This fundamental property of nylon helps create a pleasing auditory experience on both keyboards, ensuring that users can enjoy a rich typing sound no matter which model they choose.
While the housing materials are the same, the performance characteristics experienced during typing might subtly differ due to the overall design and tuning of the keyboards themselves. For instance, the configuration of each keyboard, including switch design and even the associated key caps, could influence how the sound and feel is perceived during use. The interaction of the nylon housing with other elements of the keyboards may cause variations in feedback when pressing and releasing the keys, even if the material properties of the nylon remain constant. Therefore, while both share the benefit of nylon’s sound absorption characteristics, the overall typing experience can still vary depending on additional design factors.
Lastly, it is important to note that because both the HMX Perky and Akko Rosewood rely on nylon for their housings, they will present a similar sound profile during keypress events. However, the nuances of the typing experience are likely to be shaped more by the integration and interaction of these materials in the overall keyboard construction. For example, the bottom housing might influence the bottom-out feel, while the top housing can impact the sound experienced upon releasing a key. Ultimately, while you can expect a consistent auditory quality from both models, individual experiences may vary based on the unique assembly of each keyboard rather than the housing materials themselves.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Perky linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, both are relatively light options, but they differ slightly in their actuation forces. The Perky switch requires an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Rosewood switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means that typists seeking a lighter touch may find the Rosewood more comfortable for extended use, as it requires less force to register a keystroke. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that they offer a similar resistance when pressed all the way down. This consistency in the bottom out force provides a comparable level of feedback once a key is fully pressed, satisfying typists who prefer that substantial typing experience regardless of the actuation force difference. Ultimately, while the Rosewood is the lighter option for actuation, both switches still provide a relatively light overall feel suitable for long typing sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Perky linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, the Perky has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Rosewood measures 4.0 mm. This means that the Rosewood has a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users might prefer for a more controlled typing experience. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Perky aligns well with the trend of faster response times favored by gamers, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize quick key presses. Ultimately, if you value a deeper, more substantial feel while typing, the Rosewood is the recommended option, whereas the Perky would suit those seeking a snappier and more efficient keystroke.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Perky linear switch remains largely uncharacterized, which suggests it may lean toward a more neutral auditory profile that allows for a subtler typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switch is celebrated for producing a deep and satisfying "thock" sound right out of the box, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This difference implies that if you prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing, the Rosewood switch would be the more appealing option, while the Perky may offer a quieter experience that blends seamlessly with its environment.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Perky switch is known for providing a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, with a shorter travel distance that contributes to a more condensed typing experience. The Akko Rosewood switch lacks specific details regarding its feel, but given its reputation for a thocky sound, it can be inferred that it also prioritizes a smooth and pleasant sensation during use, although the exact tactile feedback remains less defined. Essentially, if you value a blend of smoothness and feedback, both switches may cater to those needs, but the Perky is better established in this area.
Overall, the HMX Perky linear switch offers a more muted sound profile paired with a satisfying feel, making it a great option for those who prefer a quieter and more subtle typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switch stands out with its distinctive thock sound and likely smooth operation, appealing to users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences; selecting between them will depend on whether you prioritize a quieter environment or a more resonant auditory experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Perky linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and the specific type of experience you're looking for in your mechanical keyboard. If you favor a typing experience that’s not only light—due to its 50-gram bottom-out force—but also has a satisfying and neutral feel, the HMX Perky is an excellent choice. Its softer nylon housing results in a compact typing experience, making it particularly appealing for fast typists or gamers who appreciate quick, responsive key presses. On the other hand, if you crave a deeper acoustic profile with a thocky sound right out of the box, the Akko Rosewood is likely the switch for you. Its factory-applied lubricant enhances the sound and smoothness, resulting in a more satisfying auditory and tactile experience. Ultimately, you should weigh the importance of sound versus the typing feel in your decision—a choice between a snappier, neutral experience versus one that offers rich auditory feedback.
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