HMX Perky vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Perky and TTC Silent Brown present two distinct typing experiences catering to different preferences. The HMX Perky, a linear switch, is well-regarded for its softer, glittery nylon housings that provide a clacky, polished, and silky feel. With a shorter travel distance, it offers a condensed typing experience that many users find deeply satisfying, making it ideal for those who crave a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown is a tactile switch known for its comfortable, light to medium resistance and a pleasing rounded tactile bump. This switch excels in providing a buttery and muted sound profile, which is perfect for users who appreciate feedback without the audible distractions typical of many other switches. Both switches have their merits, with the Perky appealing to those who prioritize speed and smoothness, while the Silent Brown caters to users who enjoy tactile feedback with a quieter operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Perky and the TTC Silent Brown switches utilize different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The HMX Perky features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition. This material absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, ultimately producing a duller and rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the TTC Silent Brown employs a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances resonance and clarity, making it particularly appealing for users who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience, especially in environments with RGB lighting, as the clear housing allows for better light diffusion.
Despite the divergence in their top housing materials, both the Perky and Silent Brown share a commonality in their bottom housing: nylon. This consistent material in the bottom housing for both switches leads to similarities in how they feel when typing. The nylon material, known for its sound absorption properties, results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that influences the bottom-out sound and feel during use. Therefore, while the top housings diverge into different acoustic territories, the shared nylon bottom housing harmonizes to deliver an overall similar tactile and auditory experience, ensuring that both models maintain a cohesive sound characteristic while typing.
In summary, the contrasting materials for the top housing of the HMX Perky and the TTC Silent Brown switches create notably different sound profiles, shaping the overall auditory experience during usage. The nylon top housing of the Perky delivers a subdued resonance, while the polycarbonate of the Silent Brown heightens clarity and sharpness. Nevertheless, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures that users will experience a consistent and molded sound profile that resonates with a deep and full quality. Consequently, while the top contrasts underscore user preferences in sound and feel, the bottom housing harmoniously unifies their overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Perky linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Perky switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming periods, as the reduced force can lessen finger fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Brown switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a considerably heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience that some users prefer. Therefore, for those who favor lighter switches for enhanced comfort during prolonged use, the HMX Perky would be the better choice, while users who appreciate a stronger push feel may find the TTC Silent Brown more satisfying. In essence, the Perky is the lighter option, whereas the Silent Brown falls into the medium-heavy category, catering to varying preferences in typing experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Perky linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, a notable difference can be observed. The HMX Perky features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, whereas the TTC Silent Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Perky switch is better suited for users who favor a more responsive experience due to its shorter travel distance, which caters well to gamers seeking quick key presses. On the other hand, the Silent Brown's longer travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced feedback and depth in their keystrokes. As such, if you prioritize quick response times, the Perky would be the preferable choice, while the Silent Brown would be ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial 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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the HMX Perky linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Perky offers a clacky sound, characterized by a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that can be crisp and percussive. In contrast, the Silent Brown features a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter experience that significantly minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes the Silent Brown more suitable for environments where noise reduction is a priority, while the Perky may appeal to those who enjoy the auditory feedback of a more traditional clacky switch.
The feel of the two switches presents an equally compelling contrast. The Perky is crafted for a smooth typing experience, exhibiting both polished and silky qualities. These attributes suggest a refined touch, with reduced friction and a smooth key travel that enhances the typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Brown's feel can be described as buttery, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. While it also exhibits polished characteristics, giving it a smooth finish, the tactile bump adds a distinct sensation that differentiates it from the more linear experience of the Perky.
In conclusion, while both switches offer polished finishes that ensure a smooth typing experience, their sound and tactile characteristics cater to different preferences. The Perky appeals to those who enjoy a more audible and engaging typing experience, whereas the TTC Silent Brown is ideal for those seeking a quieter, softer typing feel with tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean towards a more pronounced sound and linearity or a softer, tactile experience with reduced noise.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Perky linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch will largely depend on your typing style and environment. If you prefer a lighter, more responsive switch with a clacky sound profile for a lively typing experience, the HMX Perky is a solid option. Its 50 grams of bottom-out force and polished, silky feel will provide a satisfying, quick response, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who thrive on immediate feedback. However, if you're looking for a more tactile feel with a muted sound profile, perfect for shared or quieter spaces, the TTC Silent Brown will serve you well. With 63.5 grams of resistance, its rounded tactile bump and buttery smooth key travel can offer a more deliberate typing experience, catering to those who appreciate a bit more weight in their keystrokes and a comforting tactile response. Ultimately, consider your primary use case—whether it’s typing speed and sound in a lively atmosphere with the Perky or comfort and quiet typing with the Silent Brown—and choose the switch that aligns with your personal preferences.
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