HMX Perky vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two excellent options to consider are the HMX Perky and the TTC Silent Red, both of which fall under the category of linear switches. The HMX Perky is celebrated for its softer, glittery nylon housings that provide a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, particularly appealing to those who appreciate a more condensed feel thanks to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red excels in delivering a smooth and seamless typing experience, perfect for users in noisy environments who require a muted sound profile; its padded bottom-out feel enhances comfort during extended use. While the Perky offers a gratifying tactile experience, the Silent Red prioritizes quietness and comfort. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 TTC Silent Red keyboards utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Perky's nylon top housing is designed to produce a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to nylon's softer plastic properties that absorb sound effectively. In contrast, the Silent Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, providing a clearer and more resonant auditory experience. While both housings are effective in their own ways, they produce distinctly different sound qualities that will appeal to different preferences in keyboard aesthetics and auditory feedback.
When examining the bottom housing materials, both the HMX Perky and the TTC Silent Red share a commonality: they both utilize nylon. This means that regardless of the contrasting top housing materials, the bottom housing will still create a deeper and fuller sound profile associated with nylon. It acts predominantly on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. This shared feature allows users to experience a consistent tactile and auditory feel when bottoming out, ensuring that both keyboards still feel remarkably similar in terms of key response, even if their sound profiles differ upon release.
In essence, while the HMX Perky and TTC Silent Red differ in their top housing materials, the nylon bottom housings harmonize more closely in their auditory output. Users will have the benefit of a deeper sound when actuating a key due to the nylon composition across both models. On the release, however, the switches diverge in sound; where the Perky produces a rounded sound from its nylon top, the Silent Red delivers a clearer note due to its polycarbonate top housing. This design differentiation highlights the importance of materials in influencing both tactile and auditory experiences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Perky linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we find distinct differences in their weights and overall feel. The Perky switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less effort to actuate. In contrast, the Silent Red switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a significantly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This increased resistance can provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a firmer feel. Consequently, the Perky switch is the lighter option, while the Silent Red is the heavier one, making them suited for different typing preferences and experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Perky linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, the Perky has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Silent Red measures 3.7 mm. This means that the Perky switch offers quicker actuation, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the Silent Red, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a more pronounced keypress experience. Therefore, if you prioritize rapid responses, the HMX Perky would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate deeper key travel may find the TTC Silent Red more to their liking.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 produces a typing experience that is neutral and deeply satisfying, though specific details on its sound profile are not provided. This suggests that it likely falls somewhere in the middle of typical linear switch sounds, not being overly loud or quiet. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is characterized by its muted sound profile, designed specifically to minimize noise. This makes the Silent Red an excellent choice for environments where discretion is essential, as it dampens the clicks and clacks usually associated with mechanical switches, ensuring a quieter typing experience.
When considering the feel of these switches, the HMX Perky offers a more condensed typing experience thanks to its shorter travel distance. This implies a quick and responsive feel, potentially leading to a very satisfying typing rhythm. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red is described as providing a buttery smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom. This seamless experience is complemented by a mild and polished nature, offering a gentle typing sensation that is approachable for most users while maintaining a refined and low-friction keystroke.
Overall, both switches present unique qualities suitable for different preferences and environments. The HMX Perky is ideal for those who appreciate a neutral yet satisfying typing experience and value quicker keystrokes, whereas the TTC Silent Red caters to individuals seeking a smooth, quiet, and comfortable typing experience. Depending on your priorities—whether it be sound, feel, or a mix of both—you can expect to achieve a pleasant typing experience with either switch, albeit with distinct characteristics that may influence your overall satisfaction.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the HMX Perky linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch hinges primarily on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you appreciate a lighter bottom out force and a more condensed typing experience, the HMX Perky is an excellent choice. Its softer nylon housings provide a neutral yet satisfying feel that can enhance productivity, especially during long typing sessions. However, if you're in a shared or noise-sensitive space, the TTC Silent Red is your go-to option. With its medium-heavy bottom out force and muted sound profile, you won't disturb others while enjoying a buttery smooth keystroke experience. The Silent Red offers a polished and consistent feel that maintains typing comfort, making it perfect for office environments. In essence, choose the Perky for a lighter, more dynamic experience, and opt for the Silent Red when noise levels and a slightly heavier feel are your priority.
Mentioned in this article
