HMX Perky vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the HMX Perky and Gateron Smoothie stand out as compelling options for enthusiasts seeking linear switches, yet they cater to different preferences and experiences. The HMX Perky, known for its softer and glittery nylon housings, provides a neutral and deeply satisfying typing sensation, enhanced by a shorter travel distance that fosters a more condensed typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie impresses with its all-POM construction, delivering a thocky sound signature and remarkable smoothness, all while maintaining a lightweight touch that makes typing feel effortless. While the Perky offers a unique tactile feedback complemented by its aesthetics, the Smoothie appeals to those looking for a buttery, subdued sound and a creamy touch that enhances their typing rhythm. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Perky and the Gateron Smoothie, it's important to note that they utilize different materials for their tops and bottoms, which contributes to their distinct sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Perky features nylon in both its top and bottom housings. This choice leads to a deeper and fuller sound, characteristic of nylon’s softer and more sound-absorbent nature. On the other hand, the Smoothie employs POM for both the top and bottom housings. POM is known for producing a unique sound quality that, while deep and relatively muted, offers its own distinct auditory experience. Both materials serve to create a sound profile that is rich and pleasant, but their differences ultimately shape the acoustic characteristics of each switch.
When analyzing the impact of these materials on performance, the differences in sound profiles become more pronounced. The nylon used in the Perky is softer, contributing to its fuller sound and enhanced sound absorption, leading to a more rounded auditory experience when typing. Conversely, the POM material in the Smoothie delivers a sound that remains muted and more controlled but can often feel crisper due to its rigidity compared to nylon. This difference means that while both switches can provide enjoyable auditory feedback, the Perky delivers a softer, more enveloping sound whereas the Smoothie presents a refined yet subtle auditory quality.
However, despite the differences in materials, users of both the HMX Perky and Gateron Smoothie can achieve similar results in terms of depth of sound when typing. Both switch designs are constructed to emphasize a deeper sound profile; thus, whether utilizing nylon or POM, both switches will resonate with a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. The impact of each housing material is ultimately balanced by its counterparts—users will feel the nuances of the bottom housing during actuation and the subtleties of the top housing upon release, resulting in overall coherent sound profiles that can be appreciated by typists and gamers alike.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Perky linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Perky requires an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Smoothie is slightly lighter at 40 grams, making the Smoothie the preferable choice for users who seek a more effortless typing experience. Additionally, the Perky has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a noticeable resistance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Smoothie's bottom out force remains unknown, leaving users uncertain of the experience when the key is fully depressed. Overall, for those who prioritize a lighter touch and longer typing sessions, the Smoothie is advantageous, whereas the Perky caters to individuals who prefer a bit more resistance and a substantial feel in their key presses.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Perky linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, the differences are notable. The Perky has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Smoothie features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Perky provides a shorter travel distance, which may be preferable for gamers seeking quicker response times and more immediate feedback. On the other hand, the Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial tactile experience, appealing to those who enjoy a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference: the Perky supports a snappier feel, while the Smoothie caters to those who favor a more pronounced depth in their 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 Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 switch is likely to offer a more neutral auditory profile, aligning with its overall design philosophy of a satisfying, yet unobtrusive typing experience. Meanwhile, the Gateron Smoothie switch stands out with its thocky sound signature, characterized by a deep, rich "thud" that many typists find appealing. The Smoothie's low-pitched tone leans towards a bass-heavy resonance, adding weight to the auditory feedback with each keystroke. Additionally, its subdued nature provides a dampened sound that is less intrusive than some of its counterparts, making the Smoothie a choice for users who appreciate a more muted typing experience.
When examining the feel, the HMX Perky switch is tailored for a condensed typing experience, offering a neutral yet satisfying sensation that enhances overall typing efficiency. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie switch is designed to deliver a buttery and creamy feel, making each keypress a smooth and effortless action. Users will appreciate the silky sensation that comes with the Smoothie's construction, which minimizes resistance and allows fingers to glide over the keys with ease. This stands in stark contrast to the Perky’s design, which emphasizes a straightforward and effective typing experience over exquisite smoothness.
In summary, both the HMX Perky and Gateron Smoothie linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. The Perky excels in offering a neutral sound and a condensed typing experience, while the Smoothie delights with its deep, thocky auditory feedback and an exceptionally smooth feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference; typists seeking a neutral and efficient experience might lean towards the Perky, whereas those who value smoothness and rich sound will likely prefer the Gateron Smoothie.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Perky linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter touch with a condensed typing experience, the Perky switch might be your go-to option. Its softer nylon housing enhances the overall feel, delivering a neutral and satisfying response that can make extended typing sessions more comfortable. However, if you value a more pronounced acoustic feedback and a creamy typing experience, you might want to lean towards the Gateron Smoothie. With its thocky sound signature and buttery feel, the Smoothie provides a captivating auditory and tactile experience that many typists find enjoyable. Additionally, if you appreciate a more refined typing sensation characterized by smoothness, the Smoothie’s creamy and silky qualities might be more appealing. In conclusion, consider how you like to type and what auditory experience you prefer when deciding between these two excellent switches.
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