HMX Perky vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Perky and Gateron Smoothie Silver each offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences and styles. The HMX Perky stands out with its softer, glittery nylon housing that delivers a neutral yet deeply satisfying typing experience, characterized by a clacky and polished feel, along with a condensed travel distance that allows for quicker keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver, constructed entirely from POM, is designed for lightning-fast actuation with its exceptionally smooth mechanics and feather-light touch. It produces a low-pitched thocky sound that appeals to users seeking a quieter yet rich auditory feedback during their typing sessions. While both switches are linear and designed for rapid keystrokes, the HMX Perky leans towards a playfully clacky sensation, while the Smoothie Silver offers a more subdued, creamy experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
The HMX Perky and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches exhibit distinct housing materials, contributing to their unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Perky uses nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its acoustic properties that deliver a deeper, fuller sound. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a muted and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver employs POM for both its top and bottom housings, which also fosters a deep sound profile but with distinct characteristics. POM is recognized for its smoothness and durability, producing a pleasing sound that is more muted yet still distinct, setting it apart from the nylon sound profile.
While both switches aim to provide a satisfying auditory experience, the differences in housing materials offer contrasting tactile reactions during key presses. The nylon housed Perky switches will feel softer and produce a sound that is soothing yet robust when a key reaches the bottom. The plush nature of nylon contributes to a gentler feedback, while the POM housed Smoothie Silver switches will deliver a more precise and crisp response. Although both materials dampen sound, the nuances in texture and feedback can lead to varied user preferences. The nylon provides a fuller, more enveloping feel, whereas the POM housing might feel quicker and crisper, emphasizing the distinct sounds during key release.
Furthermore, while the HMX Perky and Gateron Smoothie Silver utilize different materials, they can yield similar results in terms of sound profile if used correctly. Both switches are designed to cater to users seeking a deeper tone while typing, which could appeal to gamers and typists alike. The key takeaway is that users can experience satisfying audio feedback from either switch, although the sensation in the hand and auditory properties may differ. These variations emphasize the personal choice of material preference, impacting overall user experience while achieving a similar depth of sound. This diversity in substrate materials invites enthusiasts to select switches based on their individual tactile and auditory preferences, regardless of the inherent differences in housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Perky linear switch with the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, key differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Perky switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option that can enhance comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel. However, the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is unknown, leaving a gap in this comparison. While the Perky provides consistent feedback from both actuation to bottom out, the Gateron Smoothie Silver may deliver a different experience depending on its undisclosed bottom out force. As such, for users who prioritize a lighter touch, the HMX Perky is the better choice, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver attracts those who might seek a firmer keystroke feel, despite not having complete information on its bottom-out force.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Perky linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm from the top to the bottom. This similarity means that users will experience comparable keypress travel when using either switch, leading to similar tactile feedback and responsiveness in typing or gaming scenarios. Since both switches travel the same distance, users can expect a consistent feel, allowing for a seamless transition between the two if one chooses to experiment with different switches.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Perky linear switch produces a clacky noise that offers a sharp and snappy auditory feedback, making each keystroke feel vibrant and percussive. This characteristic can provide a more lively typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy hearing their inputs more distinctly with a crisp and bright sound. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is noted for its thocky sound, described as deep and rich, akin to a gentle "thud" or soft "knock." This switch features a low-pitched and somewhat subdued sound profile, making it less jarring than clacky switches and imparting a mellow yet satisfying auditory feedback during typing. Depending on the keyboard and keycap choices, both switches can create engaging sound profiles, but they cater to different preferences for auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Perky switch offers a polished and silky typing experience, making it smooth and refined, with minimal friction as you press down each key. This sense of smoothness is particularly appealing for those looking for a clean and enjoyable tactile interaction, enhancing overall typing comfort. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver provides a buttery and creamy typing sensation, feeling incredibly effortless and uniform across the board. With its seamless key travel, it's designed to make typing feel almost like gliding your fingers across the keys. While both switches are designed to give a heightened sense of smoothness and ease in keystrokes, the Perky leans towards a refined polish, whereas the Smoothie Silver emphasizes a fluid and creamy texture.
When evaluating both the HMX Perky and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches, it becomes clear that each has its unique strengths. The Perky excels in delivering a vibrant sound with a polished and silky typing feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate a crisp auditory experience coupled with smoothness. Conversely, the Smoothie Silver focuses on providing a deeper, thocky sound along with a buttery, effortless typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences for sound and feel, whether you favor the lively feedback of the Perky or the creamy smoothness of the Smoothie Silver.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the HMX Perky linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch hinges on your specific typing preferences and needs. If you appreciate a light, responsive typing experience with a distinct clacky sound and are someone who enjoys a neutral yet satisfying feel, the Perky switch may be your go-to option. The softer nylon housing coupled with its polished and silky characteristics makes it ideal for those who favor a more condensed typing experience, especially for casual tasks or extended typing sessions where comfort is paramount. On the other hand, if speed and a buttery-smooth keystroke are your primary concerns, you should lean towards the Smoothie Silver. With its feather-light touch and thocky sound profile, this switch is perfect for competitive gaming or fast-paced typing tasks, providing an effortlessly smooth and creamy sensation that enhances efficiency. Ultimately, your choice should align with the kinds of tasks you'll be performing most often and the overall sound and feel that you find most enjoyable in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
