HMX Perky vs. TTC Speed Silver

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two intriguing options emerge: the HMX Perky and the TTC Speed Silver, both of which fall under the linear category. The HMX Perky is celebrated for its softer, glittery nylon housings, providing a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience characterized by a shorter travel distance that leads to a more condensed feel. This makes the Perky an excellent choice for those who appreciate a smooth and cushioned keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver is designed for speed enthusiasts, offering a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile. With its reduced travel distance, the Speed Silver allows for rapid and effortless actuation, making it ideal for users who prioritize swift, precise input. While the Perky provides a more relaxed typing experience, the Speed Silver caters to those who thrive on quick responses. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Perky Linear

TTC Speed Silver Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$6.00

$4.58 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX Perky and TTC Speed Silver switches diverge significantly in their choice of top housing materials, which plays a crucial role in shaping their acoustic profiles. The HMX Perky features a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic properties that absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This characteristic leads to a more muted and rounder sound when typing, enhancing the tactile feedback with a density that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver opts for a polycarbonate top housing, which is inherently stiffer and produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The clear nature of polycarbonate not only contributes to a more distinct resonance but also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, creating a visually striking experience. Thus, while both switches serve the same functional purpose, their acoustic signatures markedly differ due to their top housing materials.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the HMX Perky and TTC Speed Silver employ nylon, a material that brings similar sound qualities to both switches. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb sound effectively, contributing to a deeper and fuller tonal experience. This consistency in material choice for the bottom housing ensures that when typing on either switch, users experience a profound auditory sensation that emphasizes the plush feedback common to nylon-based designs. Ultimately, since both switches rely on nylon for their bottom housing, their perceived acoustics are aligned in this regard, focusing on creating a comfortable and dampened typing experience.

When considering how the combination of top and bottom housing will influence the overall performance of each switch, it's essential to note the interaction between materials. The Speed Silver, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, will produce a unique blend of sound characteristics—offering the sharper and clearer notes of the polycarbonate in the top while maintaining the deeper tones of the nylon below. In contrast, the Perky's uniform nylon construction from top to bottom will yield a more cohesive sound profile, potentially favoring the rounded acoustic signature throughout. Users who prioritize deep, more muted sounds might lean towards the Perky, while those seeking a crisper, more resonant experience may prefer the Speed Silver, despite the shared nylon foundation in the bottom housing.

Weight

The HMX Perky linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Perky features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly during long sessions at work or gaming. In contrast, the Speed Silver has slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces at 45 grams and 55 grams, respectively, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference in resistance offers a more substantial feel to users who might prefer a heavier keypress for enhanced feedback. Consequently, the Perky is the lighter option, while the Speed Silver is the heavier choice, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback and typing comfort.

Travel distance

Both the HMX Perky linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, indicating that they exhibit identical travel characteristics when pressed. This means users can expect a similar feel and responsiveness from both switches, resulting in comparable typing experiences. Since both switches share the same travel distance, those who enjoy one switch are likely to appreciate the other, as they will respond in much the same way under similar conditions.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Perky switch allows for a typing experience characterized by a soft and glittery auditory profile that enhances the overall satisfaction of each keystroke. This unique sound feature, combined with the lighter nylon housing, creates a typing experience that is quieter and less invasive in shared environments. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver switch offers a neutral sound that strikes a balance between moderate actuation force and sound profile. This neutrality makes it an excellent option for those who want to avoid overly loud or disruptive switches, allowing for versatile use in both home and work settings.

When discussing the feel of these switches, the Perky proves to be deeply satisfying due to its more condensed typing experience and shorter travel distance. This design leads to a tactile sensation that retains a natural flow, contributing to an enjoyable typing rhythm. Meanwhile, the Speed Silver's mild characteristics ensure that users encounter a gentle typing experience without overwhelming resistance, making each touch feel approachable. Additionally, these switches are polished, providing a smooth and refined feeling during key presses, reducing friction and allowing for seamless key travel.

In summary, both the HMX Perky and TTC Speed Silver switches offer unique benefits for individuals seeking different typing experiences. The Perky excels in providing a soft sound and satisfying feel with its shorter travel distance, while the Speed Silver stands out with its neutral sound profile and polished, mild feel for fast and precise typing. Depending on personal preferences for sound and tactile characteristics, users can achieve satisfying results with either switch, making them both excellent choices in the mechanical keyboard realm.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Perky linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and intended use cases. If you prefer a lighter touch and a more condensed typing experience, you may find the HMX Perky to be an excellent match for your needs. With its 50-gram bottom-out force, it allows for effortless keystrokes, paired with a satisfying yet neutral tactile feedback. This makes the Perky an ideal choice for those who appreciate a smoother, quieter environment while typing, whether for work or casual use. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and precision in your typing, the TTC Speed Silver, with its 55-gram bottom-out force and quick actuation, will likely serve you better. The Speed Silver's refined feel and neutral sound profile cater well to fast-paced typists or gamers who require rapid response times without sacrificing a polished typing experience. As a result, you can choose the HMX Perky for a more relaxed and enjoyable typing session, or the TTC Speed Silver for a high-performance edge in speed and accuracy.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Perky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

TTC Speed Silver Linear

$6.00

$4.58 per 10

Learn more