HMX Perky vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Perky and the Everglide Sunset Yellow both offer compelling options for enthusiasts, albeit with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Perky is celebrated for its softer, glittery nylon housing that provides a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, enhanced by a shorter travel distance that fosters a condensed feel with every keystroke. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow switch stands out with its vibrant Creamsicle color and a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles, making typing not only enjoyable but also immersive. Its medium weight appeals to a wide spectrum of users, while the unique Ly stem and proprietary factory lube contribute to an exceptional gliding sensation, coupled with a responsive and sharp feel thanks to its long-pole design. While both switches deliver linear action, they do so with different auditory and tactile experiences in mind. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
Stem material
Ly
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
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Perky and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches, it's important to note the differences between the two types of plastics used in their construction. The Perky features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is recognized for its classic performance in switch design. Nylon’s softer texture helps absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience during typing. This material's ability to create a duller and rounder sound profile becomes particularly pronounced as it contributes consistency to both the press and release of the keys, enhancing the tactile experience as well.
In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow opts for POM (Polyoxymethylene) as its housing material. POM is known for producing a nuanced and pleasing sound, albeit with a slightly different character than nylon. The sound profile generated by POM is also on the deeper side, yet it tends to be more muted compared to nylon. The unique properties of POM create a distinctive typing experience that some users may prefer for its crispness, demonstrating that even minor variations in material can lead to noticeable differences in feedback and sound.
Nonetheless, while the HMX Perky and Everglide Sunset Yellow differ in housing material, they ultimately strive for a similar sound profile due to their shared characteristics of deeper and more muted acoustic qualities. The nylon in the Perky and the POM in the Sunset Yellow will influence the overall feel during typing but will provide comparable auditory results based on their ability to absorb sound. Users can expect to experience satisfying keypresses from both switches, albeit with unique nuances influenced by their respective housings. The blending of properties between the two materials allows for individual preferences, making either switch a worthy choice depending on the desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Perky linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, we find that both share the same actuation force of 43 grams, allowing for a similar typing experience regarding the effort needed to register a keystroke. This makes both switches appealing for extended typing sessions, particularly for users who favor lighter switches. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly; the Perky has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sunset Yellow measures at 51 grams. This means that the Perky switch is slightly more forgiving when it comes to bottoming out, providing a softer overall feel, making it the lighter option overall. Conversely, the Sunset Yellow, while still on the medium-light side, requires a marginally heavier push at the bottom, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In summary, users seeking a lighter feel might lean toward the Perky, while those who appreciate a bit more resistance could prefer the Sunset Yellow.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Perky linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is clear that they differ slightly. The Perky has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, whereas the Sunset Yellow features a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Consequently, the Perky switch provides a more pronounced depth, which some users might prefer for a more tactile feedback, while the Sunset Yellow may cater to gamers seeking faster response times due to its shorter travel distance. If you prioritize quick key presses, the Sunset Yellow is the better option, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial feel might lean towards the Perky. Overall, the distinction in travel distance indicates that using the switches will yield different tactile experiences.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 per 10 switches.
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 and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches, the differences are quite pronounced. The Perky switch produces a more neutral sound, though its specific characteristics remain unspecified. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow is celebrated for its captivating sound profile, which is reminiscent of mahjong tiles clashing together. This switch provides a rich, bassy sound paired with a thocky quality, producing a deep, satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. When considering your choice of keyboard and keycaps, the Sunset Yellow’s distinctive acoustic features become even more pronounced, making it a more compelling option for those seeking auditory indulgence during typing.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Perky switch offers a typing experience that is deeply satisfying, yet lacking specific descriptions regarding its tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow provides an impressive range of tactile characteristics, described as creamy, frictionless, and polished. This means the Sunset Yellow delivers an exceptionally smooth and buttery experience, ensuring that fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. The factory lubrication further enhances this fluidity, minimizing resistance and allowing for a refined typing experience. Hence, the tactile sensation of the Sunset Yellow is designed to cater to those who value a sleek and responsive feel while typing.
In conclusion, while the HMX Perky may offer a neutral and satisfactory typing experience, the Everglide Sunset Yellow stands out in both sound and tactile sensations, delivering a rich auditory experience and a luxurious feel. If you're seeking a more indulgent typing journey, the Sunset Yellow's captivating sound and smooth feel are likely to enhance your overall enjoyment, while the Perky could serve well for those preferring simplicity without any frills. Ultimately, your choice will depend on what qualities you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Perky linear switches and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a lighter touch and appreciate a deeply satisfying and neutral typing experience, the Perky switch with its 50 grams of bottom-out force, shorter travel distance, and softer nylon construction would likely be your best pick. This switch is ideal for typists who prioritize speed and comfort over sound, as it provides a more condensed typing setup without excessive auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you're seeking a richer auditory experience combined with a creamy, frictionless feel, the Everglide Sunset Yellow with its 51 grams of bottom-out force will be more suitable. Its unique sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles and its polished, smooth gliding feel make it an indulgent choice for those who enjoy engaged typing sessions with more pronounced audio feedback. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you value a lighter, speed-oriented feel or a more luxurious, bass-heavy auditory and tactile experience while typing.
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