HMX Perky vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the HMX Perky and HMX Swift offer two distinct yet compelling options, both designed to deliver a satisfying linear feel. The HMX Perky is celebrated for its softer, glittery nylon housings that provide a neutral and highly enjoyable typing experience. Thanks to its shorter travel distance, the Perky allows for a condensed typing experience that many find refreshing and efficient. On the other hand, the HMX Swift impresses users with a deeper sound profile, attributed to its full nylon housings, which adds a unique auditory element to your keystrokes. Moreover, the Swift's delicate 42g actuation force creates a silky smooth sensation beneath your fingers, making it feel both bouncy and easy to press. While both switches provide linear advantages, the decision ultimately hinges on whether you prefer the Perky's concise responsiveness or the Swift's lush acoustics. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The HMX Perky and the HMX Swift both feature similar housing materials, with both models utilizing nylon for their top and bottom housings. This commonality in choice reflects a commitment to high-quality construction that is known for producing a distinctive sound profile. The use of nylon, a classic switch housing material, ensures that both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This characteristic arises from nylon's relatively softer nature, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, users can expect a duller and rounder acoustic experience from both sets of switches, highlighting the acoustic advantages inherent in nylon material.
Despite the identical use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings, the level of their impact on the typing experience differs slightly. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and tactile feel when keys are pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound produced upon key release. Given that both the Perky and Swift utilize nylon throughout, users can anticipate a consistently rich acoustic profile regardless of the switch's configuration. This similarity fosters a uniformity in performance and sound character across both keyboard models, assuring that typing on either will yield comparable auditory satisfaction.
In summary, the HMX Perky and HMX Swift demonstrate a harmonious design ethos by employing identical nylon materials in their top and bottom housings, allowing for a shared sound profile that enhances the typing experience. This consistent use of nylon not only ensures a deeper, fuller sound but also results in comparable tactile feedback between the two switches. While the interaction of top and bottom housings will variably influence the overall typing experience, the choice of nylon as the material for both models guarantees that users will enjoy a cohesive and satisfying soundscape, regardless of which switch they opt for.
Weight
The HMX Perky and HMX Swift linear switches share very similar specifications when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Perky has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Swift is slightly lighter at 42 grams. Both switches feature a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that they will feel quite similar when fully pressed. The slightly lighter actuation force of the Swift may appeal to those who prefer a gentler touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, the heavier actuation force of the Perky provides a marginally more substantial typing experience, which some users may appreciate. Overall, both switches are categorized as light, but the Swift offers a slight edge in terms of reduced actuation force.
Travel distance
The HMX Perky linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that the Perky, being the shorter option, may appeal more to gamers and users who prioritize faster response times due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, the Swift with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. If you appreciate a sense of depth and a more deliberate action, the Swift would be the preferable choice, whereas the Perky caters to those seeking a snappier, more responsive keystroke. Ultimately, the differences in travel distance can significantly influence user experience based on personal preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 switches are not explicitly described, but one can infer that their softer nylon housings likely contribute to a more muted and subtle acoustic footprint compared to other switches. In contrast, the HMX Swift switches have a clacky sound profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy auditory feedback. This produces a crisp, bright, and percussive sound, which can greatly enhance the tactile satisfaction of typing. The sound signature will inevitably be influenced by other factors like the keyboard frame and keycap materials, but generally, one should expect the Perky to be quieter while the Swift may provide a more engaging auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Perky switches present a neutral typing experience thanks to their shorter travel distance, which leads to a more condensed, satisfying interaction. While specific descriptors for the Perky's tactile feedback are missing, this brevity implies a potentially quick and responsive typing action. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switches offer a compelling tactile experience, summarized with descriptors like easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy. The light 42g actuation force makes for an effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, perfect for prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, the bounciness provides a lively feedback sensation, while the creamy quality ensures a smooth and buttery glide over the keys.
In conclusion, both the HMX Perky and HMX Swift switches provide unique typing experiences, catering to different preferences. The Perky offers a more subdued sound and a presumably neutral or reactive feel, while the Swift stands out with its deeper, clacky sound and an array of tactile descriptors that emphasize lightness and smoothness. Whether you're leaning towards a quieter yet satisfying typing journey or a lively and engaging one, either switch can provide a fulfilling experience, albeit in notably different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Perky and HMX Swift linear switches, consider your personal preferences and typing habits. If you’re looking for a switch that offers a condensed and neutral typing experience with a light actuation force, the HMX Perky is an excellent choice. Its soft nylon housing provides a deeply satisfying feel, making it appealing for those who prioritize comfort and an effortless typing experience, especially during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile experience with a deeper sound profile, the HMX Swift will be your go-to option. Its easy-to-press, feathery, and bouncy feel combines with a crisp, clacky sound, making it particularly enjoyable for gaming and fast-paced typing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you want the smooth, creamy sensation of the Perky or the lively, vibrant feel of the Swift, each of which offers unique benefits for different types of users.
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