HMX Perky vs. Gateron Weightlessness

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference in typing feel and sound. The HMX Perky, a linear switch, is celebrated for its softer and glittery nylon housings, providing a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience with a shorter travel distance that promotes a more condensed feel, making it ideal for those who favor smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness, a tactile switch, presents a subtle to moderate tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience by providing clear physical cues with each key press, paired with a balanced sound profile that fits a more traditional typing vibe. While the Perky appeals to enthusiasts seeking a fluid and quick response, the Weightlessness draws in those who enjoy a tactile touch and a bit of auditory feedback in their typing journey. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Perky Linear

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the HMX Perky and the Gateron Weightlessness switches are notably similar, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This shared construction material lends both switches a classic feel and sound profile that many enthusiasts appreciate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, is effective at absorbing sound, which helps to create a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This characteristic ensures that users of either switch will encounter a sound that is duller and rounder, contributing to a satisfying typing experience that minimizes sharp noises often associated with harder plastics.

Though the housing materials are identical in both the Perky and Weightlessness switches, their overall performance in terms of feel and sound may vary slightly based on the specific design and engineering of each switch. The housing impacts how typing is experienced: the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound produced as keys are released. Since both switches share the same nylon construction, we can expect that they will both deliver a comparable experience, albeit the sensation may feel distinctive due to other factors such as stem design or spring characteristics—elements that are not apprehended merely through housing materials.

In conclusion, the use of nylon for both the Perky and Weightlessness provides a solid foundation for their acoustic and tactile qualities. While the consistent material choice suggests that users will experience similar sound profiles with both switches, variations in switch design may lead to subjective differences in performance. Ultimately, both the HMX Perky and Gateron Weightlessness, when pressed into service, will showcase the advantageous properties of nylon, fostering a typing experience characterized by a harmonious balance of sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Perky linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Perky switch features a light actuation force of 43 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Weightlessness has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which provides a more substantial feel for users who appreciate a stronger push. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness is unknown, which means its total resistance when the key is fully pressed down remains a mystery. Meanwhile, the Perky switch has a clear bottom out force of 50 grams. As a result, if one seeks a lighter overall feel, the HMX Perky is the better option, whereas the Gateron Weightlessness caters to users who favor a heftier actuation force, promoting a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for weight and responsiveness.

Travel distance

The HMX Perky linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch share the same travel distance of 3.4 mm, indicating that both switches will provide a similar feel when pressed down. Since their travel distances are equal, users can expect consistent key travel experience across both switches, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a defined distance for actuation. This similarity in travel distance ensures that whether using the Perky or the Weightlessness switch, the keypress responsiveness will remain consistent.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Perky linear switch is relatively refined, producing a muted thock that can vary based on the keyboard setup, including the choice of board and keycaps used. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a balanced sound that aligns well with its tactile feedback; it offers a subtle yet distinctive sound that can be pleasing to the ear without being overwhelmingly loud or intrusive. Each switch’s acoustic characteristics will merge with the overall keyboard configuration, but you can expect the Perky to deliver a slightly quieter experience while the Weightlessness provides a more resonant yet balanced tone.

In terms of feel, the Perky switch is highly praised for its softer nylon housing, which results in a plush and comfortable typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Perky enables a quicker response, making it ideal for users who prefer a condensed typing experience that still maintains satisfaction. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a tactile bump that is subtle to moderate, providing a gentle feedback mechanism that enhances typing precision while remaining smooth on the fingers. The tactile feel of the Weightlessness can be advantageous for those who enjoy a bit of feedback without a jarring interruption in their typing flow.

Combining all this information, the choice between the HMX Perky and the Gateron Weightlessness ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. If you prioritize a quieter, smoother experience with a condensed actuation distance, the Perky may be more appealing. However, if you appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback along with a balanced auditory character, the Weightlessness could be the better option. Both switches offer unique experiences, and the appropriate pairing with a suitable keyboard and keycaps can enhance those qualities, leading to an enjoyable typing environment with either option.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Perky linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you seek a typing experience that is not only light but also offers a soft and satisfying feel with a shorter travel distance, the Perky switch is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for those who prefer quick, smooth key presses without much resistance. This can be particularly beneficial for fast typists or gamers who want to reduce fatigue during extended sessions. On the other hand, if you appreciate a subtle tactile feedback that enhances your typing without overwhelming your senses, then the Weightlessness switch would be more suited for you. Its tactile profile combined with a balanced sound offers a unique experience that many typists find enjoyable, making it great for both casual typing and focused work. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what you value most in a switch—whether it's the lighter, fluid feel of the Perky or the tactile feedback and sound dynamics of the Weightlessness.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Perky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more