HMX Perky vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that enhances your typing experience, the HMX Perky and TTC Yunhai both offer enticing options, yet they cater to different preferences. The HMX Perky, renowned for its softer, glittery nylon housing, provides a neutral typing experience that many find deeply satisfying. With a shorter travel distance, the Perky delivers a more condensed typing experience that is often described as clacky, polished, and silky, making it ideal for those who appreciate a responsive feel without excessive force. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai stands out with its unique deep and rounded sound profile, combined with an incredibly light actuation force, resulting in a feathery typing experience perfect for typists seeking a gentle and effortless keystroke. While both switches are linear in nature and designed to optimize comfort and performance, they embody distinct characteristics that cater to different typing styles. 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
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Perky and TTC Yunhai keyboards both feature nylon housing for both their top and bottom components, leading to similar acoustic properties and tactile experiences during use. The nylon material is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, the sound produced while typing on either switch will have a duller and rounder quality, enhancing the overall typing experience. This shared use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings means that users of these keyboards can expect a comparable sensory feel and auditory response, regardless of the specific model they choose.
Since both the Perky and Yunhai utilize nylon for their housings, they share the benefit of a harmonious sound profile that enhances each keystroke. The properties of nylon allow the bottom housing to contribute significantly to the "bottom-out" sound and feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing plays a critical role in the sound produced when a key is released. Given the identical material makeup, it's reasonable to predict that both models will deliver an engaging and immersive typing experience with subtle differences that may depend on other design elements, such as switch mechanism type or specific tuning.
While there may be slight nuances in the experience due to other design factors or individual switch characteristics, the use of nylon as a common material will ultimately yield a consistent auditory and tactile result across both the HMX Perky and the TTC Yunhai. Typing on either switch will provide a similar feeling of satisfaction and sound quality, driven by the inherent acoustics of nylon. Therefore, whether a user prefers the Perky or the Yunhai, they can appreciate the advantages of nylon housings, knowing that they'll deliver a comparable and enriching typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Perky linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, both exhibit similar characteristics regarding their actuation and bottom out forces. The Perky has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Yunhai features a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams, but maintains the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Perky requires a touch more force to actuate, both switches provide a similar bottoming out experience. Consequently, users should find that both switches offer a light typing experience overall—ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. The Perky is marginally heavier in actuation force, making it slightly more resistant to keystrokes, whereas the Yunhai is the lighter option, giving a softer push feel that some typists might prefer.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Perky linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the Perky measures 3.4 mm, while the Yunhai has a slightly greater travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Perky offers a shorter distance, making it potentially more appealing for gamers or those who favor faster response times, as the shorter travel can lead to quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Yunhai's 3.6 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth, catering to users who may prefer a more substantial keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus a more grounded feel.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Perky linear switch produces a clacky tone, characterized by a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that feels bright and percussive with each keystroke. This sound profile can add a dynamic layer to the typing experience, appealing particularly to those who enjoy audible feedback from their switches. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch lacks a detailed sound description, which leaves its auditory qualities somewhat ambiguous. However, the overall sound experience could vary significantly depending on the keyboard build and keycap choices, potentially influencing how each switch is perceived in real-world usage.
In terms of feel, the HMX Perky switch is noted for its polished and silky attributes, delivering a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal friction. These switches are designed to ensure seamless key travel, allowing for an enjoyable and fluid typing experience. The Perky's construction lends itself to a comforting tactile sensation that users may easily appreciate over extended periods. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai switch is highlighted for its feathery actuation, requiring very little force to press, which makes it easy on the fingers and ideal for long typing sessions. While both switches aim to provide a comfortable experience, the Perky’s polished smoothness contrasts with the Yunhai’s feather-light pressing action, offering different benefits depending on user preference.
Ultimately, both the HMX Perky and TTC Yunhai linear switches provide unique qualities that can cater to different typing preferences. The Perky offers a more engaging auditory feedback and a refined tactile feel, making it suitable for those who appreciate a rich typing experience. On the other hand, the Yunhai emphasizes effortless actuation for reduced finger fatigue, making it ideal for extensive use. While their sound and feel characteristics vary, both switches can lead to satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences, aligning with the personal preferences of the user.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Perky and the TTC Yunhai linear switches, you should consider your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a slightly more audible typing experience and appreciate a switch that offers a polished and silky feel with a more condensed travel distance, the Perky might be the right choice for you. Its clacky sound profile combines with the soft nylon housing to provide a satisfying and responsive typing feel, making it an excellent option for both casual typing and gaming. Conversely, if you lean towards a switch that prioritizes an extremely gentle feel and deep, rounded sound, the Yunhai linear switch could be more suitable for your needs. Its feathery actuation makes it perfect for long typing sessions where minimizing finger fatigue is essential, whether you're working, studying, or playing games. Ultimately, your choice between the Perky and Yunhai will come down to whether you value a more dynamic auditory experience and finish or a lighter, effortless touch in your typing.
Mentioned in this article
