HMX Perky vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a pivotal role, especially between two appealing linear options: the HMX Perky and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°. The HMX Perky is celebrated for its softer, glittery nylon housings, which promote a neutral and satisfying typing experience, enhanced by a shorter travel distance that leads to a more condensed feel. This switch is characterized by its clacky, polished, and silky qualities, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback without the added noise. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° positions itself as the go-to option for those who prioritize silence and smoothness. Thanks to its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, this switch offers an exceptionally soft and elastic feel, effectively absorbing sound and keeping typing noise to a minimum. With its low-pitched, polished, and muted qualities, it caters perfectly to environments where discretion is key. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Perky and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, one can observe a notable difference in the top housing. The Perky employs a nylon top housing, which is recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This sonic quality is attributed to nylon's softer texture, which is better at sound absorption, leading to a rounder and less piercing auditory experience. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, distinguished by its hardness and clarity. The sharper sound profile it creates is a result of polycarbonate's rigidity, allowing for crisper and more resonant sound effects, particularly when illuminated with RGB lighting due to its translucency. This fundamental disparity in material choice results in distinct auditory experiences when using these switches.
Interestingly, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, which leads to a convergence in certain acoustic characteristics. The nylon bottom housing in both the Perky and Zero Degree 0° creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, significantly influencing the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. This shared material ensures that both switches deliver a similar tactile response, regardless of their differing top housings. Thus, while the auditory experiences differ between the two switches when pressing down and releasing a key, both benefit from the comforting and muted properties of nylon in their bottom housing.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housings in each switch creates a unique user experience. The nylon bottom housing provides a consistent foundation of sound absorption and tactile depth, while the differences in top housing materials lead to contrasting sound profiles upon key release. Together, these characteristics facilitate distinct auditory pleasures: the Perky excels in a deeper sound presence, while the Zero Degree 0° engages with a bright and crisper output. Users looking for either warmth or clarity can thus choose their switch based on these materials, knowing that both options will deliver satisfying results in terms of feel due to the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The HMX Perky linear switch features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option for users seeking a comfortable typing experience, perfect for long hours at work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, but its bottom out force remains unknown, leaving some uncertainty regarding its overall feel during use. While both switches are close in terms of actuation force, the Perky offers a clearer advantage for those who prefer a lighter touch. Users who favor a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Zero Degree due to its higher actuation force. However, without the specified bottom out force for the Gateron switch, it's unclear how it compares in that aspect, making the HMX Perky the more defined choice for lighter sensitivity.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Perky linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Perky features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Zero Degree 0° has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Gateron switch offers a bit more depth, which may appeal to users preferring a more substantial keypress feel. In contrast, the shorter 3.4 mm travel of the Perky switch may provide a quicker response, making it a better fit for gamers who value speed and efficiency in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference, as each offers a distinct tactile experience: the Perky for a snappier reaction and the Zero Degree for a fuller, more deliberate 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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 of the HMX Perky linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Perky switch is characterized by a clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that is both crisp and bright. This helps create an engaging, lively typing experience that many find pleasurable. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° prioritizes a quieter environment with a low-pitched and muted sound profile, designed to minimize the noise usually associated with mechanical switches. Its innovative self-padding design effectively absorbs sound, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience, especially in shared spaces.
In terms of feel, both switches present polished characteristics, offering users an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction during key travel. The Perky switch enhances this experience with its silky quality, allowing for an effortless transition when pressing and releasing keys. Meanwhile, the Zero Degree 0° features a subtle resistance that keeps the typing light yet precise. This gentle feedback provides a different tactile experience that some users may prefer, particularly those who favor a soft, elastic feel without being overly pronounced.
In summary, the HMX Perky linear switch delivers a clacky, vibrant sound with a silky and polished feel, ideal for those who appreciate an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° excels in providing a low-pitched and muted sound along with a polished and subtly resistant feel, making it perfect for quieter environments. While both switches share similarities in smoothness and refinement, your choice will ultimately depend on your preferences for sound and tactile feedback. If you lean towards a noticeable acoustic response, the Perky is your friend; if you seek silence without sacrificing feel, the Zero Degree 0° will serve you well.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the HMX Perky linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you favor a lighter touch and enjoy a crisp, clacky sound that gives an engaging auditory feedback during your typing sessions, the HMX Perky is likely the better option for you. Its polished and silky feel, combined with a condensed travel distance, makes it ideal for fast-paced typing without sacrificing a satisfying tactile response. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter experience, especially in shared or noise-sensitive environments, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° is designed for you. Its self-padding design and low-pitched, muted sound allow you to type smoothly and discreetly, while still providing a polished feel that minimizes friction. In summary, consider your typing style and environment carefully: whether you lean towards an expressive and lively feel with the Perky or a serene and soft experience with the Zero Degree, both switches cater to distinct needs and preferences.
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