Gateron Aliaz vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can significantly enhance your typing experience, and two compelling options are the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch. The Aliaz is ideal for quiet environments, such as shared offices or libraries, as its thoughtfully engineered silent design minimizes noise while still providing a medium-heavy weight that delivers satisfying tactile feedback with each keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for those who value a pronounced typing experience without the distractions of sound. In contrast, the HMX Lucky, with its softer, glittery nylon housing, offers a lightweight feel that emphasizes smooth key presses, creating a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience. This switch is perfect for users who prefer a seamless and fluid interaction with their keyboard, making it appealing for gaming and fast-paced typing. While both switches serve unique purposes, they cater to different preferences and settings; 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
60g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the HMX Lucky switches, significant differences arise in their top housing compositions, which influence their overall sound profiles. The Aliaz employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer structure that results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic makes it particularly favorable for users who appreciate the clarity of sound, especially in scenarios involving RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the light diffusion. In contrast, the Lucky utilizes a nylon top housing that is softer and contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This property allows the nylon to absorb more sound, producing a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, while both switch types serve distinct preferences, the polycarbonate in the Aliaz is oriented towards clarity, while the nylon in the Lucky emphasizes warmth.
In terms of the bottom housing construction, both switches again diverge in material choice, further influencing their acoustic profiles. The Gateron Aliaz also features a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the properties observed in its top component. This consistent use of polycarbonate leads to a unified crispness in sound, resulting in a clear bottom-out noise and an overall brighter auditory experience. Conversely, the HMX Lucky's bottom housing, made from nylon, bolsters the roundness of the sound profile, absorbing some of the impact noises that occur upon bottoming out. Consequently, while both switches differ in their bottom housing materials, the Aliaz maintains a cohesive sound signature, whereas the Lucky’s combination of softer materials creates a more subdued impact sound.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials significantly affects the tactile and auditory experiences of both switches. Given that the qualities of these materials are divided between the top and bottom housings, using a switch with differing materials will lead to varying sensory results. With the Gateron Aliaz presenting a dual polycarbonate structure, users can expect a consistently bright and clear typographic experience from top to bottom. In contrast, the HMX Lucky combines the warmth of nylon in both its components, producing a coherent sound profile that may appeal to those who prefer a softer typing experience. Therefore, users seeking specific auditory feedback can easily find their preferences within these distinct shifts in material engineering.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Aliaz features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a substantial push feel that appeals to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the Lucky switch is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This lighter force allows for more effortless typing, making it well-suited for extended periods of use, such as in work or gaming scenarios. The differences indicate that those who enjoy a heavier switch would gravitate towards the Aliaz, while those seeking comfort or ease during typing sessions would favor the Lucky switch. Ultimately, these switches cater to varied user preferences based on typing style and comfort needs.
Travel distance
When it comes to travel distance, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch measures 4 mm, while the HMX Lucky linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you opt for the Aliaz, you'll experience a more traditional and hearty depth in your key presses, which can be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Lucky switch, with its 3.8 mm distance, aligns more with the modern trend of shorter travel distances favored by gamers for quicker response times. While the difference may seem minimal, it can significantly affect typing experience and performance; if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Lucky is the better choice, whereas if you prefer a deeper engagement with key presses, the Aliaz reigns supreme. Ultimately, your preference for tactile feedback versus responsiveness will guide your choice between these two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
The HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch stands out as a muted option, designed to produce a softer and quieter noise. This makes it an excellent choice for environments like offices where minimizing sound is a priority, allowing users to type without disturbing those around them. On the other hand, the sound profile of the HMX Lucky linear switch is unknown, which could mean it varies widely with different boards and keycaps, leaving it hard to directly compare.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz switches offer a luxurious typing experience characterized by a silky smoothness and polished finish. This exquisite design results in reduced friction during key presses, allowing for a refined, effortless typing experience that many users find deeply satisfying. Conversely, details regarding the feel of the HMX Lucky linear switch are unspecified, making it difficult to assess how it compares in terms of tactile experience.
In summary, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is an ideal option for those seeking a quiet and sophisticated typing experience with tactile feedback, while the HMX Lucky linear switch may provide a more neutral feel—though the specifics of sound and feel remain unknown. If sound quality is important, the Aliaz is a clear choice for quieter settings, while tactile comfort will be significantly higher with the Aliaz due to its refined features. For similar sound profiles, you'll need to look further into the Lucky, as its characteristics might vary based on the typing environment and accompanying components.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you find yourself in a quiet office setting or you share your workspace with others, the Aliaz switches are an excellent choice. Their heavy bottom out force provides a satisfying tactile feedback while remaining silent, making them ideal for those who appreciate a more substantial feel in their keystrokes without the accompanying noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience, the Lucky switches may be more to your liking. Their soft and glittery nylon housings offer a neutral, deeply satisfying feel that can keep up with fast typing without inducing finger fatigue. Ultimately, if you value a pronounced feedback in a muted setting, go for the Aliaz; but if you're looking for effortless typing with a gentle, satisfying response, choose the Lucky.
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