KTT Ash Gray vs. HMX Lucky

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear can significantly influence your typing experience. The KTT Ash Gray switch stands out as a tactile option, designed to provide a satisfying tactile response that is both substantial and unobtrusive. This switch combines a light touch with a crisp actuation, offering a delightful blend of feedback that’s not overwhelming while ensuring each keystroke is noticed—a quality that many typists appreciate for enhanced precision. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switch offers a more fluid experience with its linear design. Known for its soft, glittery nylon housing, the Lucky switch provides a lightweight and neutral typing experience that many users find deepening their overall satisfaction during extended typing sessions. While the Ash Gray caters to those who thrive on feedback and tactile engagement, the Lucky appeals to those who prefer smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.

By the numbers

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Ash Gray and HMX Lucky switches showcase distinct materials for their top housings, which contribute uniquely to their acoustic profiles. The Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiff and translucent properties. This rigidity results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is clear and resonant, ideal for users who prefer a more accentuated auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, the polycarbonate's translucency enhances RGB lighting effects, making it visually striking. In contrast, the HMX Lucky utilizes a nylon top housing, recognized for its softer composition that absorbs sound more effectively. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that is rounder and warmer, appealing to those who appreciate a more subdued auditory experience. Therefore, the materials used for the top housings of these switches lead to divergent sound characteristics that cater to different user preferences.

Turning to the bottom housings of both switches, it's noteworthy that both the Ash Gray and the Lucky integrate nylon for this component. This commonality means that regardless of the differing top housing materials, both switches benefit from the nylon's sound-dampening properties, which contribute to a deep and rounded bottom-out sound. The presence of nylon as the bottom housing in both models ensures that the overall typing experience retains some similarities, particularly in the lower frequencies. As both switches share this quality, users can expect a consistency in the depth and fullness of sound when actuating keys, regardless of how the top housing may alter the overall auditory profile.

Overall, while the KTT Ash Gray and HMX Lucky switches exhibit contrasting sound profiles due to their differing top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—they converge in their bottom housing composition. This shared use of nylon allows for a nuanced typing experience that balances the resonant clarity of the polycarbonate with the depth provided by the nylon. Users can expect a distinct sound experience when typing, shaped by the top housing material, but with the consistent fullness provided by the nylon bottom. Thus, if one is seeking versatility in sound while maintaining some core elements of auditory and tactile experience, these switches stand as valid options with their unique yet complementary characteristics.

Weight

The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ash Gray features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Lucky switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a notably lower bottom out force of 43 grams, classifying it as a light switch. Users who favor a more easily activated switch for extended typing sessions or gaming might prefer the HMX Lucky, as it requires less force to achieve both actuation and bottoming out. Meanwhile, those who enjoy a slightly stronger push may find the KTT Ash Gray to be more satisfying due to its heavier bottom out force. Overall, while both switches offer different experiences, the Ash Gray is the heavier option, and the Lucky provides a lighter feel, making them suitable for varying preferences among users.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, the KTT Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Lucky measures 3.8 mm. This makes the Ash Gray the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that gamers often prefer for quicker keypresses. In contrast, the HMX Lucky, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial depth when typing, offering a different tactile experience that some find more satisfying. If you value speed and responsiveness, the Ash Gray would likely be the better choice, whereas the Lucky caters to those who enjoy a deeper switch feel. Overall, while both switches serve different preferences, their distinct travel distances set them apart in terms of user experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profile of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, the Ash Gray is characterized as having a neutral sound. This means that it produces a moderate level of sound, making it versatile for both casual and professional environments. Its sound is well-balanced, accommodating a variety of users, from beginners to more experienced typists. In contrast, the sound qualities of the Lucky switch are currently unknown, leaving an element of mystery around its acoustic performance. However, it is essential to remember that the overall sound of a switch can be influenced significantly by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning that with the right combination, users might find the sound experience of both switches quite fulfilling.

In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch offers an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance, making it a great option for extended typing sessions. Its light actuation force minimizes finger fatigue and enhances comfort, ensuring that typists can engage in prolonged use without discomfort. The tactile feedback is substantial enough to be satisfying while remaining unobtrusive, ensuring that it won’t overwhelm those who prefer a milder response. On the other hand, the feel characteristics of the Lucky switch are unknown at this time, which leaves a gap in comparison. However, the lesser-known qualities do not diminish the potential satisfaction that the Lucky could provide; users often find their preferences can be addressed through experimentation.

Overall, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch distinguishes itself with its neutral sound profile and comfortable, mild feel, making it ideal for a wide range of users and purposes. The focus on light touch and sufficient tactile feedback ensures a rewarding typing experience, particularly for those who spend significant time at their keyboards. While the HMX Lucky linear switch's specifics remain less explored, its lightweight nature hints at promising comfort and satisfaction, especially with the right setup. Experimentation and personal preference will ultimately dictate the best fit, so if you're inclined toward different experiences in sound and feel, both switches present worthy options on their own merit.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, your specific typing needs and preferences will play a significant role. If you appreciate tactile feedback that provides a gentle but noticeable response without being overbearing, the Ash Gray switch is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams means you’ll have a comfortable actuation experience, especially during long typing sessions, while its neutral sound profile allows for versatile use at home or work without drawing attention. In contrast, if you prefer a lighter touch and a linear typing experience, the Lucky switch with its 43 grams of bottom-out force will be more suited to your style. Its lightweight nature makes it ideal for those who favor rapid key presses and a more fluid typing motion. Additionally, the Lucky's neutral and deeply satisfying feel can be particularly appealing for gaming or activities where speed is crucial. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you lean more toward tactile feedback or a smooth linear feel, both of which can enhance your overall keyboard experience in their own way.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more