Jerrzi Coral vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Lucky are two noteworthy options that cater to enthusiasts seeking an exceptional typing experience. The Jerrzi Coral is celebrated for its distinctively crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, resulting in a balance of sophistication and performance that elevates every keystroke. Its silky texture makes the Coral switch a popular choice for users who appreciate refined feedback and smooth operation. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switch offers a softer typing experience, enhanced by glittery nylon housings that give it a lightweight and neutral feel. This makes the Lucky ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed and gratifying touch while typing. While both switches belong to the linear category and share a commitment to delivering satisfying performance, they cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
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 Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Lucky, distinct differences can be observed in their top housings, while some similarities emerge in the bottom housings. The Jerrzi Coral employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer properties, contributing to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This characteristic makes the Coral particularly well-suited for RGB lighting setups, as the clear translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant light diffusion. In contrast, the HMX Lucky utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This difference in material not only shapes the sound produced during key presses but also affects the overall feel of typing on the switches.
Both the Coral and Lucky share nylon as the material for their bottom housings, which means that the sound quality they produce when a key is bottomed out is similar. The use of nylon in both cases results in a sound that is deeper and more subdued compared to the higher-pitched sound from the Coral’s polycarbonate top housing. Since both switches employ nylon at their bases, they exhibit the same absorbing qualities, effectively dampening sound and creating a rounder auditory experience when keys are pressed. This shared material allows the two switches to deliver a comparable bottom-out feel, creating a cohesive typing experience despite their differing top housing materials.
The combination of materials results in a unique interplay of sound profiles between the Coral and Lucky switches. The Coral, with its polycarbonate top housing, excels in producing a clearer and brighter sound when released, thanks to the material’s stiffness, while the nylon bottom contributes to a richer bottom-out sound. Conversely, the Lucky’s nylon top housing ensures that the switch maintains a consistently fuller and less resonant tone throughout its use. Ultimately, while the two switches may share nylon for their bottom housings, their distinct top housing materials create diverse auditory experiences that cater to different preferences in sound and feel during typing.
Weight
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch present notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Coral switch features an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Lucky switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making the Lucky switch the preferred choice for those who favor a lighter touch that can facilitate longer typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. However, the Coral switch's bottom out force is unknown, which limits direct comparison in that aspect. In contrast, the Lucky switch has a bottom out force of 43 grams, which provides a tangible feedback when the key is fully pressed down. This heavier bottom out force can give users a more substantial feel, preferred by typists and gamers who enjoy a firmer keystroke. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Lucky is lighter in actuation and has a defined bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a swift typing experience.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch exhibit slightly different travel distances, with the Coral measuring 3.7 mm and the Lucky at 3.8 mm. This means that the Coral offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Lucky, albeit by a mere 0.1 mm. Gamers who prioritize swift response times may prefer the Coral for its more responsive feel, while those who enjoy a more substantial depth when pressing down on keys might lean toward the Lucky. Although both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Coral's shorter option may provide a slight edge for efficiency, whereas the Lucky caters to users who favor a deeper engagement with their switches. Overall, the choice between these two linear switches depends on personal preference regarding travel distance and the resulting typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
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 Jerrzi Coral linear switch stands out with its low-pitched resonance, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that can enhance the overall typing experience. This lower frequency sound creates a less intrusive auditory backdrop, making it appealing for both work and gaming scenarios. In contrast, there is no specific sound profile available for the HMX Lucky linear switch, which leaves its auditory characteristics somewhat of a mystery. This means that the sound experience with the Lucky may vary significantly based on the specific keyboard setup, including factors like the choice of board and keycaps.
Regarding the feel of these switches, the Coral's tactile feel is noteworthy for its silky smoothness, allowing for an exceptionally fluid typing experience. Users can expect minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, making every keystroke feel effortless and refined. The HMX Lucky linear switch, however, lacks a detailed description of its feel, leaving it uncertain how it would compare in terms of smoothness or overall typing satisfaction. This lack of information makes it difficult to gauge how the Lucky will perform in this aspect, unlike the Coral, which guarantees a superior tactile experience.
In conclusion, if you are seeking a switch that balances sound and feel, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch is an excellent choice with its low-pitched sound and silky smooth typing experience. The HMX Lucky linear switch remains less defined in both auditory and tactile qualities, which may lead to variable experiences depending on the setup. Thus, while the Coral provides clear advantages in both sound and feel, the Lucky could either complement or fall flat in comparison, depending on user preference and overall configuration.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a typing experience that feels exceptionally smooth and luxurious, with a distinctively crisp feel and pleasing low-pitched sound, the Coral switch is the clear choice. It offers a highly enjoyable typing experience suitable for extended use, making it perfect for typists who prioritize comfort and acoustic qualities. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force combined with a more neutral typing experience, the Lucky switch stands out as a great option. With its softer housing, it offers a satisfying feel that is still comfortable for prolonged use, while its lightweight nature makes it excellent for gamers or those who frequently type quickly. Therefore, consider the characteristics that matter most to you—whether it’s the refined and silky feel of the Coral or the comfortable neutrality of the Lucky—as you make your decision.
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