TTC Flaming Purple vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to linear mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Lucky each offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. The Flaming Purple stands out with its audibly resonant quality, delivering a bassy, poppy undertone that adds an engaging flair to every keystroke while maintaining a feathery nature with a bottom-out force of just 47g. This makes it an appealing choice for both enthusiasts who appreciate auditory feedback and daily typists seeking a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switches provide a neutral yet deeply satisfying feel, thanks to their lightweight nylon housings that prioritize comfort and stability. While the Lucky possesses a more understated sound profile, it may appeal to users who prefer a quieter experience without sacrificing performance. Both switches have their merits, depending on whether you prioritize auditory engagement or a pure tactile feel. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Purple and HMX Lucky switches differ significantly in their choice of top housing materials, which in turn affects their overall sound profiles and typing experiences. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This makes it particularly well-suited for aesthetic applications, especially when RGB lighting is involved, as the light can shine through the clear material, enhancing visual effects. Conversely, the Lucky opts for a nylon top housing, a material traditionally valued for generating a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon tends to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials like polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience.
Despite the stark contrast in the top housing materials, both the TTC Flaming Purple and HMX Lucky feature nylon for their bottom housings. This similarity means that regardless of the differences in the top housings, the deeper and fuller sound profile created by the nylon bottom will remain consistent in both switches. Given that the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, both models will exhibit a similar tactile response when fully pressed down. This shared material comes into play during the typing experience, providing users with a familiar sensation of solidity and depth, which is characteristic of nylon.
In summary, while the TTC Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper, more resonant sound suitable for dynamic RGB lighting effects, the HMX Lucky’s nylon top offers a warmer, more subdued auditory characteristic. Both switches, however, unify their performance through the use of nylon in their bottom housings, which contributes to an enriched typing experience through deeper sound absorption. Therefore, users can expect to experience diverse sound profiles during the keypress and key release phases, but a common emphasis on depth and fullness due to the nylon base will provide an underlying cohesion in the overall typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch both offer a light typing experience, but they differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Lucky features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Lucky switch requires less force to actuate, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Flaming Purple, though still light, provides a slightly heavier feel, which may appeal to users who enjoy having more resistance in their keystrokes. Overall, while both switches are light, the Flaming Purple is the heavier option, giving a more substantial typing experience compared to the lighter HMX Lucky.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, we find a notable difference. The Flaming Purple has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lucky extends slightly further at 3.8 mm. This means that the Flaming Purple is the shorter option, catering to those who favor a more responsive feel, which is often preferred by gamers seeking faster keystrokes. On the other hand, the Lucky, with its longer travel distance, might appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, as it provides a deeper feel when pressing the key. Thus, if you prioritize quick response times, the Flaming Purple would be the better choice, whereas if you appreciate a more pronounced travel depth, the HMX Lucky would be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 TTC Flaming Purple linear switch stands out with its unique auditory profile. It possesses a resonant character that leans towards the bassier end of the spectrum, creating a richer and deeper sound during key presses. This low-pitched quality, alongside the poppy undertone, renders each keystroke a more engaging auditory experience. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky linear switch lacks specific sound descriptors, making it difficult to ascertain its acoustic qualities. The sound of any switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard construction and keycap material, potentially leading to a unique auditory experience for each user.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Purple excels with its feathery and silky characteristics. It requires only a slight actuation force of 47g, making it incredibly easy to press and reducing the strain on fingers during prolonged use. The smoothness of each key press enhances the overall typing experience, leading to less finger fatigue and a comfortable journey, whether typing or gaming. In contrast, there are no specific tactile descriptions provided for the HMX Lucky switch, so one might not expect the same detailed feel characteristics from it.
In conclusion, while the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch delivers a rich sound profile and a wonderfully light, silky feel, specifics regarding the HMX Lucky linear switch’s sound and feel remain undetermined. If sound and tactile satisfaction are priority attributes, the Flaming Purple may better cater to enthusiasts seeking that engaging experience. However, without further information on the Lucky switch, it remains uncertain how it would compare in practice. Overall, both switches might yield similar typing results depending on personal preferences and the overall keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple and HMX Lucky linear switches, consider your specific typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you value a feather-light actuation and an engaging auditory experience, the Flaming Purple should be your go-to choice. With its resonant, bassy sound profile and silky feel, it’s ideal for those who appreciate a touch of character in their keystrokes and often type for extended periods without wanting to fatigue their fingers. On the other hand, if you're looking for a neutral typing experience that feels deeply satisfying, the Lucky switches, with their softer nylon housings, present a compelling alternative. The lighter bottom-out force of 43 grams contributes to a gentle and enjoyable typing pace, perfect for both casual typing and gaming. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prefer the engaging feedback of the Flaming Purple or the smooth, neutral touch of the Lucky, each catering to different aspects of an enjoyable typing experience.
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