Huano Grape Orange vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Grape Orange and HMX Lucky both present compelling options for users seeking a linear typing experience. The Grape Orange switch is celebrated for its exceptionally light 40g actuation force, providing an effortless experience that’s ideal for lengthy typing sessions—making it a favorite among those who prioritize comfort and speed. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switch is distinguished by its softer, glittery nylon housing which contributes to a neutral and deeply satisfying feel, appealing to users who appreciate a smooth yet tactile response. While both switches offer attributes that cater to different typing preferences—whether you lean towards the lightweight touch of the Grape Orange or the satisfying feedback of the Lucky—it's essential to consider your individual typing style and needs. 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
40g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Lucky, one finds a distinct contrast in the top housing materials used in each switch. The Huano Grape Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This result stems from the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, allowing for clearer and more resonant acoustics. Its translucency also enhances the aesthetics of RGB lighting, making the switch particularly appealing for those who value visual flair as much as audio performance. In contrast, the HMX Lucky employs a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. The softer plastic composition of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, yielding a sound profile that is duller and rounder. This fundamental difference in material choice creates divergent auditory experiences when users engage with these switches.
Turning to the bottom housing, both the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Lucky utilize nylon, creating a point of similarity between the two switches. The presence of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches elicits a consistently deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent qualities of nylon minimize sound impact and provide a smoother bottom-out experience as it absorbs vibrations, ensuring that tactile feedback is consistent and pleasurable. Since the bottom housing significantly influences how the switch feels when bottomed out, any user who types on either switch can expect a similar tactile response when pressing down, despite their differing top housings.
In terms of overall sound profile, the combination of polycarbonate in the Grape Orange's top housing and nylon in its bottom provides a sound experience characterized by clarity during release and depth during bottoming out. Conversely, the HMX Lucky delivers a more uniform sound profile throughout due to its consistencies in utilizing nylon for both top and bottom housings. This means that while users can expect a distinctive sharpness from the Grape Orange when keys are released, Lucky users will experience a cohesive depth throughout their typing experience. Thus, switching between the two would result in varied auditory and tactile sensations, reinforcing the notion that housing materials are crucial in defining keyboard performance and personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a softer typing experience. The Grape Orange offers an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lucky has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Lucky switch is marginally lighter, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Both switches provide a smooth keypress without excessive resistance, but those who appreciate a slightly more substantial feel might gravitate toward the Grape Orange due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, both switches give similar results in terms of lightness, but the HMX Lucky stands out as the lighter option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, we find that the Grape Orange features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lucky measures 3.8 mm. This makes the Grape Orange the shorter option, offering quicker response times that gamers often prefer for their rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Lucky, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile experience for those who appreciate a deeper key press. Thus, if you value responsiveness in your keystrokes, the Huano Grape Orange would be the better choice, whereas the HMX Lucky might suit those craving a more substantial feel. Overall, the difference in travel distance influences the tactile feedback and responsiveness of each switch, catering to varying preferences among users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch is known for its exceptionally quiet operation, allowing for a discreet typing experience that doesn’t draw attention. This feature makes it ideal for quiet environments, as it minimizes any sound that could distract others nearby. While the specific sound profile of the HMX Lucky linear switch is not provided, its construction with softer nylon housings suggests a potentially muted acoustic signature. However, it's important to note that sound perception can vary widely based on the keyboard's build, the type of keycaps used, and personal preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switch offers an ultra-light and effortless typing experience, attributed to its 40g actuation force. This results in a smooth and responsive action that is particularly appealing for long typing sessions, reducing fatigue. The Lucky switch, on the other hand, is characterized by a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience due to its lightweight design. Although both switches are designed for comfort, the Grape Orange may feel a bit more effortless, while the Lucky may provide a more balanced sensation during use.
In summary, both the Huano Grape Orange and HMX Lucky linear switches are designed to deliver enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with some differences. The Grape Orange emphasizes an ultra-light actuation, making it especially conducive to lengthy sessions where minimal resistance is preferred, and it has a notably quiet sound profile. The Lucky switch’s softer nylon construction suggests a neutral feel, likely resulting in a pleasing experience, especially for users who enjoy a slightly cushioned touch. While specific sound characteristics of the Lucky remain unclear, both switches promise satisfying typing experiences, tailored to different user preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you're looking for a switch that offers an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience with a low actuation force, the Grape Orange is an excellent choice, particularly if you plan on engaging in extended typing sessions where fatigue could be a concern. Its bottom out force of 50 grams pairs well with its ultra-light actuation, making every keystroke feel effortless. On the other hand, if you appreciate a very soft feel and a more neutral typing experience, the HMX Lucky may be better suited for you. With its particularly light 43-gram bottom out force and softer, glittery nylon housings, these switches provide a satisfying and smooth experience. Thus, if you're seeking unique aesthetics in addition to comfort, the Lucky's standout qualities might align more closely with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches cater to different types of users—whether it's the effortless flow of the Grape Orange or the soft neutrality of the Lucky, your choice should reflect your typing style and the experiences you value most.
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