Gateron Ink Yellow vs. HMX Lucky

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Lucky present two appealing options for those who prefer linear designs. The Gateron Ink Yellow is renowned for its shorter travel distance, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking a typing sensation akin to that of a laptop but with the added feedback of a mechanical keyboard. It offers a delightful balance of smoothness and a slight clackiness, categorizing it as neutral, clacky, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switch features a softer, glittery nylon housing that contributes to a uniquely satisfying typing experience. This switch is noted for its neutral response, making it a versatile choice for both typing and gaming. While both switches offer sleek linear actions that cater to different preferences, they embody distinct tactile experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

HMX Lucky Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and HMX Lucky switches, it becomes clear that they employ different compositions that significantly impact their acoustic characteristics. The Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, which is designed to create a thin and higher-pitched sound profile often referred to as "clacky." This results in a distinct auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky utilizes nylon for its top and bottom housings, a material known for delivering a deeper, rounder, and fuller sound due to its softer composition. This difference in materials suggests that users will experience contrasting sound profiles when engaging with each switch, reflecting the unique characteristics of the housing materials involved.

The acoustic qualities of the two switches further diverge in how they handle keypress dynamics. With the Gateron Ink Yellow, the pointed and relatively high-pitched sound of the INK blend means that the 'top-out' sound—when a key is released—will feature a sharper profile. Conversely, the nylon housing of the HMX Lucky absorbs more sound, leading to a rounded outcome that softens both the 'bottom-out' and 'top-out' sounds. Thus, while the Gateron Ink Yellow generates more of a clacky sound during typing, the HMX Lucky's deeper sound profile offers a more subdued auditory experience. This emphasizes how the materials influence sound dynamics during both key presses and releases.

However, despite these differences, users looking to achieve a specific sound experience can manipulate both types of housings to produce more similar results. By selecting appropriate keycap materials and profiles, or even modifying other components within the switches, the clackiness of the Ink Yellow's INK blend can be somewhat softened, mimicking the fuller sound of the Lucky. Conversely, with the right adjustments, enthusiasts might also accentuate the sharper notes of the Gateron switch to achieve a more striking profile similar to the Ink Yellow. Ultimately, the interplay between housing materials and acoustic characteristics provides significant room for personal preference, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their individual liking.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, we observe a significant difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Ink Yellow switch features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Lucky switch has considerably lighter specifications, with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Ink Yellow switch demands more effort from the user to actuate and bottom out, offering a more substantial typing experience, which some may prefer for tactile feedback. Conversely, the Lucky switch's lighter resistance is ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less force for keystrokes, thereby reducing finger fatigue. Ultimately, users looking for a lighter touch would gravitate towards the HMX Lucky, while those preferring a heavier feel would find the Gateron Ink Yellow more suitable for their needs.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, a notable distinction arises. The Ink Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Lucky measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This difference indicates that the Lucky switch provides a more pronounced feel during key presses, appealing to users who prefer a greater depth and a hearty response when typing or gaming. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Ink Yellow may cater to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances often allow for faster actuation. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that feels more abrupt and responsive, the Ink Yellow would be the better choice, whereas the Lucky would be favorable for those who appreciate a more substantial key travel experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is notable for its neutral and clacky qualities. This means it produces a moderate sound profile that strikes a balance between being audible yet not overwhelming, making it suitable for diverse environments, including both workspaces and home setups. The clackiness adds a sharp and snappy sound during key presses, resulting in a crisp, bright auditory experience that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switch does not have a specified sound profile available, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, since sound is influenced by factors such as keycaps and the keyboard’s construction, it’s possible that the Lucky switch may also provide a pleasant sound experience, albeit one that is currently unknown.

When considering the feel, the Ink Yellow switch has been described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience. This smooth finish results in reduced friction and a refined key travel that enhances the overall tactile feedback. The mild characteristics ensure that both beginners and experienced typists can enjoy a comfortable experience without being overwhelmed by overly harsh or aggressive feedback. On the other hand, there isn't specific information available regarding the feel of the Lucky switch. Given that it features softer and lighter nylon housings, it is likely to yield a different typing sensation, but specific descriptors or comparisons are not provided.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is a well-rounded option with a balance of a clacky sound and a mild yet polished feel, making it suitable for a broad range of users. The HMX Lucky switch's experience remains somewhat of a mystery, as we lack detailed descriptions of its sound and feel. However, its softer housing suggests a potentially satisfying typing experience, albeit distinct from the Ink Yellow. If you're comparing these switches, you can likely expect a comfortable typing experience with the Ink Yellow, while the Lucky may offer unique qualities that are yet to be explored.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Lucky linear switches, your personal preferences and typing habits will play a crucial role in determining the best fit for you. If you appreciate a more robust typing experience that balances a medium-heavy actuation force with a satisfying clacky sound profile, the Ink Yellow is an excellent choice. Its smooth and polished feel, paired with a short travel distance, makes it suitable for users transitioning from a laptop to a mechanical keyboard, ensuring that your fingers feel at home while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a more neutral feel, the Lucky switch could be your go-to. With its significantly lower bottom-out force and softer housing, it caters to those who enjoy a smooth typing experience without the harsher characteristics of heavier switches. Ultimately, if you’re looking for something that’s deeply satisfying and comfortable for long typing sessions without the fatigue that can come from heavier switches, the Lucky is definitely worth considering. In essence, your choice depends on whether you favor a more pronounced tactile and acoustic feedback from the Ink Yellow or the lighter, plush experience offered by the Lucky.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more