Jerrzi Orange vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Orange and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the Jerrzi Orange and the HMX Lucky, both of which are linear switch options known for their lightweight designs. The Jerrzi Orange switches are celebrated for their clacky sound profile and responsive feel, providing a lively typing experience that is perfect for those who enjoy audible feedback with each stroke. Characterized as feathery, easy-to-press, and clacky, they promise an engaging interaction that can invigorate even the most mundane typing tasks. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switches offer a more subdued yet deeply satisfying typing experience, thanks to their softer, glittery nylon housings. While they may lack the clackiness of the Jerrzi Orange, they compensate with a neutral feel that many users find comfortable for extended use. Each switch brings its unique advantages to the table, catering to different preferences and typing styles; 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
37g
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
The Jerrzi Orange and the HMX Lucky switches demonstrate contrasting characteristics primarily due to the differences in their top housing materials. The Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, celebrated for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that leads to a more resonant audio experience. This is primarily attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which helps enhance clarity and articulation in the auditory output associated with each keystroke. Furthermore, the translucence of polycarbonate is particularly beneficial for RGB lighting applications, as it allows lights to shine through and create visually striking effects. In contrast, the HMX Lucky's top housing is crafted from nylon, a softer plastic that produces a distinctly deeper and fuller sound profile. As nylon absorbs more sound, the keystrokes result in a rounder and more muted auditory experience, prioritizing a more subdued typing sound.
In considering both switches’ bottom housing materials, they are aligned in their use of nylon. Both the bottom housing of the Jerrzi Orange and the HMX Lucky contribute to a cohesive auditory experience; the nylon material ensures a uniformity in producing a fuller sound signature. The sound profile generated from these bottom housings is consistent, as they both demonstrate the essential characteristics of nylon, which serves to absorb sound and create a less pronounced auditory feedback. Thus, despite the differing top housings that lead to starkly different experiences while typing, the commonality in bottom materials leads to a shared depth and fullness in sound across both switches.
When evaluating the overall sound dynamics of each switch, the distinction between the top and bottom housing materials plays a significant role. The individual sound profile of the Jerrzi Orange will lean toward the sharpness of its polycarbonate top housing, delivering a distinct auditory response when keys are released. Conversely, the HMX Lucky's sound output is more unified due to the nylon top housing, resulting in a smoother, more consistent sound across both typing and releasing actions. In essence, while both switches offer a unique sound experience driven by their material choices, they converge in a deeper sound output through their shared nylon bottom housing, illustrating how different materials can shape the overall experience yet still lead to the possibility of similar results.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, both share the same actuation force of 37 grams, indicating that both switches require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the key distinction lies in their bottom out forces. The HMX Lucky switch features a bottom out force of 43 grams, which means that it provides a slightly heavier resistance when fully pressed down, contributing to a more substantial typing experience. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the Jerrzi Orange is unavailable, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison in that aspect. Nevertheless, with the known actuation forces, users can expect a similar feel in terms of key presses, while the Lucky switch will feel heavier overall when bottomed out. Consequently, those who prefer a lighter typing experience might lean towards the Jerrzi Orange, while those who appreciate a firmer feel may find the HMX Lucky more suitable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, the Jerrzi Orange has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Lucky measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This means that for users who prefer a more responsive feel, the Jerrzi Orange might be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker key presses—a feature often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky, with its 3.8 mm travel distance, caters to those who might appreciate a bit more depth in their key presses, resulting in a less abrupt feel. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Jerrzi Orange is the shorter option; if you prefer more substantial feedback during typing or gaming, the HMX Lucky offers a longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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 Orange linear switch offers a distinct auditory signature that is characterized by its clacky nature. Each keystroke produces a crisp and vibrant sound that many keyboard enthusiasts enjoy, creating an engaging typing experience. Despite being categorized as a linear switch, the Orange's clacky quality adds a lively element, making it stand out among its peers. In contrast, sound qualities for the HMX Lucky switches remain unspecified. However, it is important to note that the overall sound experience is greatly influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps used in conjunction with these switches.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Orange switches excel with their feathery and easy-to-press characteristics. The lightweight actuation allows for minimal exertion while typing, significantly reducing finger fatigue, which is especially beneficial during prolonged use for gaming, work, or school tasks. This responsive typing sensation leads to a comfortable experience, making typing feel effortless. The HMX Lucky switches, while described as having a neutral and deeply satisfying feel due to their softer nylon housings, lack detailed descriptors concerning their tactile feedback. As such, a comparison on feel leans towards the known benefits provided by the Orange.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and HMX Lucky linear switch cater to different preferences within the linear switch family. The Orange switches provide a lively clack and a remarkably light feel, making typing a playful experience. While specific auditory and tactile qualities of the Lucky switches remain unknown, their reputation for neutrality and comfort suggests they may deliver a similarly satisfying experience, albeit perhaps with a more subdued sound profile. Overall, enthusiasts looking for a crisp auditory response may prefer the Jerrzi Orange, while those seeking a softer typing experience may find the HMX Lucky appealing.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a lively and responsive typing experience, characterized by a crisp and clacky sound that adds an energetic flair to your keystrokes, the Jerrzi Orange is an excellent choice. Its lightweight and feathery feel not only enhances comfort during long typing sessions but also reduces finger fatigue, making it ideal for both gaming and extensive work tasks. Conversely, if you prefer a more neutral typing experience that leans toward a satisfying balance without the overt clackiness, the HMX Lucky switch might suit you better. With its 43-gram actuation force, it offers a grounded typing experience that still maintains a light touch while providing a solid feedback without overwhelming audio cues. In summary, choose the Jerrzi Orange for its vibrant sound and light feel when you're after excitement, and opt for the HMX Lucky for a more subdued yet equally enjoyable typing experience that allows for extended use without strain.
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