Gateron Jupiter Red vs. HMX Lucky

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Jupiter Red and HMX Lucky linear switches each bring distinct advantages to the table. The Jupiter Red is celebrated for its smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, aided by a single-stage spring that provides a medium-heavy actuation, making it an ideal choice for users who value a consistent and refined typing experience. Its high-precision molds and subtle backlight effects further contribute to its polished, creamy, and silky feel, appealing to those who appreciate a touch of sophistication in their setups. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switch stands out for its lightweight design and softer, glittery nylon housing, offering a typing experience that is both neutral and deeply satisfying. This makes the Lucky a great option for individuals who prefer a lighter touch without sacrificing comfort. Both switches cater to different preferences, but they share the common goal of enhancing the typing experience. 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 Jupiter Red Linear

HMX Lucky Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX Lucky switches illustrate the contrasting auditory experiences offered by different types of plastics. The Jupiter Red employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic can be particularly appealing for users who prefer a clear, resonant auditory feedback when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Lucky features a nylon top housing that embodies a classic aesthetic and feel. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound that creates a rounded auditory experience. This fundamental difference in materials directly affects the sound profile of each switch, making these switches suitable for different preferences in terms of acoustics.

When examining the bottom housing, both the Jupiter Red and the Lucky switches share the same nylon material for this component. As a result, the performance of both switches in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel exhibits similarities. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the deeper, fuller sound profile that users experience when engaging with either switch. In this case, the similarity of the bottom housing indicates that pressing down on either switch will yield comparable tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction. Therefore, while the top housings impart distinct qualities to each switch, the shared nylon in the bottom housing creates a consistent baseline experience.

Ultimately, the combination of these materials in each switch leads to nuanced but recognizable differences in performance. The Jupiter Red's polycarbonate top housing instills a vibrant sonic character that stands out when a key is released, while the Lucky's nylon top provides a softer touch and an overall warmer sound profile. The nylon bottom shared by both switches ensures a commonality in the typing experience when pressed down. Thus, while users may seek different auditory experiences from the top housing, the bottom housing provides a harmonious foundation, resulting in a duality that showcases both diversity and shared characteristics across the two switch designs.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch to the HMX Lucky linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Red boasts an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range for typing feel. In contrast, the HMX Lucky features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This makes the Lucky significantly easier to press, ideal for users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, the Jupiter Red provides a heftier push, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In summary, if you prefer a lighter switch with less resistance and less bottoming out effort, the HMX Lucky is the better option, whereas the Jupiter Red caters to users who appreciate a firmer feel in their keystrokes.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch to the HMX Lucky linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their specifications. The Jupiter Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lucky has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Jupiter Red the longer switch, offering a more traditional depth that might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing keys. In contrast, the HMX Lucky, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to those who favor a quicker response time, a quality often desired by gamers. For those who prefer a less abrupt key press, the Jupiter Red may be the better choice, whereas the Lucky’s reduced travel distance could enhance speed and agility in fast-paced scenarios. Ultimately, your decision between these switches will depend on your personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch delivers a neutral profile, making it adaptable for various environments, whether you're a beginner or seasoned typist. This balanced sound is perfect for both work and home settings, ensuring it won't disturb those around you while still providing satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switch's sound characteristics are unknown, making direct comparisons impossible. Sound can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so users might find variability based on their specific setup.

In terms of feel, the Jupiter Red excels with its polished, creamy, silky, and mild characteristics, which contribute to an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. This switch's design reduces friction significantly, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys for a comfortable and satisfying session. While the HMX Lucky switch is known for its lightweight and neutral typing experience, the specific tactile qualities that define its unique feel remain unspecified. Thus, while both switches promise a pleasant typing experience, the Jupiter Red's detailed descriptions highlight a more elevated experience in terms of smoothness and comfort.

In summary, while both the Gateron Jupiter Red and HMX Lucky linear switches aim to provide enjoyable typing experiences, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Jupiter Red is a well-rounded choice that emphasizes smoothness, neutrality in sound, and a luxurious feel, making it ideal for users who appreciate a refined, high-quality typing experience. The Lucky switch's appealing qualities are less defined, with certain aspects still unknown, which leaves potential users curious about its full range. Ultimately, both can yield satisfying results, but the Jupiter Red appears to stand out with its specific and detailed characteristics.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX Lucky linear switches depends largely on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you seek. If you value a medium-heavy keystroke that offers a polished and silky typing feel, alongside a neutral sound profile, then the Jupiter Red is your go-to option. It's particularly well-suited for users who appreciate a seamless, consistent typing experience, whether for work or leisure, and who prefer the tactile feedback that comes with a moderate actuation force. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter keystroke with a weight of just 43 grams and enjoy a neutral, deeply satisfying typing experience, the Lucky is a fantastic choice. Its softer housing and overall lightness make it ideal for those who type extensively and prefer a more effortless, almost floaty feel with each press. In essence, your decision should consider factors such as typing style, the environment in which you’ll be using the keyboard, and how much resistance you’d prefer when actuating keys.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more