KTT Kang White vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two contenders worth considering are the KTT Kang White and the HMX Lucky, both linear switches renowned for their unique characteristics. The KTT Kang White is celebrated for its poppy typing sound and exceptional smoothness, attributed to its self-lubricating material, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a pleasant auditory feedback and a fluid keystroke. With a low-pitched and neutral categorization, this switch offers a more subdued yet satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky stands out with its softer nylon housing, providing a lightweight feel that is both neutral and deeply satisfying, perfect for users seeking comfort during extended typing sessions. While both switches offer distinct advantages, they cater to different types of users—whether you prefer the crisp sound and smooth action of the Kang White or the lightweight satisfaction of the Lucky. 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
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Kang White and the HMX Lucky switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which profoundly affects their respective sound profiles. The Kang White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, crisper sound. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances resonance and clarity when typing. In contrast, the HMX Lucky employs a nylon top housing, a material celebrated for its softer composition. This leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. While the Kang White's polycarbonate effectively showcases RGB lighting through its translucency, the Lucky's nylon does not share the same aesthetic appeal but instead focuses on delivering a more muted and softer sound.
Interestingly, both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, leading to similarities in auditory feedback and tactile feel at the bottom-out point. This shared characteristic of using nylon means both switches will provide a deeper and more rounded sound experience when the key is fully compressed. Since nylon absorbs sound due to its softer nature, it contributes to a consistent tonality between the two switches, particularly during the bottom-out action. Both switches may feel plush and accommodating in terms of feedback because of this material, leading to an enjoyable typing experience that prioritizes comfort over harshness.
Overall, the contrasting materials of the KTT Kang White's polycarbonate top and the HMX Lucky's nylon top yield distinct sound profiles, while their shared nylon bottom housing harmonizes the experience during key presses. This combination results in a unique balance; users who favor sharper sounds may lean towards the Kang White, while those who appreciate a deeper, fuller typing experience may prefer the HMX Lucky. Ultimately, despite their differences in top housing materials, typing on both switches reveals the interesting interplay of material choices and their impacts on sound and feel, allowing users to find enjoyment in either of them depending on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, we can observe notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, which have implications for their usability. The Kang White switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This difference means that typists who prefer lighter switches may find the Lucky more suitable for longer typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. Conversely, the Kang White, being heavier, may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. In summary, the KTT Kang White is the heavier option while the HMX Lucky is the lighter choice, offering distinct experiences based on their respective actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, the Kang White stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lucky offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Kang White provides a more pronounced depth when pressed, which can be preferable for users who enjoy a substantial key press feel. In contrast, the HMX Lucky, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those looking for quicker responsiveness, a feature often favored by gamers needing faster key actuation. Therefore, if you appreciate a more robust typing experience, the Kang White is the better choice; however, if rapid response times are your priority, the Lucky's 3.8 mm travel distance may be more appealing. Overall, while both switches offer distinct advantages based on travel distance, the KTT Kang White has the longer distance, making it ideal for those who prefer a deeper keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 per 10 switches.
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 KTT Kang White switch delivers a captivating auditory experience. It features a low-pitched tone that is bass-heavy and mellow, providing a satisfying sound that many users find appealing. This neutral sound profile makes it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in more professional settings. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky linear switch does not have specific sound characteristics detailed, which implies that sound quality may vary. However, since auditory experience can also fluctuate based on the keyboard build and keycap material, users could expect a relatively clean and pleasant sound from both switches, depending on those additional factors.
In terms of feel, the KTT Kang White switch is notable for its exceptional smoothness, largely attributed to its self-lubricating material. This quality ensures that users enjoy a fluid typing experience, minimizing any resistance or scratchiness that can detract from the overall experience. Meanwhile, the HMX Lucky switch boasts a softer feeling due to its nylon housing, contributing to a typing experience that is neutral yet deeply satisfying. Although both switches promise a smooth and enjoyable typing sensation, the Kang White leans more towards an ultra-smooth performance while the Lucky provides a more cushioned experience.
Overall, both the KTT Kang White and HMX Lucky switches offer unique appeal to different users, particularly in sound and feel. The Kang White stands out for its low-pitched, bass-heavy sound and remarkable smoothness, making it a strong choice for those who prioritize auditory experience and typing fluidity. In contrast, the Lucky switch provides a satisfying yet cushioned typing experience with a sound profile that may vary. In essence, while both switches cater to different preferences, users can expect quality results from either, with the right selection depending on personal needs for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, consider your typing preferences and intended usage scenarios. If you appreciate a balanced typing experience with a bit more resistance, the Kang White switch, with its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, will likely suit your needs. Its unique low-pitched sound and self-lubricating material provide a smooth and exceptionally satisfying typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a tactile and audibly pleasing environment, whether for work or gaming. On the other hand, if you lean toward a lighter touch and prefer a softer, more subtle experience, the HMX Lucky switch with its 43-gram bottom-out force might be the ideal match for you. Its lightweight design and neutral sound profile make it effective for rapid typing with less finger fatigue over long sessions, perfect for casual use or those who type extensively. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your tactile preferences and how you plan to use your keyboard, ensuring you enjoy each keystroke to its fullest.
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