KTT Laurel vs. HMX Lucky

Overview

When looking to enhance your typing experience, you might come across the KTT Laurel and the HMX Lucky, both of which are linear mechanical switches designed to cater to different preferences. The KTT Laurel switch is celebrated for its medium-light actuation and full POM housing, providing an ideal balance between responsiveness and comfort. Its short travel distance combined with a long pole design ensures a quick and snappy response, all while maintaining a subtly low-pitched sound profile that appeals to many users. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switches boast a softer, glittery nylon housing that offers a lightweight feel and a deeply satisfying typing experience, making them an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort and a neutral sensation during use. While both switches offer distinct advantages, whether it's the Laurel's snappy feedback or the Lucky's plush feel, it's essential to explore these options thoroughly to determine which switch will best suit your personal typing style and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Laurel Linear

HMX Lucky Linear

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the HMX Lucky, we notice that both switches utilize distinct materials for their top and bottom housings, leading to unique auditory experiences. The Laurel features a Polyoxymethylene (POM) top and bottom housing, which is noted for its ability to create a pleasing, deep, and relatively muted sound profile. In contrast, the Lucky employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material that elicits a fuller and deeper sound, attributed to its softer nature, which dampens sound resonance more effectively than harder plastics. Thus, while both switches are engineered to produce rich sound profiles, the differences in their materials set the stage for varied auditory experiences.

The impact of these housing materials can be seen when typing on both switches. With the KTT Laurel, the POM's characteristics lead to a sound that is appreciated for its unique quality and pleasing tonal depth. The similarity in sound profile between both switches, particularly in the bottom-out phase, can be attributed to the resilient and low-resonance nature of POM and nylon alike. Conversely, typing on the HMX Lucky with its nylon housing creates a fuller sound experience due to the material's ability to absorb sound more effectively, leading to a rounder auditory output. Therefore, despite their different materials, both switches manage to provide engaging downhill and key release experiences, highlighting the significance of housing in the resulting sound character.

Ultimately, the division of roles between the top and bottom housings further emphasizes the nuances in performance and sound delivery of each switch. The Laurel’s POM housing contributes greatly to the sound produced during a key release, while the impact from the nylon used in the Lucky resonates more during actuation and bottom-out. This differentiation illustrates how the synergy between the top and bottom housing can either enhance or soften distinct auditory qualities. Thus, while the KTT Laurel and HMX Lucky utilize different materials, both possess attributes that lead to a satisfying typing experience, whether through a subdued sound profile or a fuller auditory backdrop.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Laurel linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, both options provide a light typing experience, but they differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Laurel features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lucky has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This makes the HMX Lucky the lighter switch overall, better suited for users who prefer less resistance during long typing sessions, such as at work or during extended gaming marathons. Conversely, the KTT Laurel offers a slightly heavier feel with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches are classified as light, the HMX Lucky is the lighter option, potentially making it the preferable choice for those who prioritize ease of use.

Travel distance

The KTT Laurel linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Lucky linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Laurel offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Lucky, making it a potentially better choice for those seeking quicker response times—especially favored by gamers who prioritize performance. In contrast, the Lucky's longer travel distance may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial keystroke and a feeling of depth, making it potentially more enjoyable for typing or general use. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the KTT Laurel could be the right choice, while those who enjoy a fuller keystroke might gravitate towards the HMX Lucky.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Laurel switch is noted for its subtly low-pitched sound profile, which creates a mellow and bass-heavy tone that can be pleasing to the ear during prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, while the HMX Lucky switch does not have a specified sound profile, its softer nylon housing may contribute to a more muted sound overall, likely resulting in a neutral auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches can produce a pleasant sound with the right keycaps and board, but those who prefer a deeper thump will favor the Laurel.

In terms of feel, the KTT Laurel offers a snappy typing experience, characterized by its responsiveness and a lively sensation that comes from its medium-light force and long pole design. The longer or dual-staged spring used in the Laurel enhances this responsiveness, making every keystroke feel immediate and engaging. On the other hand, while the feel of the HMX Lucky switch is less defined, it is described as offering a deeply satisfying typing experience, suggesting a level of comfort that may rival the snappier feel of the Laurel, albeit with a different tactile feedback.

In conclusion, the KTT Laurel and HMX Lucky linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel but showcase unique qualities that appeal to different users. The Laurel’s low-pitched sound and snappy feel offer a lively typing experience, while the Lucky’s softer housing might provide a more subdued auditory profile and satisfying touch. Despite their differences, both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences depending on your personal preferences in sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Laurel and the HMX Lucky linear switches, your choice should hinge upon your personal preferences regarding responsiveness, sound profile, and overall typing experience. If you value a slightly firmer feel and a more pronounced snappiness in your keystrokes, the KTT Laurel, with its balanced actuation and low-pitched sound, could be the perfect fit for you. Its 50-gram bottom-out force offers a satisfying tactile feedback that pairs well with more intentional typing or gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you prefer an extremely soft touch and a typing experience characterized by a neutral feel, the HMX Lucky, with its lighter 43-gram bottom-out force and glittery nylon housing, will likely suit you better. The Lucky is tailored for those who appreciate a smooth and quiet key press, making it an excellent choice for long typing sessions or environments where noise may be a concern. Ultimately, your preferences for weight, sound, and responsiveness will guide you in selecting the switch that best enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Laurel Linear

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

Learn more

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more