HMX Lucky vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the HMX Lucky and the Durock Lupine mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences while retaining the core characteristics of linear switches. The HMX Lucky is celebrated for its softer, glittery nylon housings, providing a typing experience that feels both neutral and deeply satisfying. With a clacky, bouncy, and silky texture, it offers a playful feel that can enhance your typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine stands out with its innovative two-stage long springs, delivering a consistent weight distribution during each keystroke and a powerful rebound that adds a dynamic element to typing. Its sound profile features a classic clacky essence, which appeals to those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback. While both switches excel in terms of smooth, linear motion, their unique attributes can cater to different typists' 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the Durock Lupine, it becomes evident that they utilize different plastics for their top components, resulting in distinct auditory signatures. The Lucky features a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound effectively, creating a more muted and rounded audio experience upon keystroke. Conversely, the Lupine employs a polycarbonate top housing known for generating a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate’s rigidity, which results in a more pronounced resonance, particularly beneficial for those utilizing RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances visual effects.
Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, as they both utilize nylon. This similarity allows them to maintain a consistent auditory experience where the presence of nylon contributes to that deeper sound profile during the bottoming-out phase. The softer nylon material in the bottom housing effectively dampens vibrations, leading to a more controlled and subdued sound when keys are pressed down. This introduces an interesting comparison: while the Lucky and Lupine may produce differing sound profiles during the release of a key, they align in the bottom-out experience, fostering a deeper acoustic resonance regardless of the top housing variance.
In summary, the combination of materials used in the HMX Lucky and the Durock Lupine results in distinct yet harmonized auditory results. The nylon top and bottom housing of the Lucky creates a cohesive deeper sound, while the Lupine's polycarbonate top introduces a sharper tonality when releasing a key, balanced by the nylon bottom's plushness. Thus, the end user can expect a unique auditory experience from each switch while enjoying the familiar richness that comes from their common nylon bottom housing. This interplay between the two types of plastics emphasizes how housing materials not only contribute individually but also collectively to the overall performance and sound characteristics of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch to the Durock Lupine linear switch, notable differences emerge between their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Lucky features a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. In contrast, the Durock Lupine switch's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating that it offers a more robust feel for users who prefer a heavier push, which can contribute to a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Lucky is the lighter switch, while the Lupine is the heavier option, catering to different user preferences based on typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, the Lucky features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Lupine has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Lucky the longer option, albeit only marginally so. For users seeking a more responsive experience, the Lupine may be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance, which allows for quicker actuation. However, some may find the Lucky’s deeper travel distance to be more satisfying if they prefer a more substantial feedback when pressing down on a key. Thus, the choice between the two ultimately hinges on personal preference for travel distance versus the desire for faster response times.
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 Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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 HMX Lucky switch is characterized by a clacky profile, providing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that can be described as crisp and bright. This clackiness adds an engaging element to the typing experience, making it a delight for those who appreciate auditory confirmation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Durock Lupine switch offers a sound profile that leans more towards neutrality with a hint of high-pitched qualities. While the Lupine can also produce a sharp and crisp sound, its neutral characteristics make it suitable for a broad range of environments, accommodating users who might prefer a more subdued auditory feedback. Both switches exhibit dynamic sound characteristics, but the Lucky’s clacky nature contrasts with the broader, more versatile sound of the Lupine.
In terms of feel, the Lucky switch shines with its bouncy and silky sensations, ensuring that the typing experience is not only lively but also exceptionally smooth. The polished finish enhances the overall tactile experience, making key presses feel refined and effortless. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine presents a milder typing sensation, balancing gentle feedback with a polished finish that facilitates smooth key travel. While the feel of the Lupine may cater to users seeking a more understated experience, the Lucky provides a more engaging and responsive feel. Despite their differences, both switches feature a polished finish, ensuring a sleek typing experience that minimizes friction.
In conclusion, while the HMX Lucky switch offers a vibrant clacky sound and a lively, silky feel, the Durock Lupine provides a more neutral auditory profile with a mild yet polished typing sensation. Each has its unique charm, appealing to different preferences in both sound and tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you favor a more pronounced auditory feedback and an engaging typing feel or a subdued sound and gentle touch, as both switches are polished for smooth travel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, your preferences and typing style play pivotal roles. If you favor a lighter touch that allows for quick and effortless typing, the Lucky switch, with its 43-gram bottom-out force and bouncy, silky feedback, might be your ideal choice. Its clacky, high-pitched sound is perfect if you enjoy an engaging auditory experience while typing, making it suitable for casual users or those who appreciate a lively feel. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial typing experience, the Lupine switch's 62-gram bottom-out force provides a grounded feel with a two-stage long spring mechanism, creating a balanced typing sensation and a consistent upward motion on rebound. Its neutral sound profile and mild feedback make it an excellent choice for those who desire a versatile switch that performs well for both work and play. Therefore, assess your typing habits and sound preferences to choose the switch that complements your keyboard experience best.
Mentioned in this article
