HMX Lucky vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lucky and Gateron Magnetic Jade offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers. The HMX Lucky, known for its softer and glittery nylon housings, provides a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who value a smooth and lightweight feel in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches, characterized by their bright and clacky sound, are perfect for users looking to upgrade their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard and enhance their typing acoustics. While the Lucky excels in delivering a gentle touch for prolonged use without fatigue, the Magnetic Jade stands out for its auditory feedback and superior 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches, significant differences emerge that affect their overall sound profiles and tactile experiences. The HMX Lucky features a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This is largely due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound to create a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches employ a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, resulting in a crisper auditory feedback. The transparency of the polycarbonate also makes it ideal for RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. Thus, the choice of material in the top housing significantly influences the sound characteristics, with nylon yielding warmth and depth, while polycarbonate offers clarity and brightness.
On the other hand, the bottom housing for both the HMX Lucky and the Gateron Magnetic Jade is made of nylon, which establishes a commonality between the two switches. The soft nature of the nylon in the bottom housing imparts a deeper, fuller sound profile to both switches when bottoming out, providing a satisfying thock that many users appreciate during typing sessions. Since both switches share this nylon bottom housing, they will produce similar sound qualities when pressed. This commonality offers users a consistent experience in terms of the bottom-out noise and feel, despite the differences found in their top housings.
When the press action occurs, the combined effect of the materials from both the top and bottom housings comes into play. While the bottom housing contributes significantly to the tactile feel and bottom-out sound, the top housing affects the sound when releasing the key. This means that even with a nylon bottom housing shared by both switches, the overall auditory experience will differ due to the contrasting properties of the top housings. Therefore, users can expect a fuller sound experience from the HMX Lucky due to its nylon top, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade will stand out with its sharper and crisper feedback from the polycarbonate. In this way, the unique combination of materials in each switch results in distinct yet complementary typing experiences, allowing users to choose based on their sound preference and tactile requirements.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, we observe distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can affect typing experience and preference. The Lucky switch boasts a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a softer touch during long typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade switch features a slightly lighter actuation force of 30 grams, but it has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while the actuation requires less force, users will experience a firmer resistance upon bottoming out, creating a more substantial feel. Therefore, the Lucky switch is generally lighter overall, appealing to users who appreciate ease during extended use, whereas the Magnetic Jade may attract those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience with its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, notable differences can be observed. The HMX Lucky features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, whereas the Gateron Magnetic Jade offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that users seeking a more robust feel during key presses may prefer the HMX Lucky, as its longer travel distance provides a deeper response. On the other hand, those who favor quicker, more responsive actions—especially gamers—might opt for the Gateron Magnetic Jade despite its comparatively shallower depth. In summary, if a shorter travel distance aligns with your preference for rapid input, the Magnetic Jade would be the suitable choice, while the Lucky would appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial interaction with their keys.
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 Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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 HMX Lucky linear switch offers a notably quieter experience compared to the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch. The Lucky switch, with its softer nylon housing, produces a subtle and muted sound profile that many typists find pleasant and non-disruptive. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade switch delivers a bright and clacky sound that provides an engaging auditory feedback, making it well-suited for those who appreciate more pronounced acoustics while typing. The differences in sound are significant, with the Lucky being optimized for a subdued experience and the Magnetic Jade catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a lively auditory environment.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lucky switch is characterized by its lightweight and smooth actuation, which lends itself to a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience. This makes it ideal for long typing sessions where users might prefer a consistent, effortless keypress without any noticeable tactile bump. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch is designed to provide a more dynamic and tactile experience, offering a distinct feedback that engages typists who crave a more responsive feel. The differences in feel reflect the unique preferences that different users may have, with the Lucky being more suited for those prioritizing smoothness and the Magnetic Jade attracting those who enjoy a firmer, more tactile response.
In summary, the HMX Lucky linear switch provides a softer sound profile and a smooth typing feel, ideal for users seeking a subtle experience. Conversely, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch is perfect for those who prioritize bright acoustics and tactile feedback. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can offer unique advantages; if you lean towards a quieter, more neutral experience, the Lucky is the way to go, while the Magnetic Jade will satisfy those looking for a clacky sound and a more tactile engagement.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you’re seeking a lighter switch with a neutral feel and a satisfying typing experience, the HMX Lucky is an excellent option. It caters well to long typing sessions or those who prefer a more effortless keypress, thanks to its 43-gram bottom-out force. For those who enjoy a more tactile feedback and a clacky sound that adds character to every keystroke, the Magnetic Jade with its 55-gram bottom-out force might be more suitable. It’s particularly advantageous if you’re upgrading your Wooting Hall Effect keyboard, as it provides a superior acoustic profile and feel. In essence, if you favor a quieter, smooth typing experience, lean towards the Lucky; however, if you appreciate auditory feedback and a slightly more substantial feel under your fingers, the Magnetic Jade would be the way to go. Each switch offers a distinct personality, so consider what aligns best with your typing habits and sound preferences when making your decision.
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