HMX Lucky vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Lucky and the KTT Mallo can significantly impact your typing experience. The HMX Lucky, with its softer and glittery nylon housings, offers a lightweight and neutral feel that many typists find deeply satisfying. This linear switch is designed for those who appreciate a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming or typing without distraction. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo brings a more nuanced approach, combining a gentle tactile feedback with a medium-light typing feel. Its subtle actuation point provides just enough resistance to enhance the typing experience without overwhelming the user, making it particularly favorable for general typing and office work. Additionally, the Mallo’s neutral sound signature allows for versatility across various environments. Both switches cater to different preferences; the Lucky excels in seamless fluidity, while the Mallo delivers a refined tactile response. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 KTT Mallo, the most striking difference lies in their top housings: the Lucky utilizes nylon while the Mallo features polycarbonate. The nylon top housing of the Lucky is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon’s softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics like polycarbonate. Consequently, the auditory experience when typing on the Lucky would be characterized by a more muted and rounded sound, appealing to those who prefer a softer acoustic environment. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Mallo leads to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This material's stiffer properties enhance clarity and resonance, making it suitable for users who enjoy a crisper typing experience, especially if RGB effects are involved due to polycarbonate's translucency.
When focusing on the bottom housings, both the Lucky and the Mallo utilize nylon, which allows them to share similarities in sound characteristics. With nylon being a classic switch housing material, both keyboards produce a deeper and fuller auditory feel from the bottom housing. This shared component means that regardless of the contrast in top housing composition, both switches will deliver a similar bottom-out sound and tactile feedback due to the inherent qualities of nylon. As such, the interaction users have with the switch’s base will contribute to overall typing experiences that are more aligned than one might think at first glance when just considering the top housings.
Ultimately, the varied characteristics of the top housings and the uniformity of the bottom housings create distinct yet partially overlapping sound profiles for the HMX Lucky and KTT Mallo. The nylon bottom housing plays a crucial role in providing a consistent depth of sound across both models, while the unique materials in the top housings ensure that each delivers a unique auditory experience. For those who prioritize a deeper sound, the Lucky’s nylon top housing complements its bottom housing, whereas users who prefer the clarity of sound will appreciate the Mallo’s polycarbonate top. In essence, both switches can cater to different auditory preferences while remaining unified in certain aspects, showcasing how a diverse array of materials can affect the overall feel and sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lucky switch features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions as it requires less effort to trigger key presses. In contrast, the Mallo switch has an unknown actuation force; however, its bottom out force is 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference indicates that while the Mallo switch may require a heavier push at the bottom, the sensation of actuation remains uncertain. Consequently, those seeking a lighter switch for comfort and endurance will prefer the HMX Lucky, while those who favor a more substantial feel might gravitate towards the KTT Mallo, provided they can adjust to its unknown actuation characteristic. Overall, the Lucky is the lighter option, offering less resistance and potentially a more enjoyable typing experience for long durations.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference: the Lucky switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Mallo switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Lucky switch offers a shorter travel distance, appealing to users who prefer quicker response times typical of gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Mallo switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel and a more tactile experience, which some users may find preferable for typing or general use. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for either responsiveness or depth when pressing the 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 KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Lucky switch is known for its soft and neutral characteristics, although specific details about its sound profile were not provided. In contrast, the KTT Mallo switch has a more defined sound signature. It is described as neutral and subdued, producing a moderate sound that neither overpowers the typing experience nor fades into the background. This makes the Mallo a versatile choice for various environments, ensuring that whether in a home office or a busy workspace, the sound remains balanced and unobtrusive. The subdued aspect of the Mallo allows typists to enjoy a quieter typing session, which could be crucial in shared environments.
When considering feel, the Lucky switch offers a typing experience that is lightweight and deeply satisfying, but specific details on its tactile feedback and overall feel were not provided. The KTT Mallo, on the other hand, epitomizes finesse with its feathery and mild characteristics. It offers a gentle resistance that is comfortable for prolonged use, making it ideal for long typing sessions. The stepped nature of the tactile feedback ensures a clear but not overwhelming sensation, allowing the user to type with confidence without excessive strain on their fingers. The Mallo’s approachability as a mild tactile switch makes it well-suited for both beginners and seasoned typists alike.
In summary, while the exact sound characteristics of the HMX Lucky switch remain unspecified, its lightweight feel provides a satisfying typing experience that may be conducive to extended use, much like the KTT Mallo's subtle, mild tactility and neutral sound profile. The Mallo offers a refined experience with its gentle feedback and subdued sound, making it a versatile option for various typing settings. Ultimately, both switches cater to typists looking for a quality experience, though they achieve this through different design philosophies.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Lucky linear and the KTT Mallo tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the context in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you are primarily focused on achieving a smooth, light, and quiet typing experience, especially for tasks that require rapid keystrokes, such as gaming or lengthy writing sessions, the HMX Lucky switch, with its 43-gram bottom-out force and feathery feel, is likely to be the better option. Its lightweight actuation and subtle sound profile make it ideal for extended use without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you appreciate having a bit of tactile feedback while maintaining a versatile and mild typing experience, the KTT Mallo switch could be more suited to your needs. With its 55-gram actuation force and neutral sound signature, the Mallo provides just enough feedback to ensure key presses are registered without being overwhelming, making it a great choice for both work and casual typing environments. Thus, your decision should reflect not just your typing style but also your personal comfort and the environments where your keyboard will be used.
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