HMX Lucky vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lucky and the Durock Mamba stand out as two compelling linear options, each offering a distinct typing experience. The Lucky switch, with its softer and glittery nylon housings, provides a neutral and deeply satisfying feel, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize comfort and ease of use during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Mamba switch pays tribute to the legendary Kobe Bryant, delivering a smooth gliding sensation accompanied by a rich and creamy auditory feedback—ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced sound profile while typing. Both switches have their unique charms and cater to different preferences: the Lucky excels in a lightweight, subtle experience, whereas the Mamba offers a bolder auditory and tactile delight. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lucky and the Durock Mamba both exhibit distinct characteristics in their housing materials, influencing the overall typing experience and sound profile. The Lucky features a classic nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound effectively due to its relatively softer nature. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that many users find appealing, as the nylon dampens sharper sounds and creates a more rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Mamba employs a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing. While this composition leans slightly towards a brighter sound profile, it remains pleasant and avoids the harshness often associated with harder plastics. Therefore, while both switches provide enjoyable sound experiences, the Lucky leans towards a more subdued, deeper tone, whereas the Mamba offers a subtly brighter note.
When examining the bottom housing materials, the differences become even more pronounced. The Lucky features a nylon bottom housing that matches its top in depth and fullness. Just like the top housing, this softer nylon promotes a muted sound, enhancing the overall consistency of the sensation through both the press and release. On the other hand, the Mamba opts for a POM bottom housing, known for its distinctive sound profile that tends to be deeper and more muted. This gives the Mamba a unique quality that differs from its top housing, creating an interesting interplay between the brighter sound of the top and the muted tone of the bottom. This contrast allows for a more complex sound experience in the Mamba, as the characteristics of each material work in tandem to create a unique auditory experience.
In summary, while the HMX Lucky and the Durock Mamba utilize different materials for their switch housings, they both yield satisfactory results rooted in their respective designs. If users prefer a deeper and fuller sound, they may opt for the Lucky, benefiting from the consistent sound dampening of nylon throughout both the top and bottom housing. Conversely, the Mamba's combination of polymers introduces a more varied auditory outcome, with the top housing providing a brighter sound that marries intriguingly with the deeper tones of POM in the bottom housing. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences, allowing users to choose based on their specific preferences.
Weight
The HMX Lucky linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different typing preferences. The Lucky switch features a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for users who favor longer typing sessions without strain. In contrast, the Mamba switch, while its actuation force remains unspecified, exhibits a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a more substantial typing feel that may appeal to those who appreciate a firmer key press. This significant difference in bottom out force suggests a more pronounced tactile experience with the Mamba compared to the Lucky. Overall, the Lucky is the lighter switch, offering a gentler touch, while the Mamba leans towards a heavier weight, providing a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Lucky linear switch measures 3.8 mm, while the Durock Mamba linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Lucky switch offers a deeper and more substantial feel when pressed, making it suitable for users who enjoy a hearty depth in their key presses. Conversely, the Mamba's shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation, which is often favored by gamers. Ultimately, while both switches provide a linear response, those who prioritize quick actions would lean towards the Durock Mamba, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced depth may prefer the HMX Lucky.
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 Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 is designed to provide an enjoyable auditory experience, although the specific qualities are not detailed. In contrast, the Durock Mamba linear switch is characterized by a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various environments, be it at home or in an office setting. It also has a thocky quality, producing a deep, rich sound akin to a satisfying "thud" when keys are pressed and released. This combination of sound characteristics suggests that while both switches offer appealing acoustic experiences, the Mamba provides a more defined auditory feedback that is likely to enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate deeper sounds.
The feel of the HMX Lucky switch is not explicitly described, which leaves a gap in understanding its tactile characteristics. However, the Durock Mamba switch is noted for its mildness and polished feel, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience. This smoothness derives from either the materials used in its construction or factory lubrication, resulting in reduced friction and seamless key travel. The combination of these factors ensures a comfortable typing experience, though without comparative details on the Lucky switch, it's difficult to draw direct parallels or contrasts.
Overall, both the HMX Lucky and Durock Mamba linear switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. The Mamba stands out with its rich auditory experience and a gentle, polished feel, making it ideal for users who appreciate a refined and satisfying typing sensation. While the Lucky's characteristics are less defined, it is also noted for providing a deeply satisfying experience. Users may find they achieve similar outcomes with either switch depending on what they prioritize—auditory feedback or the type of tactile sensation they seek in their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, consider your preferences for force, sound, and typing experience. If you favor a lighter actuation with a bottom out force of just 43 grams, the Lucky is an excellent choice; it offers a deeply satisfying typing experience with its softer nylon housing and neutral characteristics, making it ideal for those who may type for extended periods or prefer a more effortless keystroke. This lighter switch can be preferable for quick, repetitive tasks or casual typing sessions. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more robust feel and a bottom out force of 60 grams, the Mamba caters to that desire with its mild yet polished typing experience that delivers a rich auditory feedback, reminiscent of a thocky sound profile. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a tactile, but not overly heavy, typing experience, striking a balance between leisurely use and serious gaming. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, the environment in which you plan to use the keyboard, and whether you're looking for a lightweight feel or something with a bit more authority and sound.
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