HMX Lucky vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lucky and KTT Mint both offer unique experiences, especially for those who prefer linear switches. The Lucky is celebrated for its softer nylon housings, which contribute to a lightweight typing experience that is not only neutral but also deeply satisfying. This makes it an excellent choice for users seeking comfort and ease during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Mint stands out with its satisfyingly smooth action and long pole stem, delivering a distinctive poppy thockiness that many typists find appealing. This switch provides a light, fleeting feel, ideal for users who enjoy a brisk typing rhythm. While both switches cater to a linear preference, the Lucky emphasizes comfort and a balanced experience, whereas the Mint leans into a more spirited action with its unique sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the KTT Mint, it becomes evident that there is a notable distinction in the top housing components. The Lucky utilizes nylon for its top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer and sound-absorbing qualities. In contrast, the KTT Mint employs polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. This variance in materials plays a significant role in the auditory experience when typing, as the nylon top of the Lucky results in a more muted sound, whereas the Mint offers a more pronounced auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience, particularly when combined with RGB lighting due to the translucency of the polycarbonate.
On the flip side, both switches feature nylon as the material for their bottom housing. This similarity means that when typing on either the Lucky or the Mint, users will benefit from the characteristic deeper and fuller sound profile that nylon provides in the bottom housing. Since the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will share a similar tactile response and auditory feedback during key presses. The nylon's sound-dampening abilities ensure that, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials, both switches maintain a consistent and enjoyable typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials for the top housings of the HMX Lucky and KTT Mint allows for diverse auditory experiences while maintaining a unified tactile response through their nylon bottom housings. The Lucky's nylon top produces a duller sound, fostering a comfortable and subdued typing sensation. In contrast, the Mint's polycarbonate top amplifies sounds and supports RGB lighting aesthetics. By blending the impacts of these materials, both switches showcase unique characters while retaining key similarities, allowing users to choose based on their preference for sound profile and visual effects without sacrificing the consistent feel that nylon brings to the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, there's a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Lucky switch features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a lighter option. In contrast, the KTT Mint switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that the Mint switch requires more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Lucky switch. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the HMX Lucky would be more suitable, enabling longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, for those who appreciate a more substantial and tactile feedback from their switches, the KTT Mint would fulfill that desire with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it is notable that the Lucky has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Mint features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Lucky switch, with its shorter travel distance, may offer quicker responsiveness, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking speed and efficiency. On the other hand, the Mint’s longer travel distance provides a more pronounced feel with greater depth, allowing users who prefer a more traditional typing experience to enjoy that extra feedback. Therefore, if you lean towards a faster response, the HMX Lucky is the better choice, whereas the KTT Mint caters to those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke.
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 Mint comes in at $2.91 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 comparing the sound profile of the HMX Lucky and KTT Mint linear switches, the Lucky switch tends to yield a softer and more muted auditory experience, creating a typing environment that leans towards a gentle feel. In contrast, the Mint switch offers a combination of low-pitched and neutral sound characteristics, resulting in a bass-heavy, mellow tone that is both balanced and approachable. This can create a satisfying auditory backdrop while typing, making the Mint a versatile choice for a variety of settings, from home offices to bustling workspaces. However, it's important to note that sound perception can heavily depend on the specific keyboard build and keycap choice, meaning that individual experiences may vary.
In terms of tactile feel, the Lucky switch is celebrated for its lightweight, neutral typing sensation that provides a deeply satisfying experience without any overwhelming characteristics. Meanwhile, the Mint switch is noted for its mild and polished feel, which creates a gentle, refined typing experience by minimizing friction and enhancing smooth key travel. The long pole stem design of the Mint leads to a "poppy thockiness" that adds an engaging layer to the typing experience, while still remaining light and fleeting. Together, these characteristics suggest that the Mint may cater well to users looking for a polished, smooth action, while the Lucky switch maintains a focus on a neutral approach.
Overall, both the HMX Lucky and KTT Mint linear switches present appealing experiences to newcomers exploring mechanical keyboards. The Lucky offers a soft and satisfying sound with a lightweight and neutral feel, making it accessible for most users. On the other hand, the Mint provides a distinctive sound profile with its low-pitched qualities and a more polished typing experience. Ultimately, while their individual characteristics differ, both switches can provide a comfortable, enjoyable typing journey. The best choice will depend on personal preference, particularly regarding desired sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Lucky and the KTT Mint linear switches largely depends on your personal preference regarding typing experience and sound. If you prefer a lighter switch with a softer feel and a neutral, satisfying typing experience, the HMX Lucky is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a switch that feels approachable and friendly to use over extended periods. The glittery nylon housing adds a unique aesthetic that enhances its appeal. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more pronounced sound profile along with a slightly heavier actuation force, the KTT Mint might be your ideal match. Its low-pitched and mildly thocky feedback provides a distinctive auditory experience that can enhance your typing enjoyment, making it particularly suitable for those who thrive on tactile engagement. The Mint's polished finish ensures a smooth typing experience, reducing friction and promoting greater speed and accuracy. Ultimately, you'll want to consider how each switch complements your specific typing style and environment, whether you're a casual typist or a dedicated gamer, in order to find the switch that best fits your needs.
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