HMX Lucky vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lucky and the Gateron Mountain Top both offer distinct advantages tailored to different preferences and environments. The Lucky switch stands out for its softer, glittery nylon housing, providing a neutral yet deeply satisfying typing feel characterized by a clacky, bouncy, and silky experience. This makes it an appealing choice for gamers and those who enjoy a more tactile response while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is meticulously engineered for professional office settings, emphasizing discretion with its quiet, yet engaging typing experience. With its lighter actuation and subtle sound profile, the Mountain Top caters to users who require prolonged typing sessions without disturbing their surroundings, offering a more polished and professional feel. Each switch offers unique benefits, but as you can see, they cater to different typing experiences and environments; 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
40g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lucky and the Gateron Mountain Top both utilize nylon for their top and bottom switch housings, which leads to similar acoustic and tactile characteristics in their overall performance. Nylon is known for its softer texture, which contributes significantly to the deeper and fuller sound profiles that users experience while typing. Due to the sound-absorbent nature of nylon, switches made from this material tend to produce a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out or releasing keys. Since both switches share this material composition, users can expect them to deliver comparable auditory feedback and typing experiences, emphasizing the pleasantness of sound in their keystrokes.
While both switches share identical housing materials, the impact of each component's design on the overall typing experience cannot be overlooked. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing characterizes the sound when a key is released. Therefore, while the HMX Lucky and Gateron Mountain Top will perform similarly due to their nylon construction, subtle variations may arise from factors such as the specific design and tolerances of each switch. Any differences in shape or internal mechanisms could yield nuanced variations in sound or feel despite the common housing material.
Overall, both the HMX Lucky and Gateron Mountain Top provide reliable options for typists seeking a satisfactory sound profile due to their nylon housings. As a result of their common material attributes, users can anticipate that both will deliver a similar experience concerning sound and feel. However, the final impression may differ based on specific design elements, highlighting the importance of personal preference when selecting a favorite switch. Different combinations of these factors can cater to varied typing styles, ultimately satisfying the diverse preferences of keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, we can see some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Lucky features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it an excellent choice for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to activate. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Although both switches are considered light, the Lucky is the lighter option overall, while the Mountain Top, with its increased forces, provides a firmer push. These differences may significantly influence user preference, depending on whether they prioritize a softer touch or a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Lucky switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Mountain Top switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Lucky switch provides a more substantial depth, which may appeal to users who appreciate a tactile experience when typing. In contrast, the Mountain Top switch's shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation, making it an ideal choice for gamers seeking rapid response times. Thus, if speed and responsiveness are your priorities, the Mountain Top switch would be more suitable, whereas the Lucky switch might be preferred for those who enjoy a heftier feel. Overall, the HMX Lucky offers a longer travel distance compared to the Gateron Mountain Top.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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 comparing the sound profiles of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Lucky switch has a clacky sound, characterized by a sharp, crisp, and bright auditory feedback when keys are pressed. This makes it an appealing option for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory component to their typing experience. In contrast, the Mountain Top switch is designed with discretion in mind, offering a neutral sound profile. It provides a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience, striking a balance between a subdued sound signature and practicality, particularly in open office settings. The overall sound of each switch may vary depending on the keycaps and keyboard build used, but these inherent qualities will guide the auditory outcomes significantly.
In terms of feel, both switches provide a "bouncy" characteristic. The Lucky switch enhances the typing experience with its silky and polished finish, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. This results in a lively and satisfying feedback sensation while typing. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch also features a bouncy feel but takes the typing experience a step further with its easy-to-press mechanism, minimizing resistance and leading to a gentle and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the Mountain Top's snappy feedback adds an element of liveliness, making it engaging for users who prefer a more responsive typographic input, while still maintaining a subtle presence in shared environments.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lucky linear switch and Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer unique traits that cater to different typing preferences. Lucky excels in delivering a clackier sound and a notably smooth, polished feel, making it ideal for users who prioritize auditory feedback and tactile satisfaction. Conversely, the Mountain Top is engineered for a more muted sound profile while providing a light, responsive feel that's perfect for office use. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether one values a more pronounced typing noise and smoothness or opts for a quieter, low-impact typing experience conducive to professional environments. Regardless of the option chosen, users can expect a unique blend of tactile feedback and sound, tailored to their typing environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and typing environment. If you're looking for a switch with a lighter actuation force and a clacky sound profile that is lively and engaging, the Lucky would be your best bet. Its bouncy, silky, and polished feel makes it perfect for light-hearted typing or gaming sessions where responsiveness and a satisfying auditory experience matter. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a professional setting where discretion and comfort are paramount, the Mountain Top switch excels with its slightly heavier actuation force and neutral yet subtle sound. This switch is designed for extended typing without fatigue, making it a suitable choice for office environments where you need to maintain focus without distracting others. In summary, select the HMX Lucky for a vibrant and expressive typing experience, and opt for the Gateron Mountain Top for a refined, quiet, and efficient office-friendly switch.
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