HMX Lucky vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lucky and Cherry MX Brown are two popular options that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Lucky switch is celebrated for its lightweight design and softer, glittery nylon housings, providing a smooth and satisfying linear typing experience that many users enjoy for its neutrality—making it a great choice for those seeking effortless key presses during gaming or extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switch stands out for its subtlety, delivering a balance of light actuation force and gentle tactile feedback, which appeals to typists who appreciate a textured response without the pronounced click of more aggressive switches. While the Lucky offers a smooth and uninterrupted flow, the MX Brown satisfies users who enjoy a tactile sensation that helps to guide their 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
45g
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the Cherry MX Brown switches demonstrate a striking similarity, as both utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This shared choice of material is significant because nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material that influences the auditory and tactile sensations encountered during typing. In both models, the use of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, a product of its relatively softer plastic composition. This quality allows nylon to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. As a result, users will enjoy a pleasantly muted typing sound and a comfortable tactile feedback across both switch types.
Both switches note the impact of housing material on the user experience, with the nylon bottom housing being particularly important for the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is fully pressed. The nylon material enhances the tactile feedback felt when a keystroke is completed, ensuring that the experience remains consistent across both switches. The design philosophy underscores that both the Cherry MX Brown and HMX Lucky switches feature a unified sound profile, making them an ideal choice for users who may prioritize auditory comfort and feedback during long typing sessions.
Despite the shared nylon housing, the ultimate typing experience may feel slightly different due to the overall construction and tuning of each switch model. While the nylon composition provides similar acoustic properties, other factors such as switch actuation mechanisms, spring characteristics, and texture may differentiate the tactile experience between the HMX Lucky and the Cherry MX Brown. Nonetheless, users can anticipate a comparable performance, especially regarding the sound profile due to the identical choice of nylon for both top and bottom housings, ensuring a satisfying typing environment whether one opts for the Lucky or the Cherry MX Brown switch.
Weight
The HMX Lucky linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Lucky switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some users may find preferable for a tactile typing experience. While both switches allow for satisfactory performance in different contexts, the HMX Lucky's lighter forces may lead to less finger fatigue over prolonged use, appealing to those who prioritize comfort. Conversely, the Cherry MX Brown's medium-light designation provides a balanced feel that some users may appreciate for its responsive feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on individual preferences for typist feel and user comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, the HMX Lucky has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Cherry MX Brown measures slightly longer at 4 mm. This means that the Lucky switch offers a shorter travel distance, which could appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, provides a deeper, more pronounced tactile feedback that may be preferred by typists or those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the differences in travel distances cater to varying preferences, with the HMX Lucky offering a more responsive option and the Cherry MX Brown providing a traditional feel.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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 is relatively understated, making it ideal for users who appreciate a quieter typing experience. This more subtle acoustic profile may be particularly appealing in environments where noise levels matter, as it avoids the prominent clacking found in louder switch types. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switch is known for its bassy, low-pitched sound, offering a deeper and richer audio feedback during key presses. This bass-heavy tone provides a satisfying auditory response that many typists enjoy, although the degree of sound can vary based on board and keycap choices, potentially leading to a more nuanced auditory experience when compared to the Lucky.
In terms of feel, the Lucky switch provides a smooth and neutral typing experience that caters to those who enjoy a lightweight touch without tactile bumps, thus ensuring a fluid keystroke. This smoothness coupled with its lightweight nature offers a deeply satisfying response, making it excellent for prolonged typing sessions without feeling fatigued. Conversely, the MX Brown features a tactile feedback that is subtly textured, characterized by a slight bump that users can feel at actuation. This tactile nature adds an element of satisfaction for those who prefer to "feel" when a key has actuated, yet remains gentler than other clicky switches, offering a balanced experience without overwhelming friction.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch cater to different typing preferences, with the Lucky emphasizing a quiet, smooth experience and the MX Brown providing a more textured and bassy auditory feedback. While the Lucky offers a neutral feel, the MX Brown gives users a gentle tactile response. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, but they ultimately serve distinctive niches within the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a softer touch and a lightweight typing experience that feels smooth and neutral, the HMX Lucky is likely your best bet, especially for extended typing sessions where you want minimal finger fatigue. Its lighter actuation force of 43 grams and satisfying feedback can make for a pleasant and responsive experience, particularly if you dislike pronounced tactile bumps or noise. On the other hand, if you appreciate subtle tactile feedback that enhances your typing without being overly intrusive, the Cherry MX Brown switch may be more suitable for you. With its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and resistance, making it an excellent choice for a variety of typing tasks, from gaming to casual writing. Its textured feel and basy, low-pitched sound provide a rich audio experience that many find enjoyable, adding a tactile dimension that helps you get a better sense of each key press. Ultimately, consider what aspects of a keyboard switch are most important to you—if you desire a softer, more streamlined experience, opt for the HMX Lucky, whereas if you lean towards tactile engagement with a bit more weight, the Cherry MX Brown is the way to go.
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