HMX Lucky vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference, and two popular options are the HMX Lucky and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches. The HMX Lucky switches, with their softer and glittery nylon housings, deliver a lightweight typing experience that is neutral yet deeply satisfying, making them an excellent choice for those who favor a smooth and consistent keystroke without tactile interference. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches provide a refined tactile experience characterized by a short, medium-strength bump, developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, offering satisfying feedback that many tactile switch aficionados crave. While the Lucky switches cater to users seeking a seamless, quiet typing experience, the Cherry MX Purple RGB strikes a balance between tactile sensation and responsive feedback, perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced actuation. 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
N/A
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
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 HMX Lucky and Cherry MX Purple RGB both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, positioning themselves within the same category of classic switch housing materials. This shared choice of nylon means that both switches are likely to provide a similar auditory experience when typing. The softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is reflective of the variations in sound absorption behaviors of these materials. As both switches capitalize on this property, users can expect a rounded sound that reduces high-frequency noise, creating a more pleasant typing experience in both cases.
While both the HMX Lucky and the Cherry MX Purple RGB feature identical materials for their top and bottom housings, the impact of these materials on the overall performance and feel of each switch might slightly vary. With the bottom housing being more influential on the bottom-out sound and feel, users may experience subtle differences in resistance and feedback during key presses. However, since both switches are constructed from nylon, typists will likely find their experiences to be closely aligned. As a result, both the HMX Lucky and Cherry MX Purple RGB provide a consistent performance characterized by the same tactile responses and auditory profiles.
Moreover, the consistent use of nylon in both switches influences not just sound quality, but also their durability and longevity. As a resilient material, nylon ensures that the housings can withstand continuous use without significant degradation over time. Users can expect durability and reliable performance from both switches. Ultimately, the similarities in the housing materials ensure that while individual preferences may still guide users towards one switch over the other, the fundamental characteristics of sound and feel will remain consistent across both options.
Weight
The HMX Lucky linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch reveal notable differences in their actuation forces while lacking comparable bottom-out force metrics. The Lucky switch features an actuation force of 37 grams, making it the lighter option, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, which may be more suitable for users seeking a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom-out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch remains unspecified, leaving a gap in direct comparison. The Lucky's bottom-out force is established at 43 grams, confirming its light overall feel. Ultimately, users who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions or gaming may prefer the HMX Lucky for its lighter actuation force, while those looking for a firmer feel might lean toward the Cherry MX Purple despite its unknown bottom-out force.
Travel distance
The HMX Lucky linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This slight difference indicates that the Lucky switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Cherry MX Purple RGB by 0.2 mm, which may appeal to users who prefer a more responsive feel, especially gamers who favor quicker response times. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB's longer travel distance may be more suitable for those who enjoy a deeper and more pronounced keypress, providing a tactile experience that can feel more satisfying. Overall, while both switches serve different preferences, choosing between them ultimately depends on whether one values responsiveness or a more traditional depth in their typing experience.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 presents a noticeably quiet typing experience, featuring a smooth keypress that produces minimal noise. This makes it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where audio disturbance is a concern. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch generates a more pronounced sound due to its tactile bump, which produces a satisfying click-like noise upon each actuation. This audible feedback can be quite engaging for many users, enhancing the overall typing experience by providing an audible confirmation that a key has been pressed. However, it's important to note that the final sound profile is influenced by other factors such as the keyboard construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lucky linear switch is defined by its lightweight and smooth characteristics, offering a neutral typing sensation that many users find pleasing and enjoyable. The linear design means there is no tactile bump to navigate, allowing for a fluid and uninterrupted keypress experience that can appeal to those who prefer a minimalist touch feel. Conversely, the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch is engineered to deliver a refined tactile experience with a medium-strength bump. This tactile feedback not only enhances typing accuracy but also makes it easier for typists to recognize key actuation without needing to bottom out the switch, appealing to those who enjoy a more interactive typing sensation.
In summary, both the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch come with unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lucky is ideal for users who prioritize quietness and smoothness in their typing experience, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB provides a more tactile and audible feedback that can enhance user engagement. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference, but either switch can offer a satisfying typing experience depending on what qualities you value most.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and how you plan to use your keyboard. If you favor a smooth and satisfying typing experience for general use, such as typing documents or casual gaming, the Lucky switch's lightweight feel and soft nylon housing make it an excellent choice. Its 43-gram bottom-out force provides a gentle, effortless key press that can reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you’re an enthusiast who enjoys a pronounced tactile feedback while typing, particularly for gaming where precision is essential, the Cherry MX Purple RGB will be more suited to your needs. This switch offers a refined tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback, making it ideal for activities that require a higher degree of accuracy. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a lighter, smooth typing experience with the Lucky or a more tactile and responsive experience with the MX Purple RGB.
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