HMX Lucky vs. Cherry MX Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lucky and Cherry MX Silent Red present intriguing options for enthusiasts. The HMX Lucky, known for its softer and glittery nylon housing, offers a lightweight and neutral typing experience that many find deeply satisfying, making it an excellent choice for those who value a tactile feel without the burden of loud keystrokes. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red retains the beloved characteristics of the classic MX Red, featuring a slightly heftier feel while delivering a remarkably quieter operation. This makes the Silent Red particularly appealing for users in noise-sensitive environments who still desire that satisfying thocky response without disrupting those around them. Both switches have their dedicated fanbases, but they cater to different preferences and needs. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Lucky Linear

Cherry MX Silent Red Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$6.00

$4.15 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the HMX Lucky and Cherry MX Silent Red switches, one notable similarity is that both utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings. Nylon, a classic switch housing material, is favored for its softer properties, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This inherent characteristic found in nylon creates a sound that is less sharp and more rounded, enhancing the acoustic experience. As a result, users of both the HMX Lucky and Cherry MX Silent Red can expect a similarly pleasant auditory feedback, making them suitable choices for those who appreciate a rich and subdued typing sound.

However, even though the HMX Lucky and Cherry MX Silent Red share identical housing materials, the overall feel and performance can still diverge due to other design elements like switch mechanism and actuation force. While the nylon construction ensures sound absorption and tonal warmth, the specific switch design can influence the tactile feel and responsiveness during use. This means that while both switches will produce a softer sound profile attributed to their nylon components, the user experience may differ based on the distinct characteristics inherent to each switch type.

The dual benefit of nylon housing in both models allows users to enjoy a cohesive auditory response when they type, regardless of which switch they opt for. Though the nylon material contributes to sound qualities, the tactile experience is also heightened or diminished by other factors, such as key travel and actuation. Ultimately, both the HMX Lucky and Cherry MX Silent Red capitalize on the advantageous properties of nylon to create a pleasant typing sound. However, the user may still find themselves preferring one switch over the other depending on additional tactile and mechanical attributes that enhance the overall actuation experience.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force of the Silent Red is unavailable. The HMX Lucky switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a suitable option for users who favor extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Since the bottom out force for the Silent Red is not available, we cannot make a direct comparison for that characteristic. However, it’s clear that the HMX Lucky is the lighter switch overall, while the Cherry MX Silent Red leans towards a heavier feel. Users can expect a different typing experience depending on which switch they choose, reflecting their personal preferences for resistance and tactile feedback.

Travel distance

Comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch reveals a slight difference, with the Lucky switch having a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Silent Red measures at 3.7 mm. This makes the Cherry MX Silent Red the shorter of the two switches, offering a more responsive feel that could be advantageous for gaming or fast typing. Conversely, the HMX Lucky, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a deeper keypress, providing a more tactile experience. Both switches cater to different preferences and play styles; while the Lucky offers a fuller travel experience, the Silent Red could be favored for its quicker actuation, making this a nuanced choice for users based on their individual keypress preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, there are notable distinctions. The Lucky switch is less defined in its sound characteristics, but given its nylon housing, one can expect a soft sound that is not overly intrusive. In contrast, the MX Silent Red is engineered for a muted auditory experience, eliminating the typical clacky noises associated with mechanical keyboards. It boasts a thocky and low-pitched sound, providing a rich and deep acoustic response when the keys are pressed. This makes the Silent Red particularly suited for environments where noise levels need to be minimized, while the Lucky offers a more neutral sound that may be slightly more audible.

In terms of feel, the HMX Lucky switch is recognized for its neutral and satisfying typing experience, a characteristic that makes it appealing to many typists. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, which means that users may experience a subtle friction when pressing the keys. This tactile sensation might not be as smooth as the Lucky switch, which likely provides a fluid typing motion without significant texture. Thus, while the Lucky offers a lighter and more seamless experience, the Silent Red provides feedback that some may find beneficial, depending on personal preference.

Overall, both the HMX Lucky and Cherry MX Silent Red linear switches cater to different user preferences, especially concerning sound and feel. The Lucky switch leans toward a softer, more neutral typing sound and experience, while the Silent Red emphasizes a quiet, thocky feel with added texture. Therefore, if noise reduction is paramount, the MX Silent Red stands out as the better choice, while the Lucky can provide a delightful and satisfying feel for those who prefer a lightweight typing experience without the need for absolute silence. Ultimately, users can select based on whether they prioritize sound dampening or a pleasing tactile satisfaction.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when choosing between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, your decision should hinge on your typing preferences and your environment. If you prefer a lighter touch with a neutral but satisfying feel, the HMX Lucky switch is an excellent choice. Its softer nylon housing creates a unique typing experience that many find delightful, especially if you appreciate a bit of sparkle in your switch design. On the other hand, if you're in a noise-sensitive setting or simply want to maintain a quieter typing experience while still enjoying the heaviness of a traditional MX Red switch, the Cherry MX Silent Red is the way to go. Its muted and thocky sound profile means you won’t disturb others around you, making it ideal for offices or shared spaces. Thus, consider whether you value a lighter switch and a vibrant typing feel or if you need the quiet performance of a classic switch that minimizes noise. Your choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and where you plan to use your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Silent Red Linear

$6.00

$4.15 per 10

Learn more