HMX Lucky vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing preferences, the HMX Lucky and Haimu Neo White linear switches each offer unique benefits that cater to different user needs. The HMX Lucky switches are crafted with softer nylon housings that provide a lightweight feel and a neutral, deeply satisfying typing experience, perfect for those who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switches feature a medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, thanks to their rare Ly stem, delivering a remarkably smooth actuation for a subtle yet distinct typing sensation. While the Lucky switches excel in their soft touch and satisfying feedback, the Neo Whites present a compelling argument for users who prefer a more controlled feel with a quick response. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lucky and the Haimu Neo White switches feature distinct housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and tactile characteristics. The Lucky incorporates a nylon top housing, which is well-known for its softer composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound during typing due to its sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White opts for a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, high-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a clearer resonance, contributing to a more pronounced auditory experience, especially suitable for RGB lighting displays because of its translucency.
Both switches share nylon material in their bottom housings, which guarantees a consistent sound and feel component. The nylon bottom housing in both switches enhances the overall typing experience by delivering that familiar, rounded sound profile associated with softer plastic. This shared characteristic helps to create a seamless transition in sound perception when pressing down on the key, as both switch types elicit a duller tone, enhancing user comfort and familiarity. Thus, even with their divergent top housings, the sound profile remains rooted in a fuller base associated with the nylon bottom.
Overall, while there are noticeable contrasts between the top housings of the HMX Lucky and Haimu Neo White, they converge in their bottom housing material. This combination of different top housings leads to a unique blending of sound profiles: the Lucky boasts warmth and depth from its nylon top, while the Neo White captures brightness and clarity from the polycarbonate top. Consequently, users can expect rich auditory experiences whether typing on the Lucky for a fuller sound or the Neo White for crisper tones—both ultimately enhanced by their nylon bottom housings contributing to an enriched and consistent feel across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The HMX Lucky features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, which is beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switch has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams with an unknown actuation force, suggesting a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a more engaged or tactile typing experience. This means that while the Lucky switch facilitates quicker and less strenuous keystrokes, the Neo White switch demands a firmer push, catering to users who enjoy a heavier feedback. Overall, if you desire a lighter feel for prolonged use, the HMX Lucky is the better option; however, for those who appreciate a more robust typing sensation, the Haimu Neo White will be more appealing.
Travel distance
The HMX Lucky linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance, though minimal, may have implications for user experience. The Lucky, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced feel when pressed, which some users might appreciate for its deeper engagement. In contrast, the Neo White's shorter travel distance offers a quicker response, which is particularly appealing for gamers who favor rapid actuation. As the trend moves towards shorter travel distances for enhanced responsiveness, the Neo White caters to those who prefer a snappier action, albeit at the cost of a less substantial feel compared to the Lucky. Thus, for users looking for a more pronounced keystroke, the Lucky would be the better choice, while the Neo White is ideal for those seeking quicker response times.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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
The HMX Lucky linear switch provides a typing experience that is characterized by its soft, nylon housing. While the specific sound profile of the Lucky switches remains unmentioned, the lightweight design suggests a potentially quieter operation, which could be appealing for those seeking a more subdued auditory experience. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White linear switch features a neutral sound profile. Described as having a moderate sound level, this switch is versatile enough to accommodate a wide range of environments, making it suitable whether you're at home or in a more professional setting. Both switches' sound characteristics can also be influenced by the keyboard build and keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the Lucky switch offers a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, although the exact nuances of its tactile feedback are unspecified. The Haimu Neo White switch presents a distinct typing feel due to its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, coupled with a unique Ly stem that enables remarkably smooth actuation. This establishes the Neo White as a more deliberate experience, whereas the Lucky may appeal more to those who prefer a softer touch. The contrast here suggests that while both switches can provide a pleasing experience, the Neo White might cater to users looking for a bit more precision in their keystrokes.
In summary, both the HMX Lucky and Haimu Neo White linear switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lucky switch is centered around a lightweight and potentially softer auditory experience while offering a satisfying feel, though specifics on its sound and tactile feedback are absent. The Neo White switch, with its neutral sound profile and smooth actuation, creates a dependable typing environment and caters to users seeking a well-rounded and mild experience. Ultimately, both can deliver enjoyable results, but your choice will depend on what characteristics resonate more with your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a lighter keypress and a very easy, satisfying typing experience, the HMX Lucky switches may suit you well, especially if you enjoy a softer feel that closely resembles traditional typewriter keys. They are ideal for prolonged typing sessions where comfort is key, particularly for users who might find heavier switches fatiguing. On the other hand, if you're looking for a balance of smoothness and control, the Haimu Neo White switches with their medium bottom-out force and slightly reduced travel might be more appealing. They offer a uniquely satisfying typing experience that combines a gentle actuation with a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for both professional and casual settings. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you—lightness and comfort with the Lucky, or the medium weight and smooth feel of the Neo White—and you'll find the switch that best enhances your typing experience.
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