HMX Lucky vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lucky and Haimu Orange Sea both present enticing options for users who prefer linear switches. The HMX Lucky, with its softer and glittery nylon housings, offers a typing experience that is not only lightweight but also deeply satisfying, appealing to those who enjoy a gentle touch with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea captivates users with its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer a quiet yet responsive experience. While both switches provide a neutral typing experience that many users seek, their unique characteristics cater to different preferences. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Lucky and the Haimu Orange Sea switches, the most significant contrast lies in the material used for the top housing. The HMX Lucky incorporates nylon, a material renowned for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic properties allow it to absorb more sound, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder. This acoustic quality gives the Lucky switch an inviting and pleasant typing experience, particularly favored by those who enjoy a muted auditory feedback. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's greater resonance allows for a more defined sound, making it ideal for users who appreciate a cleaner auditory feedback, especially in the context of RGB lighting enhancements.
In examining the bottom housings, both the Lucky and Orange Sea utilize nylon, which is significant in maintaining a consistent sound characteristic between the two models. The nylon bottom housing's properties allow for a deep and full auditory experience, mirroring the qualities found in the HMX Lucky. As both switches feature nylon in their bottom housings, they will share a similar acoustic impact when bottoming out. This reinforces a harmonious typing sensation, where the bottom housing plays a critical role in how the switches feel when pressed down. As such, despite the different top housing materials, both switches can deliver satisfactory performance to users who prefer sound characteristics that emphasize warmth and depth.
Ultimately, the distinct acoustic signatures of the HMX Lucky and the Haimu Orange Sea switches bring a unique experience to users. While the Lucky's nylon top creates a softer and rounder sound profile, the Orange Sea’s polycarbonate top offers a clearer and crisper sound, catering to different preferences. Nevertheless, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a sense of depth in sound and typing feel, tying them together in an unexpected way despite their variations in top housing materials. Ultimately, both switches can yield a rewarding typing experience, with the differences primarily affecting the sound profile during key release. Users can choose according to their sound preference while still enjoying the satisfying tactile feedback provided by the nylon bottom.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we observe some similarities and differences. Both switches feature an identical actuation force of 37 grams, suggesting that users will experience the same ease of triggering keystrokes with either option, making them ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming periods. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Lucky switch at 43 grams and the Orange Sea switch at 45 grams. This means that while both switches are classified as light, the Haimu Orange Sea presents a marginally heavier feel when pressed all the way down, potentially offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push. Thus, while the actuation forces are the same, the bottom out experience varies slightly, appealing to different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, it is clear that they differ slightly. The Lucky switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Orange Sea measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Orange Sea the shorter option, providing a faster response time that may appeal to gamers looking for quick key presses. On the other hand, the Lucky switch offers a longer travel distance, which could be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Thus, if you value responsiveness, the Orange Sea would be the better choice, whereas if you lean towards a deeper key experience, the Lucky would suit your preferences.
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 Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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 switch boasts a soft and muted sound profile that contributes to a pleasant typing experience, although specific details about its sound are not elaborated. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switch sports an impeccably smooth and neutral sound signature, presenting less of a distraction during typing. Ultimately, while the exact sound characteristics of the Lucky are not specified, you can expect a relatively quiet operation from both switches, situating them as good choices for a more subdued audio environment.
In terms of feel, the Lucky switch is characterized by a lightweight construction and softer, glittery nylon housings that provide a neutral typing experience that many users find deeply satisfying. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is lauded for its incredibly smooth typing feel, allowing for effortless keystrokes throughout prolonged usage. Both switches are designed to deliver a comfortable experience, appealing to those who prefer a linear switch profile that promotes a frictionless interaction during typing.
In conclusion, while the HMX Lucky and Haimu Orange Sea switches provide distinct nuances in sound and feel, they share a focus on delivering a pleasant, neutral experience. The Lucky's lightweight and satisfying typing sensation complements the Orange Sea's impeccably smooth feel, making both switches excellent options for those seeking a linear switch that minimizes auditory distractions and maximizes typing comfort. Users can select either switch based on their preference for sound and subtle differences in feel, ultimately resulting in a rewarding experience with both options.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, your choice should largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. The Lucky switch, with its vibrant and softer nylon housing, offers a pleasantly neutral and satisfying typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter feel with minimal resistance. If you prioritize a smooth and responsive actuation while enjoying a bit of flair in the design, the Lucky may be the better fit for you. On the other hand, if you value a slightly firmer bottom-out force and prioritize a seamless typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea switch could be more suitable. This switch is known for delivering an impeccably smooth feel and a neutral sound signature, perfect for those who appreciate a slight tactile feedback without any excess noise. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing habits and sensory preferences, as this will guide you in selecting the switch that enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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