HMX Lucky vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Blue present two distinct options catering to different preferences. The HMX Lucky, renowned for its softer and glittery nylon housings, provides a lightweight typing experience that many users find neutral yet deeply satisfying, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Blue is characterized by its clicky feedback, which delivers an audible and tactile response with each keypress, appealing to typists and gamers who thrive on a more interactive feel while typing. While the Lucky switch offers a refined, quieter typing experience suitable for long work sessions, the Blue switch caters to those who appreciate a pronounced auditory cue, enhancing their typing satisfaction. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Blue, a distinct contrast emerges between their top housings. The Lucky employs a nylon top housing, which is characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the material's relatively softer composition. This absorption of sound enhances the switch's aural experience, creating a more muted and rounder auditory effect as users type. In contrast, the Outemu Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is notably stiffer than nylon. This solidity allows for a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, delivering a crisper and more resonant audio experience. The translucent nature of polycarbonate not only influences sound but also aesthetically complements RGB lighting setups, creating a visually striking effect when illuminated.
Interestingly, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Blue feature nylon material. This shared utilization means that they will produce similar auditory results at the base of the switches. The qualities of nylon as a housing material contribute significantly to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. When the switch bottoms out, users will feel this consistent impact, resulting in a layered audio experience grounded in the properties of the nylon plastic. This parallels the shared experience of tactile satisfaction that typists seek, as both switches' bottoms absorb sound to yield a more subdued auditory impact.
Ultimately, the dichotomy of the top housing materials delineates how these switches might feel and sound during use. While the nylon bottom housing common to both emphasizes a deeper audio resonance, the differing top materials dictate a unique auditory profile. Typists can thus anticipate a rich and muted bottom-out sound from either switch, but they will need to choose based on their preference for the sharper clarity of the polycarbonate top of the Outemu Blue versus the warmer tones of the nylon top of the Lucky. Each model offers a distinct typing experience that highlights the importance of material science in switch design, making the choice solely dependent on user preference for sound and aesthetics.
Weight
The HMX Lucky linear switch features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a lighter option, ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Blue clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, indicating it requires more pressure to trigger a keystroke, resulting in a heavier typing experience; however, its bottom out force remains unknown. This difference in actuation force suggests that while the Lucky provides ease during prolonged use due to its lighter feel, the Blue switch's heavier actuation might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile response. Overall, those seeking to minimize fatigue during extended use would benefit from the Lucky switch, while those who favor a firmer push may gravitate towards the Outemu Blue, despite the lack of specific bottom out force data.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, the HMX Lucky features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Blue has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. This indicates that the Outemu Blue clicky switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which aligns more closely with traditional switch designs that typically measure around 4.0 mm. The HMX Lucky's shorter travel distance can appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, providing a more sensitive feel with each keypress. In contrast, the Outemu Blue, with its longer travel distance, may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience. Overall, if you're looking for faster actuation, the HMX Lucky is the better choice, whereas the Outemu Blue caters to users who value depth in their keystrokes.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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 offers a more subdued and muted audio profile, creating a quieter typing experience that is often preferred in environments where noise levels need to be kept at a minimum. Its softer nylon housings help in dampening sound, which can be ideal for shared workspaces or home offices. In contrast, the Outemu Blue clicky switch is characterized by its distinct audible click with every keypress. This pronounced sound is satisfying for many typists who enjoy auditory feedback, making it a popular choice among those who appreciate the classic clicky sound reminiscent of vintage typewriters.
In terms of feel, the Lucky switch provides a smooth and lightweight typing experience that tends to be more linear in nature. This means that there is no tactile bump during the keypress, allowing for a fluid and uninterrupted motion that many find deeply satisfying. Conversely, the Outemu Blue switch features a tactile bump accompanied by its click, which gives typists a noticeable indication of actuation. This feedback is ideal for users who like to feel each keystroke as they type, enhancing the overall typing experience with both a tangible and audible cue.
Overall, both the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Lucky excels in providing a quieter and smoother experience, making it suitable for those who prioritize serenity and fluidity in their typing. On the other hand, the Blue’s pronounced click and tactile feedback appeal to users who relish an interactive and lively typing experience. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you favor a silent, linear feel or a more engaging, clicky feedback when typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between HMX Lucky linear switches and Outemu Blue clicky switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environments in which you intend to use them. If you favor a softer, lighter touch with a smooth and satisfying experience, the HMX Lucky linear switch would be an excellent choice, particularly for long typing sessions or gaming. Its lighter actuation force of 43 grams allows for quick response times, making it ideal if you're looking for speed without the distraction of tactile feedback or noise. On the other hand, if you enjoy the auditory feedback and tactile sensation of a clicky switch, the Outemu Blue would be more suitable. Although specific sound and feel characteristics for the Blue are not provided, typically, clicky switches like this offer a more pronounced tactile bump and the satisfying 'click' sound that can enhance the typing experience, especially for typists who appreciate auditory confirmation for each keystroke. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a soft, smooth experience or the distinctive click and tactile feedback that can make typing feel more engaging.
Mentioned in this article
