HMX Lucky vs. Outemu Blue Jade

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Blue Jade stand out for their distinct characteristics and user experiences. The Lucky, with its softer and glittery nylon housings, provides a linear switch experience that many find to be highly satisfying and neutral, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, ideal for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade, categorized as a clicky switch, offers a tactile feedback with an audible click that many typists cherish for the satisfying sound and feel it delivers, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate a more pronounced typing experience. Each switch caters to different preferences—whether you lean towards the refined subtlety of the Lucky or the assertive feedback of the Blue Jade—both have their merits. 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

Outemu Blue Jade Clicky

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Lucky and the Outemu Blue Jade keyboards both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housing materials, creating an analogous experience in terms of sound and typing feel. Nylon is celebrated in the keyboard community for its inherent properties that lead to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic stems from nylon's softer composition, which helps absorb sound effectively, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience as opposed to harder plastics that may generate sharper, more brittle sounds. Consequently, users of both the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Blue Jade can expect to enjoy similar acoustic qualities when typing, which promotes a satisfying and muted typing experience.

In examining the bottom housing of both switches, it's noteworthy that the nylon material is consistent across both the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Blue Jade. This uniformity means that both switches will deliver comparable sounds and tactile feedback during the keypress, particularly when the key bottoms out. Since the bottom housing greatly influences the impact and feel of bottoming out, users will notice a cohesion in feedback between the two types of switches. The aspirational notion of a quiet and softer typing experience is achieved through both, as each switch's performance benefits from the sound dampening qualities of nylon.

Distinctly, while the nylon materials in both the top and bottom housings of the HMX Lucky and Outemu Blue Jade are akin, there could be variations, albeit minor, based on the design and calibration of individual switches. However, given that both switches share the same material throughout, any slight differences would likely be overshadowed by the dominance of nylon's acoustic properties. Thus, regardless of specific design nuances, users can confidently anticipate consistent auditory and tactile satisfaction from either option, aligning them closely in performance characteristics while embracing the same foundational material advantages.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Lucky switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, contrasting with the heavier 50 grams required by the Blue Jade for actuation. Similarly, the bottom out force for the Lucky switch is 43 grams, while the Blue Jade’s bottom out force is significantly heavier at 65 grams. This makes the Lucky switch ideal for those who prefer a lighter feel, allowing for extended typing sessions and greater comfort during long periods of use. In contrast, the heavier forces of the Blue Jade offer a more substantial tactile experience, catering to users who favor a firmer push. Overall, the Lucky linear switch is the lighter option, while the Blue Jade clicky switch provides a more robust typing experience due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch differ in their travel distances, with the Lucky having a travel distance of 3.8 mm and the Blue Jade at 4 mm. This makes the Lucky the shorter of the two switches, offering a more responsive feel that some gamers may prefer for quicker keypresses. In contrast, the Blue Jade's longer travel distance of 4 mm provides a more satisfying depth of press, which can be appealing to those who appreciate a tactile response when typing. If you're aiming for fast actuation, the Lucky might be the better choice; however, if you enjoy a more pronounced keypress, the Blue Jade will suit you well.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Lucky linear switches have a reputation for being relatively quiet, allowing for a subdued typing experience that is less disruptive in shared spaces. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switches offer a more pronounced auditory feedback with their tactile click, creating a satisfying "snap" with each keypress. This difference in sound profiles makes the Lucky switches optimal for environments where noise might be a concern, while the Blue Jades are better suited for those who appreciate the auditory cues to enhance their typing experience.

In terms of feel, the Lucky linear switches are praised for their lightweight and smooth action, providing a neutral typing experience that is described as deeply satisfying due to their consistent keystroke without any tactile bump. On the other hand, the Blue Jade switches deliver a clear tactile feedback that users often find engages the fingers differently. The clicky nature of the Blue Jade allows for a more interactive feel, making it easier for typists to know when a key has been actuated, which can enhance typing precision for some users.

Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lucky's softer and quieter characteristics appeal to those who favor a smooth and private typing experience, while the Blue Jade’s clicky and tactile nature attracts those who thrive on audible feedback and a more engaged typing feel. Depending on your priorities—whether it's a stealthy linear performance or an audible, tactile experience—you can expect each switch to cater to those needs effectively.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a lighter key feel and prefer a smooth, quiet typing experience, the Lucky switch is the way to go. With its 43 grams of bottom-out force, it offers a gentle and satisfying tactile response that is ideal for long typing sessions or for those who prefer a more understated feedback while gaming or working. On the other hand, if you relish the sensation of a more pronounced tactile bump and find satisfaction in auditory feedback, the Blue Jade switch, with its medium-heavy 65 grams bottom-out force, will likely suit you better. The Clicky feel offers a unique experience that many gamers and typists appreciate, making it a suitable choice for those who thrive on audible and tactile cues in their typing or gaming adventures. In the end, whether you opt for the smooth delight of the Lucky or the tactile joy of the Blue Jade, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different styles of usage.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Blue Jade Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more