HMX Lucky vs. Outemu Brown

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Brown stand as intriguing options, each appealing to different preferences and typing experiences. The HMX Lucky, a linear switch, is celebrated for its softer and glittery nylon housings, delivering a typing experience that is both neutral and deeply satisfying, making it a great choice for those who prefer a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is a tactile switch that provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, offering users a more interactive typing experience that can enhance typing accuracy and efficiency. While the Lucky switch may appeal to gamers and fast typists seeking fluidity, the Brown switch is often favored by typists who appreciate the feedback of tactile bumps for a more mechanical feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Lucky Linear

Outemu Brown Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Brown switches, we see a noticeable contrast in their top housings. The Lucky utilizes a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic composition. This allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances resonance, creating a more defined sound profile. The aesthetic advantage of polycarbonate, with its translucency, makes it particularly suitable for setups involving RGB lighting, thus appealing to users who seek both functionality and visual appeal in their mechanical keyboards.

Turning to the bottom housings, both the Lucky and the Outemu Brown share a common characteristic, as they both use nylon for their lower sections. This similarity means that the deeper and fuller sound profile attributed to nylon is preserved in both switches when bottoming out. The impact of the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a more subdued and rounded sound at the point of key press. Although the top housings differ significantly, the consistency in bottom housing material ensures that both switches will have comparable sound qualities when it comes to the bottom-out sensation. The user's experience of sound may thus be influenced more by the top housing, while the underlying fullness provided by the nylon bottoms remains constant across the two models.

In examining the overall sound performance of the HMX Lucky and Outemu Brown switches, it becomes apparent that even if their top housings yield different acoustic results, the nylon bottom housings unify their performances at the bottom out point. Users can expect a deeper sound profile when pressing keys down, regardless of the top housing's distinct characteristics. Consequently, while the auditory experience during key release may vary significantly due to the differing top materials, the foundational sound produced by the nylon bottom housings ensures a shared quality that can enhance the typing experience. Thus, both switch types will indeed deliver compelling auditory dynamics, albeit through different aspects of their construction.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch to the Outemu Brown tactile switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Lucky features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it well-suited for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, especially beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Brown requires a higher actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users might appreciate for its tactile feedback. This makes the Lucky lighter overall, catering to those who favor a softer touch, while the Brown's medium-heavy weights may appeal to users seeking a firmer typing experience. Consequently, if you opt for the Lucky switch, you will enjoy a lighter feel, whereas the Brown is more suited to individuals who prefer a stronger push.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, the HMX Lucky features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Brown has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the HMX Lucky the shorter option, catering to those who prefer a more responsive feel during keystrokes. Conversely, the Outemu Brown, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial keystroke experience, which might be favored by users who enjoy a deeper sense of engagement while typing. For gamers seeking quicker response times, the Lucky's shorter travel distance may be more appealing, while typists or gamers who enjoy a tactile bump might appreciate the additional depth of the Brown. Overall, the differences in travel distance highlight varied preferences in keyboard feel and typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Lucky linear switch produces a distinctly smooth and quiet keystroke, allowing for a typing experience that is unobtrusive and pleasant, making it ideal for office settings or shared spaces. In contrast, the Outemu Brown tactile switch features a subtle yet noticeable bump during actuation, producing a slight but satisfying sound that users often find reassuring. However, the sound profile of both switches can significantly vary based on the keyboard they are paired with and the keycap materials.

In terms of feel, the Lucky switch is renowned for its lightweight and neutral typing experience. Its softer nylon housing contributes to a fluid actuation that requires less force, promoting a smooth and comfortable typing journey that many find enjoyable for extended use. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown offers a tactile feedback mechanism that engages typists with its bump at the actuation point. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy for those who prefer a more interactive feel, though it does require a bit more force to press compared to the Lucky switch.

Overall, both the HMX Lucky linear and Outemu Brown tactile switches cater to different preferences, with the Lucky favoring a smooth, quiet experience and the Brown providing tactile feedback. If you're leaning towards a linear switch that prioritizes silence and effortless keystrokes, the Lucky is an excellent choice. Conversely, if you appreciate the reassurance of tactile feedback, the Brown might suit you better. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you value a serene typing environment or engaging tactile responses.

Conclusion

To conclude, when considering whether to choose the HMX Lucky linear switch or the Outemu Brown tactile switch, you should think about your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch that provides a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump, the Lucky would be a fantastic choice. Its 43-gram bottom out force makes it ideal for long typing sessions and rapid keystrokes, perfect for gaming or typing without fatigue. Moreover, if you enjoy a neutral and satisfying typing experience, the Lucky's softer nylon housing enhances that feel, allowing for a delightful tactile sensation. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit more resistance and feedback, the Outemu Brown switch may be more suited to your needs. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, it offers a slight tactile bump that can help improve typing accuracy, making it a solid option for typing-heavy tasks. Therefore, your choice will ultimately depend on whether you favor the lightness and smoothness of the Lucky or the tactility and feedback of the Brown.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more