HMX Lucky vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lucky and Outemu Cold Plum both offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences among users. The HMX Lucky is celebrated for its softer, glittery nylon housings, which contribute to a typing experience characterized as clacky, bouncy, silky, and polished. This lightweight switch is ideal for those who seek a neutral yet deeply satisfying feel, making it a great choice for casual typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum switches provide a more distinct typing experience, featuring a thocky sound profile and robust fully nylon construction. Their smooth keystroke and satisfying auditory feedback are particularly appealing to enthusiasts looking for an enjoyable and immersive typing atmosphere. With the Lucky emphasizing a softer touch and playful sound, while the Cold Plum leans towards a more pronounced auditory experience, users have distinct considerations when choosing their ideal switch. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
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
Comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Cold Plum reveals that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This similarity in material results in a consistent typing experience across both switches. The use of nylon as a classic housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, characteristic of both switches. Since nylon is a softer plastic compared to other materials, it effectively absorbs sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. Consequently, players can expect a uniform acoustic feedback while using either switch, enhancing their overall typing experience.
The benefits of nylon found in both the Lucky and Cold Plum extend beyond just sound. The softness of the material contributes to a more tactile feel when the switches are engaged. This can be especially advantageous for typists and gamers alike, as the reduced harshness can lead to prolonged comfort during extended use. Since both switches share the same bottom housing material, the impact on bottom-out sound and feel remains consistent, providing a reliable and familiar transition from one switch to the other. Consequently, users may notice that their pressing experience is smooth and consistent whether they are using the HMX Lucky or the Outemu Cold Plum.
While the shared nylon housing materials of the Lucky and Cold Plum create similarities in sound and feel, it is essential to consider how the individual characteristics may manifest during usage. For example, if any variation were to exist in a switch's design or internal components, the overall experience could differ slightly despite the same material being employed. Nonetheless, the lack of notable differences in the housing materials suggests that users who enjoy one switch will likely find satisfaction with the other. Thus, both switches offer a synergistic experience centered around the advantages of nylon, making them an appealing choice for enthusiasts seeking that deep, rounded auditory feedback and a comfortable feel.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it's evident that they cater to different preferences regarding actuation and bottom-out forces. The HMX Lucky features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom-out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum has a significantly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom-out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience for those who favor a firmer push feel. Consequently, the Lucky switch is the lighter option, while the Cold Plum is the heavier choice. This difference means that users seeking comfort and endurance during long hours of use might gravitate towards the Lucky switch, whereas those who enjoy a more robust typing experience might opt for the Cold Plum switch.
Travel distance
The HMX Lucky linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it a longer option compared to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference of 0.5 mm highlights the distinct characteristics of each switch: the longer travel distance of the Lucky may provide a more substantial feel for those who appreciate deeper keystrokes, while the shorter distance of the Cold Plum could be preferable for gamers seeking quicker response times. The Lucky's travel distance is closer to the traditional 4.0 mm, offering a more hearty depth, whereas the Cold Plum aligns with the growing trend of shorter travel distances in modern switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for either a deeper, more deliberate keystroke or a snappier, more responsive feel.
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 Cold Plum 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Lucky linear switch produces a clacky sound profile, which is characterized by its sharp and snappy auditory feedback. This type of sound can be crisp and bright, offering a percussive quality that many users find satisfying when typing. The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, on the other hand, is known for its thocky sound profile, which adds a deeper, more resonant quality to each keystroke. This sound creates a unique acoustic experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. Ultimately, while the Lucky provides a lively clack, the Cold Plum offers a deeper thock, catering to different auditory preferences.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lucky switches stand out with a combination of bouncy, silky, and polished characteristics. The bouncy feedback gives users a spring-like sensation, promoting a lively typing experience that is both responsive and enjoyable. The silky aspect enhances this by providing an exceptionally smooth typing surface, minimizing any resistance encountered during use. The polished finish further refines this experience, allowing for reduced friction and seamless key travel. On the other hand, the specific tactile feedback of the Outemu Cold Plum switch is not outlined, leaving a gap in comparisons for this quality. Thus, the Lucky switches excel in their layered feel, which many find comforting and engaging, while the Cold Plum's tactile experience remains an unknown.
In conclusion, the HMX Lucky and Outemu Cold Plum linear switches present distinct sound and feel characteristics appealing to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. While the Lucky switches deliver a clacky auditory experience and a notably smooth and bouncy feel, the Cold Plum's deeper thocky sound may cater to those seeking a unique acoustic profile. The lack of detailed information on the Cold Plum's feel prevents a direct comparison in that aspect, but the enjoyable auditory and tactile qualities of each make them worthy contenders based on what is currently known. Ultimately, users will find satisfaction in either switch by choosing according to their sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it’s essential to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter, more responsive feel and enjoy a lively, bouncy sensation while typing, the HMX Lucky will likely suit you best. Its 43-gram actuation force makes it ideal for rapid keypresses, and its clacky sound profile adds an engaging auditory feedback that can enhance your overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial, solid keystroke with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams, the Outemu Cold Plum switch may be your go-to choice. This switch is known for its thocky sound profile, providing you with a satisfying auditory experience, while its fully nylon construction ensures durability and a unique tactile feedback perfect for those who appreciate distinct key actions. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a lighter, bouncier feel or a heavier, more resonant typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
