HMX Lucky vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Crystal Brown offer two distinct experiences catered to different typing preferences. The HMX Lucky is a linear switch celebrated for its softer, glittery nylon housings, providing a lightweight and neutral typing experience that many users find deeply satisfying. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming or rapid typing without distractions. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown is a tactile switch designed for users who appreciate a noticeable bump at the actuation point, offering a blend of tactile responsiveness that can enhance typing accuracy while providing satisfying feedback. 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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 HMX Lucky and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches, a notable distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Lucky features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This softness helps to absorb sound, resulting in a more muted acoustic experience. In contrast, the Crystal Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer composition of polycarbonate enhances resonance and clarity, creating a brighter auditory output when typing. This means that while users of both switches can enjoy different sound characteristics, the Lucky provides a warmer experience, while the Crystal Brown glows with a more defined and high-pitched tone.
Interestingly, both switches feature nylon in their bottom housing, which leads to similarities in the way they perform at the base of each keystroke. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller feel when pressing down on the keys, similarly impacting the bottom-out sound. This shared material ensures that when both switches are depressed, users experience a similar tactile feedback, characterized by a cushioned and rounded auditory response. Therefore, despite the variations in top housing, the bottom housing keeps certain acoustic characteristics consistent across both switches, allowing for a somewhat familiar feel when the keys are pressed down.
Ultimately, the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of these switches reflect the unique combination of materials used in their construction. Although the top housing of the Outemu Crystal Brown offers a brighter and more resonant sound, this is balanced by the presence of nylon in the bottom housing, contributing to a unified and deeper punch upon actuation. Conversely, the HMX Lucky’s softer top housing complements its nylon bottom housing to create a warm and muffled experience. In this way, while the two switches showcase contrasting aesthetics and audio characteristics, their core tactile sensation during typing evokes some commonalities, demonstrating how specific housing materials can dramatically influence the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The HMX Lucky features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to engage. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial keystroke feel. These specifications indicate that while the Lucky is lighter and facilitates quicker typing with reduced fatigue, the Crystal Brown offers a medium-light experience that some users may prefer for enhanced tactile feedback. Thus, those seeking a lighter switch for comfort would likely gravitate towards the Lucky, while those desiring a stronger push feel would find the Crystal Brown more satisfying.
Travel distance
The HMX Lucky linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Lucky switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Crystal Brown. With the Lucky's distance being slightly less than the more traditional 4.0 mm, it may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the Crystal Brown may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper, more tactile experience. Therefore, if you value responsiveness and quick actuation, the Lucky switch could be the ideal choice, whereas the Crystal Brown might suit those who prefer a more cushioned and gradual key press. In summary, the Lucky has the shorter travel distance, making it more suitable for fast-paced gaming, while the Crystal Brown's longer travel distance caters to users seeking a more pronounced tactile feedback.
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 Crystal Brown 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
The HMX Lucky linear switch provides a typing experience that is relatively quiet due to its linear nature, which eliminates the clicky sounds often found in tactile or clicky switches. The encapsulation of the switch in softer nylon housing contributes to a more subdued sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, while also offering a smoother operation compared to clicky switches, adds some auditory feedback through its tactile bump. However, the extent of the sound difference can depend heavily on the keycaps and keyboard plate used. Ultimately, if sound is a key concern, the Lucky offers a quieter experience, while the Crystal Brown has a slight auditory distinction tied to its tactile response.
When it comes to feel, the Lucky switch is characterized by its lightweight design, which provides a smooth and consistent keystroke with minimal resistance and no tactile bump. This results in an effortless typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more fluid motion. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown switch introduces a tactile bump that gives the user a perceptible indication of actuation. This tactile feedback can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a more interactive feel, especially for typists who rely on that subtle cue to determine when a key has been pressed.
In conclusion, the HMX Lucky linear switch is tailored for users seeking a soft, quiet, and smooth typing experience without tactile interruptions, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch offers a more engaging feel through its tactile feedback, accompanied by a slightly different sound profile. Choosing between these two will largely depend on personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback, but each offers a distinct experience that can satisfy different typing needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you’re seeking a smoother, quieter typing experience with a light keystroke force, the HMX Lucky switch is an excellent option. Its 43 grams bottom-out force makes it ideal for fast typing or gaming, as the lighter touch can help reduce finger fatigue over extended sessions while still providing a satisfying feel. On the other hand, if you prefer some tactile feedback to your keystrokes, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch, with its medium-light 55 grams actuation force, offers a balance between comfort and responsiveness. This switch is better suited for those who appreciate a slight bump during typing, which can enhance typing accuracy and allow for a more engaged experience. Ultimately, consider your typing style and whether you prioritize a linear, smooth keystroke or a tactile sensation when making your decision, as both switches cater to distinct preferences that can significantly affect your overall keyboard experience.
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