HMX Lucky vs. Outemu Dustproof Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Dustproof Blue can significantly influence your typing experience. The HMX Lucky, a linear switch, is recognized for its softer, glittery nylon housings that contribute to a smooth and seamless keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a quiet, efficient typing experience without tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Blue features a clicky design that provides an audible and tactile response, appealing to typists who enjoy the satisfying sound and feel of each keypress. This makes the Dustproof Blue an attractive option for users seeking an engaging and responsive typing experience. However, both switches cater to different preferences; the Lucky is perfect for gamers and programmers looking for speed and minimal resistance, while the Dustproof Blue is favored by writers and typists who appreciate the nostalgic click of each keystroke. 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
65g
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 HMX Lucky and the Outemu Dustproof Blue, the differences in their top housing materials significantly influence their overall sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Lucky features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. This material effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Dustproof Blue employs a polycarbonate top housing, which brings a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile characterized by greater clarity and resonance. This difference in materials inherently suggests that typists seeking warmer, muted sounds may prefer the Lucky, while those looking for a crisper auditory feedback would gravitate towards the Dustproof Blue—each offering a distinct auditory experience based on the properties of their respective top housing.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a consistent acoustic characteristic. Both the Lucky and the Dustproof Blue rely on nylon for their bottom housing, enabling them to create deeper and fuller sound profiles during bottoming out. Since nylon is adept at sound absorption, the bottom housing of both switches helps to soften the impact sounds when keys are pressed, producing a uniform experience in terms of sound depth regardless of the differing top materials. This shared bottom housing ensures that while the auditory response may differ during key release, the richness of the sounds produced upon actuation remains constant across both switches, allowing users to experience a cohesive typing sensation.
Ultimately, the overall performance of these switches is a combination of their unique housing materials. The varied top housing materials distinctly impact the tonal qualities of the keystrokes; the Dustproof Blue with its polycarbonate top offers clarity and resonance that can enhance RGB lighting displays, while the Lucky with nylon imparts a softer sound profile. However, because both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, users will experience that characteristic sound dampening effect, creating deep and full typing sounds when a key is pressed down. Thus, while the tonal characteristics during key release differ, both switches will yield profound auditory results during actuation, blending both the clarity of polycarbonate and the warmth of nylon, catering to different user preferences in acoustic and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force reveal their suitability for different typing preferences. The HMX Lucky switch features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. This means that the Lucky switch is considerably lighter than the Dustproof Blue, allowing for quicker key presses and less finger fatigue, while the Blue switch delivers a more tactile feedback that can feel more satisfying for users who favor a firmer keystroke. Overall, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for either a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, there is a notable difference in travel distance that can influence the typing experience. The HMX Lucky has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it a slightly shorter option, while the Outemu Dustproof Blue features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and provides a deeper feel. This means that those who prefer quicker response times and a more immediate actuation may find the Lucky more to their liking. Conversely, typists who enjoy a more pronounced depth when pressing keys will likely appreciate the added 0.2 mm provided by the Outemu Dustproof Blue. In summary, the Lucky's shorter travel distance could appeal to gamers seeking swift keystrokes, whereas the Dustproof Blue may better satisfy users desiring a more substantial keypress.
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 Dustproof 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 quieter experience compared to the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch. The Lucky’s smooth operation means that it produces minimal sound during key presses, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more subdued typing environment. In contrast, the Dustproof Blue switch is characterized by its clicky nature, which produces a distinct and noticeable sound with each keystroke. This audible feedback can be satisfying for typists who enjoy the auditory confirmation of their input, but it may not be ideal in quieter settings.
Regarding feel, the HMX Lucky switch boasts a lightweight and smooth typing experience, providing a sense of neutrality that many find appealing. This gentler actuation contributes to a comfortable typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue over extended sessions. On the other hand, the Dustproof Blue switch features a tactile bump along with its clicky feedback, offering a more pronounced engagement point. This tactile sensation provides a more interactive feel while typing, which can help with precision but may require a bit more force to actuate compared to the lighter Lucky switch.
In summary, both switches cater to different typing preferences, with the HMX Lucky linear switch prioritizing a quiet, smooth feel that lends itself well to extended use in various environments. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch offers audible and tactile feedback that many typists cherish, particularly in environments where sound is less of a concern. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you value a softer, quieter experience or a more engaging, clicky feel when typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter typing experience that is smooth and satisfying, the HMX Lucky is an excellent choice, especially if you're engaged in tasks like gaming or long typing sessions where a quick response and comfortable feel are paramount. The 43-gram bottom-out force allows for effortless key presses, allowing your fingers to glide over the keys without much resistance. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and audible feedback while typing, the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch might be the better option for you. With a heavier 65-gram bottom-out force, these switches provide a satisfying click sound that can enhance the typing experience, making it not just functional but also enjoyable. However, keep in mind that the heavier force may not be as comfortable during extended use for some users. Each switch offers a unique experience, so consider what you value more: a smooth, lighter feel with the Lucky switches or a tactile, clicky engagement with the Dustproof Blues. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and comfort level.
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