HMX Lucky vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the realm of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience. The HMX Lucky switch, with its softer and glittery nylon housing, is celebrated for delivering a satisfying and neutral feel that caters well to casual typists and gamers alike. Its lightweight design makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a smooth, effortless keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch stands out with its emphasis on a quieter typing experience, ideal for environments where noise can be a concern. While both switches offer a linear feel that eliminates tactile bumps, the Lucky switch is known for its more expressive style, whereas the Silent Ocean focuses on a subdued auditory profile. Ultimately, your decision may hinge on whether you prioritize a vibrant typing sensation or a quieter, distraction-free atmosphere. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, one can observe clear distinctions, particularly between their top housings. The Lucky utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for its softer texture, which contributes significantly to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's ability to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a sound output that is both duller and rounder. In contrast, the Dustproof Silent Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing. This stiffer material offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more resonant typing experience. The aesthetic appeal of polycarbonate also plays a role, especially since it is often clearer and thus more compatible with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual aspect of the keyboard.
On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, as the Lucky and the Silent Ocean both employ nylon. This leads to a unified typing experience regarding the bottom housing characteristics. As with the top housing of the Lucky, the nylon used in the bottom housing provides the same deeper and fuller sound profile. This consistency allows for a smoother transition, ensuring that the qualities of the bottom housing are felt primarily during the bottom-out action, where the material's absorption capability can mitigate the impact noise, resulting in a less jarring experience.
Overall, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of these switches creates diverse sound profiles and tactile sensations. While the nylon bottom housing of both switches leads to a similar auditory output during keystrokes, the top housing diverges greatly—one promotes a warmer, muted sound, while the other facilitates a clearer and more pronounced acoustic element. Thus, each switch caters to distinct preferences: users of the Lucky may enjoy a softer typographical experience, whereas fans of the Dustproof Silent Ocean might prefer a sharper and more vivid sound due to the unique properties of polycarbonate. The unique blend of materials ultimately defines the character of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lucky linear switch to the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, distinct differences in weight and feel become apparent. The HMX Lucky switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more delicate touch that facilitates extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users might prefer for its tactile feedback. This means that if you’re looking for a lighter option, the HMX Lucky is the way to go, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel should opt for the Outemu switch. Overall, the Lucky switch is better suited for longer periods of use, whereas the Dustproof Silent Ocean caters to users who appreciate a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The HMX Lucky boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This indicates that the Lucky switch provides a more pronounced key press experience, which some users may prefer for its depth and tactile feedback. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Dustproof Silent Ocean may appeal to gamers or those who prioritize swift response times, though it might feel too abrupt for some users who enjoy a more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches should be guided by personal preferences regarding key travel and response needs, with the Lucky offering a longer travel distance for a more robust 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 Dustproof Silent Ocean 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 sound profile of the HMX Lucky linear switch is characterized by a soft, muted quality that creates a pleasantly subdued typing experience. This is likely due to its lightweight construction and nylon housing, which contribute to a quieter actuation. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch lacks specific sound characteristics mentioned, but it is designed to be silent and is likely tuned to minimize audible noise, making it an excellent option for quiet environments. Regardless of these differences, both switches can produce a relatively low volume sound typical of linear switches, making them suitable for shared or noise-sensitive spaces.
When it comes to feel, the Lucky switch delivers a neutral typing experience that is described as deeply satisfying, likely due to its slick actuation and smooth motion. This switch is engineered to provide a lightweight action that feels effortless and responsive, making it a joy for casual or extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, details about the tactile feedback for the Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch are not provided; however, it is presumably designed to offer a smooth experience as well since it is classified as a linear switch. Therefore, users opting for either switch can expect a smooth keystroke, making both suitable for a comfortable typing experience.
In summary, while the HMX Lucky linear switch provides a defined sound and a fulfilling feel due to its construction, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean's sound profile remains unspecified, although its design aims for muted operation. Both switches emphasize smooth actuation, making them favorable options for users seeking soft and quiet typing experiences. The choice between the two will ultimately boil down to personal preference regarding sound feedback and the enjoyment of a softer actuation.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use them. If you favor a lighter actuation and a more neutral, satisfying typing experience, the HMX Lucky would be an excellent option for you, especially if you're engaged in long typing sessions or if you appreciate a responsive feel that doesn't tire your fingers. Its glittery nylon housings provide a unique aesthetic that can add a touch of personality to your setup. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a shared workspace or require a more robust typing experience, the Dustproof Silent Ocean, with its medium-heavy actuation force, will provide the sturdiness you need while potentially offering added noise-dampening benefits that can keep distractions to a minimum. Although the Dustproof Silent Ocean lacks specific standout features in terms of sound or feel, its heavier resistance can enhance your typing precision and satisfaction for users who prefer a firmer keypress. In summary, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and whether you prioritize weight or noise reduction, as these factors will steer you toward the right switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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