HMX Lucky vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Gold represent two distinct experiences that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The HMX Lucky, known for its softer and glittery nylon housings, offers a linear switch experience that provides a smooth and satisfying keystroke, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize quietness and swift, uninterrupted typing. This lightweight option is ideal for users seeking a neutral feel without tactile bumps, allowing for rapid keypresses that enhance overall typing speed. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold, categorized as a clicky switch, delivers a tactile feedback with an audible click that many find gratifying—great for those who enjoy a more pronounced indication of actuation, which can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction. Choosing between these two switches fundamentally comes down to one's personal preference for sound and feel; the HMX Lucky is perfect for a stealthy and fluid operation, while the Outemu Gold caters to individuals who love the classic "click" of a mechanical key. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 Gold, a clear distinction emerges between their top housings, as the Lucky employs nylon while the Gold opts for polycarbonate. The nylon used in the Lucky's top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is characteristic of softer plastics like nylon that naturally absorb sound better than harder counterparts. This results in a typing experience that feels more subdued and rounded. In contrast, the polycarbonate used in the Gold's top housing creates a sharper, crisper sound, lending a high-pitched resonance to each keystroke. This difference not only affects the auditory quality but also brings an aesthetic advantage for the Gold, particularly in setups featuring RGB lighting, since polycarbonate is translucent and allows light to permeate beautifully.
Interestingly, both the Lucky and the Gold share the same nylon material in their bottom housings, leading to a consistent auditory experience. In both switches, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound profile due to its sound-absorbing properties. This means that while the top haptics may differ significantly—offering either a rounder sound from the nylon or a clearer sound from the polycarbonate—the user can expect similar feelings and tonal qualities when bottoming out the key, as both switches utilize the same material composition in their bases. This duality allows users to appreciate the nuanced effects of different top housing materials while still enjoying the consistent auditory foundation provided by nylon bottoms.
In essence, while the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Gold display contrasting characteristics in their top housing materials, they share commonalities in their bottom housings. This hybrid approach allows for a diverse typing experience, where the sound profile can shift based on which switch is engaged. Therefore, although one switch might produce a muted sound due to its nylon top, and the other a sharper tone from its polycarbonate counterpart, the similarities in their nylon bottom housings ensure a cohesive feel during usage. This design consideration allows enthusiasts to choose between the two based on their sound preference without sacrificing the fundamental tactile feedback that both switches offer.
Weight
The HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force, catering to distinct user preferences. The Lucky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it suitable for those who favor effortless typing and longer usage without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Gold switch features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feel and sturdiness in their keystrokes. This means that the Gold switch provides a more forceful typing experience, which may be preferred by typists and gamers who appreciate tactile feedback. Ultimately, for users seeking a lighter option for extended periods of usage, the HMX Lucky switch is the better choice, while the Outemu Gold is ideal for those who prefer a heavier and more tactile engagement.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it is evident that they differ slightly. The HMX Lucky has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Gold features a travel distance of 4 mm. This places the Lucky in the category of shorter travel switches, which can provide quicker response times favored by gamers, whereas the Gold's 4 mm travel distance aligns with a more traditional depth that some users may prefer for a more substantial feel during typing. Thus, those seeking responsiveness might lean towards the Lucky, while those who enjoy a heartier press may opt for the Gold switch. In summary, the Lucky offers a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Gold's 4 mm distance is the longer of the two.
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 Gold 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 quiet and smooth auditory experience, making it suitable for environments where noise can be distracting. In contrast, the Outemu Gold clicky switch produces an audible click with every keystroke, providing clear auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. This difference means that if you prefer a more muted setup, the Lucky would be your go-to, while those who enjoy a pronounced sound will likely gravitate towards the Gold.
In terms of feel, the Lucky switch provides a neutral and incredibly smooth typing experience thanks to its lightweight design and softer nylon housings. This can result in less finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gold's clicky nature offers a tactile bump, which can enhance the typing experience for users who appreciate that physical feedback with each press. While both switches aim to satisfy typists, their approaches to feel cater to different preferences, with the Lucky leaning towards seamless gliding and the Gold emphasizing tactile notification.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch present distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Lucky is ideal for those seeking a quiet, smooth typing experience, while the Gold appeals to users who enjoy audible feedback and tactile response. As such, your choice between these switches will largely depend on whether you prioritize a more serene typing environment or crave the satisfying click that enhances each keystroke.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, your personal preferences and typing needs should guide your decision. If you favor a lighter touch with a smooth, linear feel that provides a satisfying and neutral typing experience, the HMX Lucky is your ideal choice. It’s perfect for tasks that involve fast and frequent keystrokes, such as gaming or coding, where a gentle actuation can enhance your performance and comfort. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and a more resistant keypress that provides auditory and physical feedback, the Outemu Gold with its medium bottom-out force might suit you better. This switch is particularly beneficial for typists who enjoy the clicky sensation, as it helps confirm key presses, especially in a typing-heavy environment. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, whether you lean towards a lighter, smoother experience or a firmer, clicky tactile pleasure.
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