HMX Lucky vs. Outemu Green

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming needs, the HMX Lucky and Outemu Green switches offer two distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The HMX Lucky, with its softer and glittery nylon housings, provides a lightweight, linear feel that delivers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a quiet, fluid typing experience, especially during long writing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch is characterized by its clicky feedback, offering auditory and tactile cues with each press, which can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy that satisfying "click" sound or who appreciate the enhanced responsiveness in gaming scenarios. While the Lucky switch promotes a neutral and deeply satisfying experience, the Green switch caters to users who thrive on clear, distinct tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Lucky Linear

Outemu Green Clicky

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Green switches, the differences in their top housing materials play a crucial role in defining their sound profiles. The Lucky utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer characteristics that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound. This material effectively absorbs sound, creating a duller, rounder auditory experience that many typists may find pleasant and subdued. In contrast, the Outemu Green features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and provides a crisper and more resonant sound profile. This fundamental difference means that users can expect a noticeable distinction in the acoustics when activating the keys on each switch, with the nylon offering a warmer tone, while the polycarbonate delivers a sharper, more defined sound.

Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing material, which is nylon for both the Lucky and the Green. Since nylon is a classic material known for its ability to absorb sound, both switches will share the deeper and fuller sound characteristics when pressed down. Because the bottom housing significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel of each switch, users will find that the experience will be relatively similar between the two. The nylon bottom housing prompts a more muted response, adding to the overall sensation during typing sessions and ensuring a consistent tactile experience regardless of the differences found in the top housings.

Ultimately, the combination of nylon bottom housings in both switches provides a unique synergy that somewhat reconciles the differences presented by the distinct top housing materials. Though the sound profiles differ during key activation and release due to the varying properties of nylon and polycarbonate, users can still expect a cohesive typing experience. The interactively nuanced sound dynamics and tactile feedback from the nylon base will contribute to a satisfying performance in both switches, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate the strengths of each, even when one is drawn to the fuller tone of the HMX Lucky or the clearer resonance of the Outemu Green.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Lucky switch has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch is significantly heavier, with an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a sturdier typing experience. Consequently, while the Lucky allows for quicker and less strenuous key presses, the Green switch offers substantial resistance that may appeal to typists who prefer a firmer push feel. Thus, if comfort during prolonged use is a priority, the HMX Lucky would be the better choice, while the Outemu Green would suit those who favor heavier switches despite potential fatigue during extended usage.

Travel distance

The HMX Lucky linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Green clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Lucky the shorter of the two switches, appealing to those who favor a more responsive typing experience, particularly gamers who benefit from quicker actuation times. In contrast, the Green switch, with its traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, may be more satisfying for users who appreciate a deeper feel in their keystrokes. As such, while both switches provide a unique typing experience, the Lucky offers speed and responsiveness, whereas the Green caters to those desiring a more pronounced actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, the differences are significant. The Lucky switch is typically quieter, providing a smooth and subtle acoustic profile that doesn’t distract from the typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch is characterized by its distinct clicky sound, which adds an auditory feedback that is both satisfying and attention-grabbing, catering to those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. The choice of keycaps and the keyboard board can further influence these auditory qualities.

In terms of feel, the Lucky linear switch is celebrated for its smooth, consistent keystroke, which provides a neutral and deeply satisfying experience without any tactile bump or noise interruption. This makes it ideal for those who prefer effortless key presses during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Green switch offers a tactile bump that provides feedback distinctively different from the linear style, allowing typists to feel when a key has been actuated. This can enhance accuracy but may not be as preferred for those seeking a quiet and seamless typing experience.

In conclusion, while the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch serve different preferences in typing experience, they each cater to distinct needs. The Lucky provides a soft and smooth sound profile with a nuanced feel, making it fitting for users who enjoy a quieter and easily pressable key. In contrast, the Green's clicky nature offers vibrant auditory and tactile feedback, appealing to those who appreciate a more traditional mechanical typing experience. Your ultimate choice depends on whether you lean towards a minimalist, subdued vibe or a more interactive, clicky sensation.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, you should consider your individual typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lightweight and smooth typing experience with a bottom-out force of just 43 grams, the Lucky switch would be ideal for you. It's perfect for long typing sessions where comfort and reduced fatigue are paramount, as well as for gaming situations that require quick successive key presses. The softer nylon housings of the Lucky create a neutral feel that many find deeply satisfying. On the other hand, if you enjoy the tactile feedback and pronounced auditory response that a heavier switch provides, the Outemu Green with its 80-gram force might be more in line with your style. This switch is suited for typists who appreciate the deliberate actuation of keys, making it a good choice for both typing enthusiasts and those who like the reassuring click sound for their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice boils down to whether you favor a lightweight, smooth typing experience or a sturdier, clicky feedback that enhances your typing performance.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Green Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more