HMX Lucky vs. Outemu Milk Blue

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Milk Blue. The HMX Lucky, a linear switch, is celebrated for its lightweight design and softer nylon housings, which create a smooth and satisfying typing experience ideal for those who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch offers a distinctively clicky experience, providing tactile feedback that many typists find enjoyable for both typing and gaming, making it a favorite for users who appreciate auditory confirmation with each keystroke. While the Lucky is a great choice for individuals seeking a neutral feel and a bit more subtlety, the Milk Blue caters to those looking for a more pronounced and lively response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Lucky Linear

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Lucky and the Outemu Milk Blue switches use different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct auditory experiences during typing. The Lucky features a nylon top housing, renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's softer plastic nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Milk Blue utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer polycarbonate inherently enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, making each keystroke feel more pronounced. Therefore, while the Lucky offers a rounded sound, the Milk Blue delivers a bright, clear auditory experience.

Both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a common ground in terms of the typing feel and base sound profile. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, even though this aspect is complemented by the top housing materials. As such, users will experience similar bottoming-out sounds and tactile feedback when pressing the keys of either switch, despite the differences in their top housings. The shared nylon material in the bottom housing serves to soften the overall sound, ensuring that both switches have a cohesive sound profile when bottomed out.

In summary, the primary contrast between the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Milk Blue lies in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound characteristics. The Lucky's nylon top creates a warmer, deeper sound, while the polycarbonate material in the Milk Blue's top produces a more articulated, higher-pitched sound. However, due to the identical nylon bottom housing in both switches, users can expect a consistent deeper and fuller sound when the keys are bottomed out, illustrating how material choice can interact to shape the overall typing experience across different switch designs.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch to the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, notable differences emerge in the actuation forces. The Lucky switch boasts a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which appeals to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. The bottom out force for the Milk Blue is not available, leaving an unknown in that aspect of its performance. Consequently, users seeking a lighter touch for easier typing would likely favor the Lucky switch, while those who appreciate a firmer keystroke might gravitate towards the heavier Milk Blue. Thus, the Lucky is the lighter option, contrasting with the heavier Milk Blue switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, the travel distance reveals a notable difference in their design and user experience. The Lucky features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Milk Blue has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Lucky the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances can lead to faster actuations. In contrast, the Milk Blue's longer 4 mm travel distance may provide a more substantial feel, which can be appealing for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience when typing. Thus, while both switches serve distinct preferences, the Lucky’s shorter travel distance caters to a more responsive gameplay, whereas the Milk Blue offers a more traditional and deeper keystroke experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Lucky linear switch produces a sound profile that is generally quiet and subdued, making it more suitable for environments where noise is a concern, such as in office settings or shared spaces. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch emits a sharp, distinct click sound with each keystroke, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists enjoy. This makes the Milk Blue particularly appealing for users who appreciate a more tactile and engaging typing experience, as the click sound can enhance the sensation of feedback and confirmation when keys are pressed. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which can either amplify or soften the inherent sound qualities of the switches.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Lucky switch offers a smooth and linear keystroke, which means there is no tactile bump. This provides a consistent resistance throughout the key press, leading to a seamless and fluid typing experience that many users find pleasant and efficient for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue switch features a pronounced tactile bump along with a click mechanism, which creates a more engaging interaction with each keystroke. This tactile feedback can give the typist a greater sense of control and precision while typing, making it particularly favored among those who enjoy typing with a clear indication of when a key has been actuated.

In summary, the HMX Lucky linear switch provides a quieter and smoother typing experience, ideal for those who prioritize a subtle feel and less noise, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch caters to those who appreciate auditory feedback and tactile engagement. Each switch caters to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that resonates with their unique typing style, regardless of their needs for sound or feel. As a newcomer, it's essential to consider your own typing habits and preferences, as both of these switches offer distinctive qualities that might appeal to different typists.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing the right switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a light, smooth, and highly satisfying typing experience, the HMX Lucky linear switch is an excellent choice. Its 43-gram bottom out force makes it ideal for users who prefer a fast and easy keystroke, minimizing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback with an engaging auditory experience, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch could be more suited to you. While the specific sound and feel characteristics of the Milk Blue weren't detailed here, clicky switches are generally known for their distinct auditory feedback that many typists find rewarding. In essence, if you're someone who prioritizes a quieter and more fluid typing experience, lean toward the Lucky; conversely, if you appreciate the sharp click and tactile sensation of each keystroke, go for the Milk Blue.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more