HMX Lucky vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options—HMX Lucky and Outemu Milk Tea—each offer unique characteristics that may appeal to different users. The HMX Lucky, known for its softer and subtly glittery nylon housings, provides a lightweight, linear switch experience that is neutral yet deeply satisfying, making it ideal for those who prefer smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes during both gaming and typing. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea, categorized as a tactile switch, delivers a distinct bump that offers satisfying feedback with each press, appealing to typists who enjoy the connection of feeling their keystrokes register. While the Lucky is perfect for those seeking a fluid typing experience, the Milk Tea caters to users who appreciate tactile sensations and may benefit from precision in their typing. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lucky and Outemu Milk Tea switches, it is evident that they utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly affects their sound profiles. The HMX Lucky employs a nylon top housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. This characteristic enables the nylon to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a duller, rounder sound signature. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea features a Ly top housing, which is recognized for producing a bright sound signature with resonant clacks, creating a more pronounced auditory experience while typing. Therefore, the distinction in top housing materials leads to two unique auditory experiences, with the Lucky offering a muted sound profile and the Milk Tea delivering a sharp, crisp sound.
On the other hand, both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which creates an interesting comparison. The nylon material resonates with a fuller sound profile characteristic that it shares with the HMX Lucky's bottom housing. Both switches, therefore, share similarities in terms of their "bottom-out" feel, suggesting that when the switches are pressed down, a deep and rounded auditory sensation is prevalent in both cases. This unifying aspect of the nylon bottom housing means that the overall impact of the bottom housing on sound and feel will be comparable when typing on either switch, making for a consistent experience in this regard.
However, the overall sound experience when typing will ultimately differ due to the contrasting top housings of the two switches. While the HMX Lucky’s nylon top contributes to a more muted sound, the Outemu Milk Tea’s Ly top produces an engaging and lively auditory output. The tactile sensation during key presses will similarly vary, as the combination of a softer top housing in the Lucky with a rounded sound profile contrasts sharply with the sharp, resonant feedback of the Milk Tea's Ly top. This clear division between the two designs highlights how switching flexibility in materials influences not only the sound profile but also the key feel, revealing the nuanced characteristics inherent to each switch's construction.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, there are notable differences in actuation force, while the bottom out force for the Milk Tea remains unknown. The HMX Lucky has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to press and ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer. While the Lucky's bottom out force is 43 grams, which offers a satisfying resistance when fully pressed, the absence of a specified bottom out force for the Milk Tea makes it difficult to directly compare their overall force dynamics. Consequently, for those who favor lighter switches for comfort over extended use, the Lucky is the clear choice, while users seeking a more pronounced typing experience may lean towards the heavier Milk Tea, though they lack complete bottom out information for that switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Lucky switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Milk Tea switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Lucky switch the shorter option, which could appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, as shorter travel distances tend to facilitate a more responsive experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch provides a greater depth with its 4 mm travel, catering to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Consequently, while both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, the Lucky's shorter travel distance might be more appealing for speed-focused users, whereas the Milk Tea could be favored by those who appreciate a richer typing sensation.
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 Milk Tea 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 HMX Lucky linear switch produces a relatively muted sound profile, which contributes to a quieter typing experience. This can be advantageous in environments where noise could be disruptive, such as shared workspaces. The lightweight nylon housing helps to dampen the sound further, making it feel smooth and refined. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is not as well-documented, leaving its auditory characteristics somewhat unknown. However, the fundamental nature of tactile switches often leads to a more pronounced sound during the actuation, yet this can vary greatly based on the specific board and keycap combinations used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lucky linear switch offers a lightweight and smooth typing experience with a neutral sensation. This can be deeply satisfying for users who prefer a consistent keystroke without tactile bumps, promoting a fluid typing rhythm. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, while lacking detailed descriptions, typically features a tactile response that provides feedback at the actuation point, creating a more engaging typing experience. The tactile nature of such switches is often preferable for typists who enjoy feeling a distinct point of resistance as they press down on the key.
In summary, the HMX Lucky linear switch stands out for its quiet sound profile and smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for those who want a straightforward yet satisfying typing experience. The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch may offer a different tactile feedback that could appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced response during typing, although details on its sound and feel remain unclear. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding auditory and tactile sensations during use, and users seeking different experiences might find satisfaction in either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lightweight and smooth experience with a soft feel, the HMX Lucky switch is an excellent choice. Its 43-gram bottom out force provides a comfortable and effortless typing experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions, especially if you favor gaming or quick-paced writing. In contrast, if you're someone who enjoys feedback in your typing, the tactile sensations of the Outemu Milk Tea switch might be more satisfying for you. While specific details about its sound and feel are unavailable, tactile switches generally provide a pronounced bump that enhances typing accuracy and adds a layer of engagement with each keystroke. Thus, if you favor that tactile feedback and enjoy a more deliberate typing experience, the Milk Tea switch would serve you well. In the end, your choice should reflect your typing preferences—whether you lean towards a smooth, fast-paced experience with the Lucky or a tactile, feedback-driven approach with the Milk Tea.
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