HMX Lucky vs. Outemu Ocean

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Ocean each bring their unique characteristics to the table, catering to different typing preferences. The HMX Lucky, a linear switch, is renowned for its softer, glittery nylon housing, providing a lightweight and neutral typing experience that many find deeply satisfying for both typing and gaming. Its smooth keystrokes offer an uninterrupted flow, perfect for users who prefer a subtle, quiet touch without tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean is a tactile switch that presents a distinct typing sensation, offering noticeable feedback during keypresses which can enhance typing accuracy and provide a more engaging experience for those who enjoy a deeper connection with each stroke. While the Lucky excels in smoothness and comfort, the Ocean's tactile feel can make it ideal for typists who appreciate the sensation of each keypress. 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 Ocean Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX Lucky and the Outemu Ocean exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the sound profiles of each switch. The Lucky is constructed with a nylon top housing, a material celebrated for its sound-dampening properties. Nylon's inherent softness allows it to absorb sound waves effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing, contrasting with the sharper acoustic response of the Outemu Ocean's polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate's stiffer structure contributes to a crisper and more resonant sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback. Thus, while both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience, they cater to divergent preferences in sound characteristics.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Ocean utilize nylon, which levels the playing field in terms of the overall sound experience they provide. Nylon's acoustic qualities ensure a deeper and rounder sound profile, regardless of the differing materials in the top housings. This shared material for the bottom housing means users will experience similar sound dampening as they press the keys down, emphasizing a softer auditory response during bottoming out. The characteristics imparted by the nylon bottom housing unify the sound experience across both switch types, creating a balance that may appeal to typists who enjoy a fuller sound.

In summary, while the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Ocean differ in their top housing materials—nylon vs. polycarbonate—their shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a rich, deep sound profile upon activation. Users will notice the distinction between how each switch sounds during release, shaped by the top housing material, while the bottom housing provides a consistent foundation of acoustic softness. Therefore, whether one opts for the rounded sound of the Lucky or the clearer delineation of the Ocean, the presence of nylon in the bottom housing plays a crucial role in harmonizing the auditory experience during key presses.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, significant differences arise in their actuation forces. The Lucky switch features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. In contrast, the Ocean switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a stronger, more substantial typing experience. Notably, the bottom out force for the Ocean switch is unavailable, leaving a gap in direct comparison for that specific metric. Given these details, it’s clear that the Lucky switch is better suited for extended typing sessions or gaming due to its lighter touch, while the Ocean may appeal to users who value a firmer keystroke. Overall, if users are looking for a softer typing experience, the Lucky switch is the optimal choice, whereas the Ocean's higher actuation force is tailored for those who appreciate a heftier feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, the Lucky has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Ocean measures slightly longer at 4 mm. This makes the Lucky the shorter option, which could appeal to gamers or users who favor quick, responsive keystrokes. In contrast, the Ocean's longer travel distance may provide a more traditional typing experience, which some users find more comfortable, offering a greater sense of depth when pressing the keys. While both switches offer distinct advantages, those seeking faster response times would lean towards the HMX Lucky, while those who prefer a fuller keystroke might choose the Outemu Ocean.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Lucky linear switch is characterized by a muted, soft thock that provides a pleasant auditory experience without being overly loud, making it suitable for both quiet environments and communal spaces. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch lacks a specific sound description, which leaves its auditory qualities somewhat undetermined. Generally, it’s understood that the sound of a switch can be influenced by the keyboard it is housed in and the keycaps used, so while the Lucky offers a clear directional sound feedback, the Ocean may lead to varied experiences depending on its setup.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Lucky linear switch is known for its smoothness and lightweight action, allowing for rapid keystrokes that make typing effortless and enjoyable. This switch promotes a neutral typing feel, which many users find deeply satisfying as it minimizes finger fatigue over long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, with no clear description provided for its feel, remains an unknown variable in this comparison. Often, tactile switches are designed to offer resistance at a certain point in their travel, providing feedback that helps typists feel when a key has been activated, but without specific details about the Ocean, its tactile performance is hard to define.

In conclusion, the HMX Lucky linear switch stands out with its softer sound profile and satisfying feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quiet, smooth typing experience. The Outemu Ocean tactile switch, while lacking detailed sound and feel descriptions, could present a viable option for users seeking tactile feedback, though much depends on personal preference and keyboard configuration. If you're looking for a straightforward linear feel and sound, the Lucky will reliably deliver, while the Ocean's performance remains a potential mystery waiting to be explored.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, your decision should hinge on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you're looking for. If you favor a lighter keypress with a smooth, satisfying feel, the HMX Lucky switch is a compelling choice, especially if you're in search of a quieter linear experience. This makes it ideal for those who want to type for extended periods without fatigue or distraction, as the 43-gram activation force requires less effort with each stroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback with noticeable bumps to guide your typing, the Outemu Ocean switch would be better suited for you. This tactile experience can enhance typing accuracy for those who enjoy the sensation of a switch actuation. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a light, smooth typing motion or the distinctive feedback of a tactile bump, allowing you to create the most enjoyable keyboard setup that fits your typing style.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

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Outemu Ocean Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more