HMX Lucky vs. Outemu Purple

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, players and typists often weigh the benefits of linear and tactile options to find their perfect match. The HMX Lucky switch, renowned for its softer, glittery nylon housing, delivers a lightweight typing experience that feels refreshing and neutral—ideal for those who favor a smooth keystroke without any tactile bumps. In contrast, the Outemu Purple switch provides a tactile feedback that many users find satisfying for typists who appreciate sensory cues with each keypress. The distinction between these two lies in the individual preferences for feel: while the Lucky offers a swift and uninterrupted glide perfect for gaming, the Purple caters to those who enjoy the reassurance of a tactile response that enhances typing accuracy. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Lucky Linear

Outemu Purple Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Purple switches, it is evident that there is a distinct contrast between their top housings, while their bottom housings share a commonality. The HMX Lucky features a nylon top housing, characterized by its softer plastic composition that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This softness allows the material to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and less sharp auditory experience. Conversely, the Outemu Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic that produces a higher-pitched and crisper sound. The tonal qualities of polycarbonate lend themselves to a clearer and more resonant acoustic performance, an essential aspect for those who prioritize an impactful audio feedback while typing, particularly when used with RGB lighting due to its translucence.

Moving to the bottom housings, both the HMX Lucky and Outemu Purple share the same material—nylon. This alignment means that despite the differences in their top housings, both switches will exhibit similar sound characteristics when it comes to the impact of bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing in both switches emphasizes a deeper sound profile, absorbing vibrations and providing a muted auditory response when the switch is pressed down completely. As such, even though users may notice a difference in sound when the key is released due to the distinct top housing materials, the overall typing experience retains a cohesive warmth and fullness owing to the shared nylon composition below.

In summary, while the HMX Lucky and Outemu Purple switches differentiate significantly through their top housing materials—nylon for the Lucky and polycarbonate for the Purple—their bottom housings provide a unifying factor. The nylon bottom housing in both models ensures that users experience the same deeper tonal qualities during key presses, thereby delivering a consistent and rich sound profile. However, the contrast in top housing materials means that users can expect varied auditory feedback upon releasing the keys, highlighting how the interplay of different housing materials can influence the overall typing experience.

Weight

In comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, we see that the actuation force of the Lucky is 37 grams, making it a lighter option, while the Purple has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, rendering it heavier. This difference in actuation force suggests that users may find the Lucky more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming due to its lower resistance. Additionally, the Lucky switch features a bottom out force of 43 grams, which indicates that it offers a softer landing when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Purple switch is unavailable, making it difficult to compare the overall experience at maximum depression. Therefore, while the HMX Lucky linear switch is ideal for those seeking a lighter and softer typing experience, the Outemu Purple tactile switch, with its higher actuation force, might cater to those preferring a firmer push for a more substantial feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Lucky has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Purple features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Lucky the shorter option, favored by those who prefer quicker response times, particularly important in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback and depth in their keystrokes. While the difference in travel distance is relatively minimal, it illustrates the divergent preferences among users regarding switch feel and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Lucky linear switch is known for producing a subtle, muted thock, making it a quieter option ideal for both office environments and late-night typing sessions. This sound profile is generally more subdued compared to tactile or clicky switches, contributing to a serene typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Purple tactile switch has a distinct and prominent sound as it provides tactile feedback, creating a noticeable click upon actuation. However, the actual sound experience may vary significantly based on factors like the keyboard's build quality, type of keycaps used, and any dampening materials incorporated, so users could research further for personalized results.

In terms of feel, the HMX Lucky linear switch offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience. With its lightweight design and softer nylon housing, typists often find the Lucky to provide a pleasing and fluid typing motion without any tactile bumps or resistance that might disrupt their rhythm. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch gives a more engaging and responsive feel, characterized by a clear tactile bump that informs the user when the switch is actuated. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy for some users, though it may not be preferred by those seeking an uninterrupted keypress.

Overall, users will have quite different experiences between the HMX Lucky linear and the Outemu Purple tactile switches. The Lucky's quieter, smoother operation makes it an excellent choice for those who favor a minimalistic typing experience, while the Purple offers a more interactive feel with its tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference, one might opt for the Lucky for a serene workspace or the Purple for a more engaging typing experience; ultimately, both switches cater to different typing styles, and the choice comes down to individual taste.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a smooth and neutral typing experience, the Lucky is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a subtle and satisfying feedback with a softer touch. Its lightweight nature makes it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming where swift keystrokes are advantageous. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback that helps you feel when a key is actuated, the Outemu Purple switch would be the better option. Although details about the Purple's sound and feel are unavailable, tactile switches generally provide a noticeable bump, which can enhance typing accuracy and provide a more engaging experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value the lightweight smoothness of the Lucky or the tactile response of the Purple, as both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Purple Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more