HMX Lucky vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience, and two popular options in the linear switch category are the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Red. The HMX Lucky switch is renowned for its softer, glittery nylon housing, which provides a lightweight and neutral typing experience that many users find deeply satisfying. Its smooth keystroke is ideal for those who prefer a comfortable and quieter typing environment, making it a great choice for both casual and professional use. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch, while lacking a distinct reputation, is also a linear switch and offers a responsive feel that contributes to a seamless typing experience, appealing to gamers and typists alike. Both switches cater to different user preferences, with the Lucky focusing on aesthetics and comfort, while the Outemu Red may serve as a more budget-friendly option for those looking to experience linear switches. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Red switches, a significant distinction arises from their top housing materials. The HMX Lucky utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for its softer characteristics. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, as the nylon effectively absorbs vibrations. In contrast, the Outemu Red features a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer and offers a sharper, crisper sound profile. This clear housing not only enhances audio clarity, but it also allows for optimal RGB lighting effects due to its translucency. Thus, while both switches function effectively, the Lucky's nylon top evokes a warm, muted acoustic experience, while the Red’s polycarbonate housing provides a modern, resonant sharpness.
On the other hand, both the Lucky and the Red share a commonality in their bottom housings, which are manufactured from nylon. This shared material allows both switches to produce a similar sound signature when bottoming out. Nylon's softer composition maintains the deeper, fuller auditory experience during key presses, providing a smooth consistency despite the variance in their top housings. As a result, users can expect a balanced experience between the two switches, as both rely on the properties of nylon below the keycap to deliver that satisfying thock sound when engaged.
In essence, while the differences between the top housing materials create varied acoustic profiles for both switches, the uniformity of the nylon bottom housing allows for a consistent tactile experience. The HMX Lucky benefits from the muffled warmth of nylon, while the Outemu Red gains a distinct musicality thanks to its polycarbonate top. Together, they showcase how the interplay of materials can affect the sound and feel of the switches, illustrating that even with different top material properties, both can deliver satisfying keypresses thanks to their nylon bottoms. Ultimately, users looking for a richer sound may gravitate toward the Lucky, whereas those seeking clarity, especially when utilizing RGB lighting, might prefer the Outemu Red.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, a clear distinction in weight and force requirements emerges. The Lucky switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Red switch features a heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, catering to users who favor a more substantial key press. This means that the Lucky switch is ideal for users looking for a less strenuous typing experience, while the Red switch will appeal to those who appreciate a firmer tactile feedback. Overall, if you're inclined towards lighter switches for comfort or long-term use, the HMX Lucky fits the bill, whereas the Outemu Red serves well for those who lean towards a stronger feel when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is clear that the Lucky has a shorter travel distance at 3.8 mm, while the Red features a travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that for gamers or users looking for quicker response times, the Lucky switch may be more appealing due to its slightly reduced distance, promoting a faster actuation. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial key press and the tactile feedback that comes with a deeper travel might gravitate towards the Outemu Red switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the selection between these switches hinges on personal preference, with the Lucky offering a snappier experience and the Red providing a more traditional, deeper keystroke.
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 Red 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
When it comes to sound characteristics, the HMX Lucky linear switch tends to produce a softer auditory profile owing to its nylon housings, which can result in a more muted typing experience compared to other switches. In contrast, the Outemu Red linear switch does not have specific sound qualities noted, but linear switches generally offer a quiet operation since they lack the tactile bump found in other switch types. It’s important to remember that sound can be influenced by the choice of keyboard construction and keycap material, so users could achieve similar sound profiles for both switches depending on these factors.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lucky switch is lauded for providing a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, perhaps enhanced by its lightweight design that promotes effortless keystrokes. The Outemu Red switch, while not providing in-depth descriptors regarding its feel, is commonly known for its smooth actuation, making it a favorite among users seeking consistent keystrokes. Both switches will likely deliver a pleasant linear typing experience, with a smooth transition from key to key, which is characteristic of linear switches overall.
Overall, the HMX Lucky and Outemu Red switches, while differing in certain qualities, both belong to the linear category and share some foundational characteristics that contribute to a smooth typing experience. Users can expect a quiet operation from both switches, but the Lucky might offer a more nuanced feel that translates to a particularly satisfying experience. If you're considering either switch, you can anticipate a soft sound profile and smooth keystrokes that are optimal for both typing and gaming. The choice may ultimately come down to personal preference regarding the specific feel and aesthetic of the switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Lucky linear switches and Outemu Red linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're someone who prefers a lighter switch with a bottom out force of just 43 grams, the HMX Lucky will likely provide you with a more comfortable experience. Its softer and glittery nylon housing contributes to a neutral and deeply satisfying typing sensation, making it an excellent option for extended typing sessions or casual gaming where you might appreciate a smooth keystroke without the added weight. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more robust feel in your typing, you might prefer the Outemu Red switches, which have a medium bottom out force of 62 grams. These switches can offer a more tactile response and stability, which some users find beneficial during precise gaming or fast-paced typing. Ultimately, it's about finding the balance that feels right for you; both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different types of users. So consider your typing style, usage scenarios, and personal comfort when making your decision.
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