HMX Lucky vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Silent Ocean each offer unique advantages that cater to different user preferences. The HMX Lucky switches are celebrated for their softer, glittery nylon housings, delivering a lightweight typing experience that is both neutral and deeply satisfying, making them an excellent choice for typists who prioritize comfort and a smooth keystroke. On the other hand, while the Outemu Silent Ocean switches may lack standout features, they are specifically designed to reduce noise, which is ideal for users in shared spaces or those who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the responsiveness of a linear switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: whether you seek the tactile satisfaction of the Lucky or the tranquility of the Silent Ocean. 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
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 housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches, one immediately notices a distinction in the top housing composition. The Lucky utilizes a nylon top housing, which imparts a deeper and more resonant sound profile to the switch, thanks to nylon's softer plastic characteristics. This material has a tendency to absorb sound, resulting in a muted and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Silent Ocean is fitted with a polycarbonate top housing, which is notable for its stiffness and translucency, yielding a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This difference is significant for users who prioritize auditory feedback while typing, as the choice of top housing material fundamentally alters the tonal quality of each switch during operation.
On the other hand, both the HMX Lucky and Outemu Silent Ocean share a commonality in their bottom housing composition, with both switches employing nylon material. This uniformity means that when it comes to the bottom housing, they will elicit a deeper, fuller sound profile reminiscent of the nylon's sound-absorbing properties. As the bottom housing plays a substantial role in determining the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, users will find a consistent, rounded auditory experience regardless of the contrasting top housing materials. This shared use of nylon could be particularly appealing to users who appreciate a rich, subdued sound when they bottom out the keys.
The interplay between the different top and bottom housing materials in both switches illustrates how these components work in tandem to shape the overall typing experience. While the contrasting materials may lead to divergent sound profiles during key release (thanks to the nylon in the Lucky and the polycarbonate in the Silent Ocean), the nylon bottom housing ensures a similar feeling and sound when the keys are pressed down. Consequently, users looking to achieve a deeper auditory sensation while maintaining a certain level of sharpness may find both switches suitable, albeit for slightly different reasons. Therefore, depending on individual preferences regarding sound and feel, either switch can provide gratifying results, leveraging their unique material characteristics effectively.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force that could influence a user's typing experience. The HMX Lucky features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for long typing sessions or extended gaming. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Ocean has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to users who favor a more tactile, substantial feel when pressing keys. This contrast indicates that while the Lucky switch provides a softer typing experience, which can reduce fatigue during lengthy use, the Silent Ocean switch caters to those looking for more resistance and feedback. As a result, the HMX Lucky switch is the lighter option, while the Outemu Silent Ocean stands out as the heavier choice in this comparison.
Travel distance
The HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch offer different travel distances that can influence user experience. The Lucky has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the shorter of the two options, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Silent Ocean features a travel distance of 4 mm, aligning more with traditional preferences for deeper key presses. While both switches provide a linear feel, the Lucky's shorter travel distance could be perceived as more responsive, while the Silent Ocean's greater travel depth may offer a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a substantial key press. Thus, if you prioritize speed, the Lucky is the superior choice, whereas if you enjoy a deeper, more deliberate actuation, the Silent Ocean may be more suitable.
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 Silent Ocean 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, the HMX Lucky linear switch provides a subtle acoustic profile that is pleasing and unobtrusive, ideal for those who desire a quieter typing experience without sacrificing engagement. Its nylon housing contributes to the overall sound by reducing vibrations, creating a more muted, yet satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, while specific sound characteristics for the Outemu Silent Ocean are not detailed, the nature of a silent switch typically implies it produces minimal noise, aiming for a near-silent operation very conducive to quiet environments. This means users can generally expect a subdued sound signature from the Silent Ocean, yet it’s essential to note that the overall sound can still be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Lucky linear switch is praised for its lightweight design that supports smooth and effortless keystrokes, allowing for a neutral and enjoyable typing experience. Its construction encourages a consistent feel from the top to the bottom of the keystroke, making it a great choice for users who enjoy a seamless and responsive typing experience. Conversely, while there isn’t specific information on the feel of the Silent Ocean switches, linear switches of this type typically offer a similarly smooth keypress with a linear progression that is free of tactile bumps. Thus, users may also expect a generally pleasant and consistent feel with the Silent Ocean, contributing to an overall smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch have qualities that cater well to users seeking a smooth typing experience, though the Lucky switch is specifically highlighted for its appealing sound and satisfying feel. While the Silent Ocean is designed for quieter operation, the absence of detailed characteristics leaves some aspects to be experienced personally. Ultimately, users may find similar results in terms of smoothness and typing satisfaction from both switches, enabling choices based on sound preference and overall typing environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, your choice should largely hinge on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force. If you prefer a lighter switch that provides a neutral and satisfying typing experience, then the HMX Lucky is an excellent option. Its 43-gram bottom out force makes it ideal for those who enjoy a softer touch, perfect for extended typing sessions without fatigue. Alternatively, if you desire a more robust and slightly heavier typing feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean, with its 65-gram bottom out force, may be the better fit. While it doesn't have standout features, its medium-heavy resistance can cater to heavier typists who prefer a more deliberate keystroke. In terms of sound, the exact characteristics of both switches are not detailed, but consider that the quieter operation of the Silent Ocean may be preferable in shared spaces. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you seek a light, responsive feel for casual use or a firmer, more substantial typing experience for focused work.
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