HMX Lucky vs. Outemu Silent White

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Silent White both present appealing options, particularly in the realm of linear switches. The HMX Lucky switch offers a distinctive typing experience characterized by its softer, glittery nylon housings, providing a neutral feel that many users find deeply satisfying. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a lightweight touch, making it a great choice for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White, while lacking notable specifications to highlight, still serves as a compelling option for users seeking a quieter typing experience. The smooth, linear action is designed to minimize noise without compromising response time, making it suitable for shared workspaces or late-night typing. Both switches have their unique strengths, aimed at different types of keyboard users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Lucky Linear

Outemu Silent White Linear

$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 Silent White switches, a notable distinction lies in their top housings. The HMX Lucky utilizes a nylon top housing, which is renowned for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile as a result of its relatively softer plastic nature. This softness allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for delivering a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer structure of the polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it particularly well-suited for those who favor a more pronounced sound, especially in conjunction with RGB lighting, where the translucency of the material can enhance the visual dynamic.

Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals a different story, as they share the same material: nylon. In both the HMX Lucky and Outemu Silent White, the nylon bottom housing contributes to providing a deeper and fuller sound profile during key presses. This consistency in material leads to similar acoustical outcomes when typing, as the softer plastic absorbs sound more effectively than harder alternatives. Given that the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, users will experience a familiar tactile quality across both switches, despite minor differences in their top housings.

Overall, while the HMX Lucky and Outemu Silent White exhibit contrasting characteristics in their top housing materials—with nylon promoting a softer sound and polycarbonate eliciting a sharper tone—their shared nylon bottom housings create a common auditory experience during key presses. This combination of materials results in an intriguing blend of qualities, where the nylon's ability to absorb sound balances out the clarity offered by the polycarbonate above. Thus, users can enjoy a unique typing experience that retains elements of both depth and clarity, catering to a diverse range of preferences.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Lucky boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a gentler touch that allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the Outemu Silent White has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke feel. This difference in force can significantly affect the typing experience: while the Lucky offers a more effortless experience, the Silent White provides a firmer push that some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches largely depends on personal preference, with the HMX Lucky being the lighter option ideal for prolonged use, and the Outemu Silent White appealing to those who prefer a heavier switch for tactile feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, the differences are quite clear. The HMX Lucky features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Silent White has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that for those who favor a more responsive feel for quick key presses, the Silent White might be the preferable choice due to its reduced travel distance, potentially enhancing reaction times during gaming. Conversely, the Lucky, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced feedback which some users may find more satisfying for typing, as they enjoy the deeper keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether one prefers the snappiness of shorter strokes or the comfort of a deeper press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Lucky linear switch produces a softer, more muted tone that many users find pleasant and unobtrusive, largely due to its construction with softer nylon housings. This acoustic profile tends to create a typing experience that minimizes noise without being overly dampened. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch does not have specific sound qualities mentioned, leaving a gap in its comparative acoustic profile. However, it's important to remember that sound is significantly influenced by the specific keyboard build and the choice of keycaps as well.

In terms of feel, the HMX Lucky switch is characterized by a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, making it lightweight and comfortable for prolonged use. It excels in providing a balanced feedback without unnecessary resistance, which is great for typists and gamers alike. The feel of the Outemu Silent White switch remains unspecified, so we cannot directly compare how it might differ from the Lucky in terms of tactility or responsiveness.

In conclusion, while the HMX Lucky linear switch is recognized for its softer sound and deeply satisfying feel, the Outemu Silent White linear switch lacks detailed descriptions in both sound and feel criteria. This makes it challenging to provide a direct comparison about experiential qualities. If you're looking for a satisfying typing experience, the Lucky switch would likely be a better choice, but without specific information on the Silent White, it's hard to determine how they might differ.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and environment. If you favor a lighter keypress with exceptionally smooth feedback, the Lucky switch, with its 43 grams of bottom-out force, promises a responsive and satisfying typing experience, making it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming sessions where every keystroke matters. The softer, glittery nylon housing also contributes to an enjoyable tactile sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance, which can help in preventing accidental key presses, the Silent White switch at 60 grams may be the better choice for you. While the Silent White lacks specific accolades, its medium actuation force can deliver a balanced typing experience that feels steadier, which may be beneficial for prolonged typing tasks or scenarios where you need to be more deliberate in your keystrokes. Consequently, your preferences for feedback and sound levels will play a significant role in your decision, making it crucial to align your choice with your typing style and the acoustics of your environment.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent White Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more