HMX Lucky vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, with variations in sound, feel, and overall typing experience shaping one's decision. The HMX Lucky switch is renowned for its lightweight construction and glittery nylon housing, offering a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience characterized by its clacky, bouncy, silky, and polished qualities. This linear switch appeals to users who prefer a smooth keystroke without the distraction of audible clicks, making it perfect for long typing sessions or gaming where focus is key. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze switch brings a distinct auditory experience to the table, featuring a nylon housing combined with a POM stem. This unique material pairing results in a deeper sound and pronounced click, catering to those who enjoy a tactile feedback and a more pronounced auditory interaction with their keyboard. While each switch has its merits—be it the soft, silky feel of the Lucky or the satisfying click of the Spring Breeze—determining the best option for your needs requires a closer look into their specific characteristics. Let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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
The HMX Lucky and Outemu Spring Breeze switches both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, leading to similarities in their acoustics and tactile experiences. Nylon, known for its softer composition, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This material choice is pivotal, as it absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a dully rounded auditory feedback. As both switches employ nylon in identical configurations for their top and bottom housings, users can expect comparable acoustic performance and typing experience across each switch.
Despite both switches utilizing nylon, the design characteristics and overall feel might still offer unique experiences to typists. Given that the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, the consistency of nylon in both the HMX Lucky and Outemu Spring Breeze ensures a unified experience during keystrokes. However, any variances in individual switch design, spring tension, or keycap compatibility could affect the overall typing experience, making each switch feel subtly different even when the material remains the same.
Ultimately, the HMX Lucky and Outemu Spring Breeze switches both prioritize a sound profile that benefits from the nylon material's acoustic properties. The use of the same housing material suggests that users can achieve similar results in terms of auditory feedback and tactile sensations. Therefore, although the individual switch designs may vary, the commonality of nylon housing establishes a reliable foundation for a pleasant typing experience across both models, maintaining a cohesive character in sound and performance.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, we see notable differences in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lucky switch boasts a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a great option for users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Spring Breeze features a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a more pronounced bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light feel that may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, if you're seeking a switch that feels easier on the fingers for prolonged use, the Lucky is the preferable choice, while the Spring Breeze offers a firmer tactile response for a satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the HMX Lucky is the lighter option, whereas the Outemu Spring Breeze is the heavier switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it becomes clear that they cater to different preferences in tactile feedback and responsiveness. The HMX Lucky has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the shorter option between the two. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional feel many users expect. This difference means that those who prioritize quicker response times and a more responsive keypress may prefer the Lucky, while users who enjoy a more substantial depth and tactile feedback might favor the Spring Breeze. Ultimately, both switches provide unique experiences based on their travel distances, appealing to varying user preferences.
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 Spring Breeze 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 delivers a clacky typing experience, characterized by its crisp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback. This sharp and snappy sound makes it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic response from their keyboard. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch offers a unique auditory quality attributed to its combination of materials, specifically its nylon housing and POM stem. This combination results in a deeper sound profile than many traditional clicky switches, providing a distinctive auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. Given that sound is also influenced by other factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps, both switches will cater to those who prioritize a rich sound but in distinctly different ways.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lucky switch stands out with its bouncy, silky, and polished characteristics. The bouncy action provides a lively and elastic feedback, making typing feel dynamic and responsive. The silky nature of the switch ensures an exceptionally smooth experience with minimized resistance, while the polished finish brings about a refined tactile sensation that enhances the overall typing experience. This makes the Lucky switch a delight for those who enjoy a seamless and satisfying key press. On the other hand, details regarding the feel of the Spring Breeze switch are currently unknown, leaving room for speculation on how it compares in this regard. The assumption would be that being a clicky switch, it might offer a different tactile feedback, but the exact qualities remain to be seen.
In conclusion, while the HMX Lucky linear switch offers a vibrant clacky sound and an outstandingly smooth and responsive feel with its bouncy, silky, and polished characteristics, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch distinguishes itself with a deeper tonal quality due to its specialized material composition. The feel of the Spring Breeze remains to be detailed, creating an area where its character can be compared more directly to the Lucky. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, with both providing unique and engaging typing experiences tailored to differing tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch should hinge on your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound profile. If you favor a lighter actuation force coupled with a smooth, polished experience, the Lucky switch is your go-to. Its clacky sound and bouncy, silky feel provide a delightful typing experience ideal for rapid typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile feedback with a moderately heavier actuation force and don't mind a bit of audible clickiness, then the Spring Breeze will likely suit you better. Its deeper sound profile and distinct response can enhance your typing experience, especially if you appreciate that satisfying auditory feedback. Remember, the decision ultimately boils down to whether you prioritize a lighter, quieter experience or a more pronounced tactile and acoustic enjoyment in your typing journey.
Mentioned in this article
