HMX Lucky vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lucky and the KTT Phalaenopsis offer distinct experiences catering to different typing preferences. The HMX Lucky is celebrated for its softer, glittery nylon housing, which provides a neutral and satisfying feel. Characterized as a linear switch, it delivers smooth keystrokes without any tactile bumps, making it an excellent choice for those who favor fluidity and speed in their typing. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis, known for its beautiful translucent design, boasts a light actuation force of just 37g, easing finger fatigue during lengthy sessions. This tactile switch features a 50g tactile bump that enhances feedback with each keystroke, appealing to users who appreciate a more deliberate typing experience. While the Lucky excels in smoothness, the Phalaenopsis thrives on tactile satisfaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches, notable differences arise that significantly influence their sound profiles. The HMX Lucky features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its softer plastic properties. This unique quality allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Conversely, the KTT Phalaenopsis sports a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer structure which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for setups with RGB lighting, as it enhances the visual effects by allowing light to pass through, creating an engaging aesthetic experience that the nylon housing cannot match.
The differences in bottom housing materials further accentuate the unique characteristics of each switch. Both the HMX Lucky and KTT Phalaenopsis have nylon and polycarbonate as their respective bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing similarly contributes to the rounded sound profile that users experience, allowing for a warm, muted bottom-out feel. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom of the Phalaenopsis adds to its overall crispness, delivering a more clear and resonant typing experience. This division of materials means that the sound and feel produced during each keystroke comes from a combination of both top and bottom housings, influencing the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, while the HMX Lucky and KTT Phalaenopsis use different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct sound characteristics, the presence of nylon and polycarbonate in their bottom housings allows them to share some common ground. Both switches can offer a unique typing experience shaped by the interplay of materials; however, users will notice a divergence in sound clarity and depth based on the varying properties between nylon and polycarbonate. The resulting sound profiles and tactile encounters—while distinct—illustrate how both materials can be used strategically to curate unique auditory and tactile experiences in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, both switches demonstrate an identical actuation force of 37 grams, indicating that either switch will allow for a similar feel when initiating a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces reveal a notable difference; the Lucky switch has a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Phalaenopsis is heavier at 50 grams. This means that while the actuation experience is the same, the Phalaenopsis switch requires additional force to fully bottom out, providing a more substantial feel for users who prefer a stronger push. For those seeking a lighter typing experience for extended use, the Lucky switch would be the better choice, whereas the Phalaenopsis would appeal to those who favor a firmer keystroke response. Thus, while both switches are light in their actuation forces, the overall weight of the switches diverges in their bottom out characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, the Lucky has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Phalaenopsis measures 4 mm. This indicates that the Phalaenopsis offers a slightly deeper press, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback when keying in, making it a better fit for those who prefer the traditional depth of keystrokes. In contrast, the Lucky's shorter distance caters to gamers and rapid typists who appreciate quicker response times and less travel for each key press. Therefore, if you favor a more immediate feedback with less key travel, the HMX Lucky would be the preferable choice, while the KTT Phalaenopsis is better suited for those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience.
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 KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, the differences are notable. The Lucky switch is characterized by a more subdued auditory signature typical of linear switches, which produces a soft and relatively quiet sound when the key is pressed and released. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis switch delivers a more resonant acoustic experience with its bassy and thocky qualities, creating a deeper sound that is rich and satisfying. This deeper sound profile is often associated with tactile switches due to the unique way they engage and disengage, leading to a more pronounced auditory experience during typing.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lucky switches offer a lightweight and neutral typing experience that is very accessible for users. However, the specifics of this characteristic are not elaborated upon. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch features a distinct tactile bump due to its stepped design. This design provides a discernible point during actuation that allows typists to experience a satisfying feedback with each keystroke. The combination of a light actuation force of 37g and the tactile bump makes the Phalaenopsis switches feel effortlessly responsive, minimizing finger fatigue and offering a great typing experience throughout extended sessions.
Bringing together all the information, the HMX Lucky linear switch and KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch cater to different typing preferences. The Lucky switch offers a smoother, quieter experience ideal for those who prefer a minimalist sound and a seamless typing feel. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis brings a joyful tactile feedback and a richer auditory experience, making it suitable for users who appreciate noticeable key presses and satisfying sound. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on your personal preference for tactile feedback and acoustic experience, but both switches can provide rewarding typing experiences in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and what you seek in your mechanical keyboard experience. If you prefer a smoother and lighter typing feel, the Lucky, with its 43g bottom-out force and softer nylon housing, will deliver a satisfying and neutral experience, making it ideal for fast typing and gaming where quick key presses are essential. Its linear nature means that you won’t experience any tactile feedback, perfect for those who like a seamless keystroke without interruptions. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile sensation with a bit more resistance, the Phalaenopsis is an excellent choice, boasting a 50g bottom-out force that offers a satisfying tactile bump. This switch is best for typists who appreciate a more deliberate keystroke, making it a great option for writing or programming, especially during long sessions where you want minimal finger fatigue. Additionally, the Phalaenopsis’s deeper, thocky sound adds a rich auditory element to your typing experience, enhancing the overall satisfaction. In summary, your choice should reflect whether you lean towards the smooth, lightweight nature of the Lucky or the tactile feedback and acoustic richness of the Phalaenopsis.
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