HMX Lucky vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often hinge on tactile feel and sound signature, and the HMX Lucky and Durock Piano switches provide distinct yet comparable options. The HMX Lucky is celebrated for its lightweight design and a softer, glittery nylon housing, contributing to a typing experience that many find neutral and deeply satisfying. Its appealing aesthetics and responsive action make it an excellent choice for those who value a smooth and effortless keystroke. On the other hand, Durock Pianos stand out thanks to their unique proprietary material blend, offering a delightful typing experience characterized by a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. This switch is perfect for users who seek a 'bassy,' frictionless, and silky typing sensation that elevates the overall auditory feedback while typing. Each switch has its own distinct personality, catering to different typing styles and preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The HMX Lucky and the Durock Piano are both distinguished in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, particularly due to their use of different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Lucky’s nylon top and bottom housings leverage the traditional advantages of this classic material. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound that many typists find satisfying. This acoustic property enhances the user experience, especially when typing, as it produces a warm and rounded auditory feedback that can be appealing for long sessions.
In contrast, the Durock Piano employs a proprietary POM blend for both its top and bottom housings. While the exact formulation of this POM blend remains undisclosed, it is touted to offer a notably satisfying and deep sound profile, akin to that of the Lucky. POM, known for its rigidity and low friction properties, can still produce a rounded sound but may do so in a slightly different manner than nylon. The Piano’s compositions suggest that even though it diverges in material, the intended audio effect could parallel the acoustic qualities found in nylon, creating a rich and engaging typing experience.
When considering the overall impact of these materials on typing performance, the differences between the HMX Lucky and Durock Piano also hinge on the way each switch reacts during use. Since both switches feature distinct materials for their top and bottom housings, the qualities inherent in each material will influence the sound and feel profiles during operation. The nylon housing of the Lucky will absorb more sound during key releases, while the POM blend of the Piano may deliver a firmer and crisper bottom-out sound. However, despite their differences, users can achieve similarly gratifying results through the tactile feedback and pleasant auditory experience both switches provide, whether through the forgiving nature of nylon or the sturdy resilience of POM.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch with the Durock Piano linear switch, notable differences appear in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lucky switch has a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch has an unspecified actuation force but features a substantially heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which indicates a firmer overall feel. This heavier force might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, while the Lucky is the lighter option with a lower actuation and bottom out force, the Piano is the heavier switch, providing a contrasting tactile experience for users who prioritize a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it's clear that they cater to different preferences. The HMX Lucky boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the shorter option between the two, while the Durock Piano measures in at 4 mm, offering a longer travel experience. For those who value quicker response times and a more responsive feel, the Lucky switch would be the more suitable choice due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, the Piano switch appeals to users who prefer a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, as its longer travel distance provides a more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, the selection between these switches boils down to personal preference for either speed or the tactile feedback of a deeper press.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Lucky switch does not have specific details on its audio profile, but it offers a typing experience that is noted for being neutral and deeply satisfying. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch is characterized by a deep, creamy sound and is often described as having a bassy quality. This means that while the Lucky may provide a satisfying sound, the Piano’s audio signature is richer and more resonant, producing lower frequencies that can enhance the tactile experience during typing.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lucky switch is noted for its lightweight nature, providing a neutral typing experience that many find enjoyable; however, specific tactile descriptions are absent. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch shines with its frictionless and silky feel. The frictionless quality ensures an effortless key press, while the silky aspect contributes to an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. This makes the Piano switches particularly appealing for those seeking a more refined tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while the HMX Lucky switch offers a neutral and satisfying auditory experience paired with a lightweight feel, the Durock Piano switch stands out with its bassy sound profile and effortlessly smooth key presses. If you prioritize a richer auditory experience and a luxuriously smooth feel, the Durock Piano would be the preferable option. However, if a balanced typing experience is what you seek, both switches will deliver enjoyable results, albeit with different characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a lighter touch for your typing or gaming, the Lucky switch, with its bottom-out force of 43 grams, is an excellent option. Its softer nylon housing provides a neutral typing experience that many find deeply satisfying, making it suitable for those who enjoy rapid, responsive keystrokes without feeling fatigued. Alternatively, if you prefer a more substantial feel and a deeper auditory experience, the Durock Piano, with its medium-heavy 63.5 grams of force, may be your ideal choice. Its proprietary material blend offers a silky, frictionless experience, which is complemented by its rich, bassy sound signature. In essence, choose the Lucky if you prioritize lightness and smoothness for a fast-paced or casual typing style, while the Piano is your go-to for a heavier, more tactile type feel combined with an immersive sound profile. Your decision will ultimately come down to whether you value a lighter, smoother feedback versus a denser, satisfying weight with a deeper audio quality.
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