HMX Lucky vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Akko Rosewood 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 Akko Rosewood represent two popular options that cater to different preferences. The HMX Lucky's lightweight, glittery nylon housing delivers a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a smooth and effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood creates a robust and thocky sound right out of the box, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant, appealing to those who enjoy an audible feedback in addition to a tactile sensation. While both switches share the linear characteristic, which means they provide smooth key presses without tactile bumps, their unique qualities cater to different typing preferences—whether you prioritize a soft touch or a resonant sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lucky and the Akko Rosewood both feature nylon as their top and bottom housing materials, which contributes to a shared auditory experience as well as similar tactile qualities when typing. Nylon is renowned for its relatively softer plastic composition, which inherently absorbs more sound compared to harder materials like polycarbonate or ABS. This characteristic is pivotal in creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, which is something both keyboards promise to deliver. This similarity suggests that users can expect a consistent sound quality and overall typing experience from both switches, ultimately leading to a duller, rounder auditory feedback for the user.
Both the Lucky and Rosewood employ nylon for their bottom housings as well, reinforcing the consistency of their overall performance. Given that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed, the use of nylon in this context further ensures that users will experience a similar tactile response with either switch. The nylon bottom housing’s ability to dampen sound contributes to an overall quieter typing experience that many users might prefer. Thus, both models offer comparable feedback in terms of impact and acoustics, culminating in a coherent experience from both switches.
While the materials for both the HMX Lucky and Akko Rosewood switches are identical, it is worth noting that the impact on the final sound profile and typing feel partially hinges on the design and assembly of the switches themselves. Each switch might introduce subtle variations based on factors like spring tension and any additional manufacturing nuances. However, as nylon is the primary material for both the top and bottom housings, users will likely enjoy a cohesive sound and feel between the two switches, making it easier to transition from one to the other without significant changes in typing experience. Overall, the shared use of nylon across both models ensures that, regardless of design differences, users can expect a familiar performance in terms of sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, both exhibit light force characteristics, but they differ in their specific measurements. The Lucky switch features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Rosewood switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Consequently, the Lucky switch is the lighter option, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, particularly during long sessions at work or gaming. On the other hand, the Rosewood switch, with its heavier force requirements, offers a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a firmer push when typing. This difference in actuation and bottom out forces highlights the distinct preferences users may have when selecting switches based on their typing and gaming habits.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Lucky has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Rosewood features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the HMX Lucky the shorter option, suited for those who prefer a more responsive feel, as shorter travel distances can facilitate quicker key presses, beneficial for gaming. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, offers a more traditional experience, which some users may find more comfortable and less abrupt. Ultimately, your preference for either switch will depend on whether you prioritize responsiveness or a more substantial key 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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 linear switch offers a relatively neutral and muted acoustic profile, largely due to its softer nylon housing. This design minimizes abrupt sounds upon keypress and release, making it a great option for those who prefer a more understated auditory experience. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood linear switch is celebrated for its distinctively deep and satisfying "thock" sound. The factory-applied lubricant enhances the acoustic quality, ensuring that each keystroke produces a rich and resonant tone straight out of the box. However, it's important to remember that the sound produced by any switch can be influenced by other factors like the choice of keyboard, keycap materials, and even the overall build of the setup.
Regarding feel, the Lucky switch is recognized for its lightweight design, resulting in a typing experience that is both smooth and easy on the fingers. This lightness can contribute to a sense of neutrality, making it versatile across various typing tasks. On the other hand, the Rosewood switch is engineered to deliver a uniquely satisfying tactile sensation that pairs excellently with its sound profile. While the Rosewood switches are also linear, the added lubrication may lend a silkier feel compared to the relatively more straightforward aspect of the Lucky switches.
In summary, while both the HMX Lucky and Akko Rosewood linear switches offer appealing options for keyboard enthusiasts, their differences in sound and feel cater to distinct preferences. The Lucky provides a more subdued auditory experience combined with a lightweight feel, ideal for those who prioritize a neutral typing touch. In contrast, the Rosewood dazzles with its thocky sound and rich tactile sensation, appealing to fans of a deeper acoustic richness. Ultimately, if you favor one aspect over the other, each switch can deliver satisfying results depending on how they complement your overall keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding feel and sound. If you favor a lighter typing experience that feels neutral and deeply satisfying, the HMX Lucky switch, with its 43-gram bottom-out force and softer nylon housing, would be an excellent choice for you. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a smooth, effortless keystroke while maintaining a comfortable typing experience, especially during long sessions. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly heavier touch at 50 grams and crave the deep, thocky sound that adds a unique auditory dimension to each keystroke, the Akko Rosewood switch is likely to resonate with you. Its factory-applied lubricant enhances not only the auditory experience but also the smoothness of each press, making it a great option for users who enjoy tactile feedback accompanied by satisfying acoustics. In the end, consider what aspects are most important to you—whether it’s the lightness and neutrality of the Lucky or the thocky sound and slightly heftier feel of the Rosewood—each switch caters to different preferences, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for every type of typist.
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