HMX Lucky vs. Huano Sakura

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lucky and Huano Sakura are two excellent linear options that cater to different typing preferences. The Lucky switch is celebrated for its softer, glittery nylon housings, providing a lightweight feel that translates into a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Sakura switch offers a feather-light touch complemented by medium acoustics, making it particularly appealing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. While the Lucky switch excels in delivering a cushioned feedback that many typists favor, the Sakura's acoustic profile strikes a balance between silence and subtle sound, perfect for those who prefer a quieter workspace. Both switches offer unique advantages, but choosing between them ultimately depends on your specific typing style and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Lucky Linear

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the Huano Sakura switches, one notable difference lies in the top housing. The Lucky switch features a nylon top housing, a classic material celebrated for its ability to provide a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and less sharp auditory experience. In contrast, the Sakura switch employs a POK (polyketone) top housing, which not only boasts a smoother action with a low coefficient of friction (0.04) but also offers superior shock resistance. While both materials yield high-performance switches, the Sonic characteristics diverge, with the nylon of the Lucky providing a subdued acoustic signature compared to the more pronounced and lively sound of the POK in the Sakura.

In terms of bottom housings, both the HMX Lucky and the Huano Sakura are constructed from nylon, which aligns their performance attributes to some extent. This consistency in material means that when typing on either switch, users will experience a deep and full sound profile that arises from the bottom housing. With nylon being a softer plastic, the overall impact on the sound and tactile feedback when bottoming out will be similarly pleasant across both switches. While the top housing materials create distinct sound envelopes, the shared nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches provide a familiar bottom-out feel, characterized by a sense of roundedness and warmth in their acoustics.

The interaction between the top and bottom housing materials reveals how the design philosophy affects the typing experience. For the Lucky, the nylon top housing promotes a duller sound that is balanced by the soft response of the nylon bottom, emphasizing a sort of harmony in its audio feedback. Contrastingly, the Sakura's use of POK for the top housing creates a clackier and sharper acoustic profile when releasing the key, balanced by the nylon bottom that cushions and softens the experience. Thus, while the two switches each offer distinct auditory experiences due to their differing top materials, their identical bottom housings ensure a common foundational feel, allowing users to choose between the two based on their preference for sound dynamics while still experiencing that characteristic nylon warmth at the bottom.

Weight

The HMX Lucky linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch both fall into the lighter category of switches, but they differ slightly in their specifications. The Lucky switch features an actuation force of 37 grams, requiring a bit more force than the Sakura, which has an actuation force of 35 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Lucky switch reaches 43 grams while the Sakura has a slightly higher bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that while both switches offer a light typing experience, the Sakura provides a marginally lighter feel when it comes to actuation though it bottoms out with more strength. Therefore, users looking for the lightest overall actuation experience might prefer the Sakura, but for those who want a more substantial experience when bottoming out, the Lucky could be the better fit. Overall, the Lucky switch is heavier in bottom out force, making it a better choice for users who prefer a slightly firmer feel when fully pressing down, while the Sakura offers a lighter actuation.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, it is evident that they differ slightly, with the Lucky measuring 3.8 mm and the Sakura at 3.6 mm. This means that the Lucky switch offers a longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Sakura’s shorter 3.6 mm distance caters to those seeking quicker response times, making it a more suitable choice for gamers who prefer a snappier keystroke. While both switches are designed to enhance user experience, the Lucky is better for those who appreciate a deeper feel, whereas the Sakura might appeal to those who favor a more abrupt and responsive actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Lucky linear switch is known for its softer acoustics due to the use of nylon in its construction, which can result in a more muted typing experience. This makes it a great option for users who prefer a quieter keyboard that doesn't produce intrusive noise during typing. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch offers medium acoustics, striking a balance that can provide a satisfying auditory feedback without being overly loud. As with any switch, the resulting sound profile is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's design and the keycaps used, so those choices can further shape the auditory experience of both switches.

When it comes to feel, the Lucky switch provides a typing experience that is characterized as neutral and deeply satisfying, making it ideal for users who appreciate a smooth and consistent keystroke without any distractions. Its lightweight nature contributes to an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Sakura switch features a feather-light touch that enhances comfort, particularly during long typing sessions. This can be especially appealing to users who often find themselves typing for extended periods, as the lighter actuation may alleviate finger fatigue.

In summary, while both the HMX Lucky and Huano Sakura linear switches cater to different preferences, they offer distinct advantages in sound and feel. The Lucky's muted acoustics and satisfying keystrokes provide a comfortable typing experience that many find appealing, whereas the Sakura's feather-light actuation and medium sound profile make it a fantastic choice for those who prioritize ease during lengthy typing tasks. Ultimately, either switch can yield a highly enjoyable typing experience, and the choice between them will largely depend on individual preference regarding sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, your personal preferences and intended usage will play a critical role. If you prefer a typing experience that emphasizes a neutral feel with softer, glittery nylon housings, the Lucky switch stands out for its lighter bottom-out force of 43 grams, which can make for a delightful and deeply satisfying experience, especially in casual typing scenarios. Additionally, if you appreciate a more muted acoustic profile that doesn't draw too much attention, the Lucky might be your go-to choice. On the other hand, if you often find yourself engaged in extended typing sessions and value a feather-light touch combined with medium acoustics, the Sakura switch's slightly firmer feel at 45 grams will provide you with the stability needed for longer durations without sacrificing comfort. Therefore, the choice ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize an ultra-light touch with a more pronounced sound profile or a balance between weight and acoustic moderation for longer typing sessions. Where your personal typing habits and sound preferences align will guide you to the best switch for your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more