HMX Lucky vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lucky and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offer distinct yet appealing typing experiences for enthusiasts and casual users alike. The HMX Lucky switch is celebrated for its lightweight design and softer, glittery nylon housings, which deliver a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience that many find comfortable for lengthy sessions. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch stands out with its progressive spring and KTT's innovative dry-lube design, providing a buttery smooth typing feel that many users gravitate towards. Both switches fall under the linear category, making them ideal for those who prefer a quiet, uninterrupted keystroke without tactile feedback. However, while the Lucky focuses on a more cushioned feel, the Sea Salt Lemon emphasizes smoothness with a low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference regarding tactile experience and sound. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches exhibit notable differences in their top housings, which significantly influences the acoustic profiles produced during typing. The Lucky features a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its soft, sound-absorbing qualities that result in a deeper and more rounded sound profile. This material contributes to a muted auditory experience, ideal for users seeking a quieter typing environment. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. This stiffer material enhances the clarity of sound, creating a sharper, more resonant profile. As such, the auditory experience while typing on each switch diverges markedly due to the inherent characteristics of the housing materials.
Conversely, both the Lucky and the Sea Salt Lemon employ nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a shared trait between the two switches in terms of sound quality. This commonality means that when typing on either switch, the deeper, fuller sound profile associated with nylon will still resonate at the bottom-out point. Although the top housings differ and influence the sound during the release of the key, the nylon used in both switches’ bottom housings ensures a consistent auditory experience on bottoming out. Thus, despite the contrasting top materials, users will still enjoy a similar output in terms of sound when the switches are fully depressed.
When considering the overall performance and sound signature of the two switches, it's evident that the differences in top housing materials play a significant role in shaping the experience. The combination of a nylon top in the Lucky creates a softer typing experience, while the polycarbonate top in the Sea Salt Lemon lends itself to a crisper, more vibrant sound when releasing the keys. Both switches, however, achieve fullness and depth in sound at bottoming out due to their shared nylon bottom housing. Therefore, users may find that while the switches offer distinct experiences during typing and releasing, they still share a common foundation that produces richness and a satisfying auditory feedback upon termination of each keystroke.
Weight
The HMX Lucky linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which cater to varying user preferences. The HMX Lucky features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, where less resistance can enhance comfort. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. As a result, while both switches ultimately serve the purpose of triggering keystrokes and bottoming out, the Lucky switch is lighter overall, making it more ideal for users seeking ease and comfort, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon caters to those who desire a firmer touch.
Travel distance
The HMX Lucky linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Lucky the shorter option, appealing to gamers or users who prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, as shorter distances can facilitate quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon, with its longer travel distance, might be more suitable for users who appreciate a heftier depth and feedback during key presses, as longer travel distances tend to provide a more traditional feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value responsiveness or prefer a more substantial typing 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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Lucky switch is noted for its softer and more subtle acoustic profile, contributing to a typing experience that is both mellow and unobtrusive. This acoustic design aligns well with the environment of both casual and professional settings, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter workspace. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a low-pitched sound that leans towards a bass-heavy tone, complemented by its neutral characteristics. This mix results in a pleasant auditory feedback that is neither jarring nor overly pronounced, making it adaptable for different users. Given that the sound of switches can be influenced by the keyboard's design and keycaps, both switches can provide a relatively quiet experience suitable for various environments, although the Lucky leans more towards a muted softness compared to the Sea Salt Lemon’s deeper tones.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lucky switch delivers a typing experience that is described as deeply satisfying and neutral, which can make it versatile for various typing styles and preferences. It creates an engaging sensation without being overly aggressive, promoting a natural flow during typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is characterized as mild, providing a gentle tactile experience that helps maintain a comfortable interaction without overwhelming the typist. This buttery smoothness is enhanced by KTT's dry-lube design, which adds an extra layer of refinement to each keystroke. While the Lucky presents a more neutral texture, the Sea Salt Lemon's mild nature ensures that both switches allow for an enjoyable typing experience that won’t fatigue users during extended use.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lucky and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences while remaining approachable for newcomers. The Lucky's softer sound and neutral feel may appeal to those seeking a subtle typing experience, while the Sea Salt Lemon's low-pitched tones and buttery smoothness will attract users looking for a mild, consistent response. Ultimately, whether you choose the Lucky or the Sea Salt Lemon, you'll enjoy a solid and satisfying typing experience, emphasizing the importance of personal preference in selecting the right mechanical switch for your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you desire and the amount of force you prefer. If you’re looking for a softer, lighter touch, the Lucky's 43-gram bottom-out force will provide a neutral and satisfying typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or casual gaming where a lighter actuation may feel more comfortable. Its glittery nylon housing adds a unique aesthetic and tactile sensation but lacks specific descriptions about sound and feel, suggesting it may cater best to those who value a lightweight, uncomplicated typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a bit more resistance, the Sea Salt Lemon's 53-gram bottom-out force offers a medium-light experience that strikes a balance between ease of actuation and satisfying feedback. With its low-pitched, buttery smooth sound and mild feel, the Sea Salt Lemon is well-suited for a wide range of uses—whether you’re a beginner or seasoned typist— and will deliver a pleasant typing experience in both professional and personal environments. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on your individual preferences regarding actuation force, sound profile, and overall typing sensation, so consider how each switch aligns with your specific needs.
Mentioned in this article
