HMX Lucky vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lucky and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear each offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Lucky, known for its softer and glittery nylon housing, delivers a lightweight typing experience that is both neutral and deeply satisfying, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a more relaxed and enjoyable interaction with their keyboard. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear stands out for its innovative design, featuring a whisper-quiet topping-out sound combined with a pronounced clacky bottom-out sound. This switch provides a silky smooth typing feel that maintains a subtle richness while avoiding excessive noise, ideal for users who desire a balance between tactile feedback and a quieter typing experience. Both switches boast linear characteristics, but each brings its own flavor to the table. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, there's a notable contrast between their top housings. The Lucky's top housing is constructed from nylon, a material celebrated for its ability to produce a rich and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This softer plastic absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience, which can contribute to a satisfying typing feel. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and clarity. This stiffer plastic produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, enhancing the overall resonance and making it the more transparent choice aesthetically, especially for those who utilize RGB lighting. The differing materials ultimately influence the auditory characteristics of the switches, with nylon leaning towards warmth and depth while polycarbonate provides brightness and definition.
On the other hand, both the HMX Lucky and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear share the same material for their bottom housings: nylon. As a classic switch material, nylon's characteristics ensure that the bottom housing of both switches delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile. This uniformity means that, regardless of the distinct top housing materials, the bottom housings provide a similar tactile and auditory experience. Pressing down on either switch will evoke the plush response and sound dampening qualities that nylon offers, resulting in a consistent feel when bottoming out. This effectively harmonizes the performance of both switches, ensuring that while the top housing contributes distinctly to the sound, the bottom housing maintains a shared foundation of deeper auditory resonance.
The overall sound profile and user experience of the HMX Lucky and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches come together as a blend of their unique top housings and shared bottom housing. Users will experience a dichotomy in the auditory feedback: the Lucky's nylon top contributes to a warm and subdued sound when key releases occur, while the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top delivers a crisp and clear post-press acoustic. Ultimately, the combination of nylon bottom housings in both switches ensures a cohesive and rich bottoming-out experience, despite the differences in tonal characteristics brought forth by their respective top housings. This multifaceted approach allows for diverse auditory experiences, catering to various preferences among users while simultaneously allowing for a common ground in performance.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Lucky features a light actuation force of 37 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions, while its bottom out force measures 43 grams, ensuring a comfortable press without excessive strain. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch lacks a specified actuation force, but its bottom out force is significantly higher at 62 grams, indicating a firmer overall feel. This greater bottom out force may appeal to users who prefer a sturdier typing experience. Therefore, the Lucky switch is the lighter option, ideal for those seeking comfort over long durations, while the Jwick, with its heavier bottom out force, caters to those desiring a more substantial tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, we find that the Lucky switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear measures slightly shorter at 3.7 mm. This means that the Lucky switch offers a more substantial depth, which may cater to users who prefer a fuller press when typing or gaming. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear can provide quicker response times, making it ideal for gamers seeking rapid actuation. Therefore, if you value a deeper engagement with your keystrokes, the HMX Lucky linear switch would be the better choice, whereas the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch might appeal more to those who favor speed and efficiency with its slightly reduced travel distance.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 characteristics of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, the Lucky switch’s sound profile is notably softer and more subdued compared to the Semi-Silent Linear. The Lucky is designed to provide a neutral audio experience which effectively caters to both casual users and professionals, making it suitable for various settings without drawing too much attention. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out with its whisper-quiet topping-out sound while delivering a clacky bottom-out sound that accentuates the typing experience. This combination creates a sound signature that is less intrusive while still providing satisfying auditory feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a mix of subtlety and notable sound upon key activation.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lucky switch is designed to offer a lightweight and satisfying typing experience, although specific descriptors for its tactile feedback were not mentioned. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear excels with its silky smooth feel, avoiding any over-polished sensations that might detract from its typing character. The Semi-Silent Linear also incorporates elements that make it mild yet snappy, ensuring a responsive typing experience that feels alive with each keystroke. The buttery and polished texture of the Semi-Silent Linear allows for a seamless typing experience with reduced friction, enhancing overall user satisfaction. Thus, while the specifics of the Lucky’s feel are less defined, it’s reasonable to expect a solid and enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch cater to distinct preferences among mechanical keyboard users. While the Lucky provides a neutral and satisfying auditory experience, the Semi-Silent excels in sound diversity and innovative design. Similarly, even without precise tactile descriptions for the Lucky, its lightweight feel likely aligns well with the smoothness of the Semi-Silent, making both switches appealing for users seeking a comfortable and effective typing experience. Those looking to choose between them will find that both options can offer satisfying results, depending on their specific sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, consider your preferred typing experience and sound profile. If you favor a lighter keystroke and a deeply satisfying typing feel, the HMX Lucky could be your ideal choice. Its 43g bottom-out force makes it an excellent option for prolonged typing sessions, especially if you enjoy a softer touch without sacrificing feedback. The Lucky’s neutral sensation enhances everyday use, whether you’re working or gaming, ensuring a pleasant experience without being overly pronounced. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more robust feel and sound profile, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is the way to go. With a firmer 62g actuation force, it provides a snappier typing experience that can make your keystrokes feel more responsive. The semi-silent nature of this switch offers a unique blend of a clacky bottom-out sound with a subdued topping-out noise, making it suitable for quieter environments, like an office setting, where you want to minimize distractions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences in typing feel and auditory satisfaction, ensuring an enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
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