HMX Lucky vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference, and two intriguing options are the HMX Lucky and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2). The Lucky switch is celebrated for its lightweight design and softer, glittery nylon housing, delivering a linear typing experience that feels neutral yet deeply satisfying. This makes the Lucky an excellent choice for those seeking a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, perfect for fast typists or gamers who prefer a quieter, more fluid response. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White (V2) boasts a medium tactile feel, providing a satisfying level of resistance that offers precision and comfort with every press. With its design focusing on quiet operation, the TTC switch is ideal for office environments or shared living spaces where noise reduction is key. While the Lucky switch emphasizes a fluid typing experience, the Silent Bluish White (V2) balances tactility with silence, catering to different user 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
42g
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
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), distinct differences emerge between the top housings of each switch. The HMX Lucky features a nylon top housing, which is a classic material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon’s softer nature, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials. As a result, typing on these switches produces a duller and rounder sound, creating a more muted acoustic experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for yielding a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer composition contributes to a more resonant acoustic signature, giving the switch a clearer and crisper typing experience. Therefore, while both switches offer unique auditory profiles due to their top housings, the Lucky’s nylon offers a warm, rounded sound, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) provides a bright and articulate sound.
Examining the bottom housing of both switches reveals a similarity that shapes their overall sound characteristics. Both the HMX Lucky and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) feature a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This similarity means that regardless of the differences in the top housings, both switches will provide a rich, rounded acoustic feel when bottoming out. This characteristic is particularly vital, as the bottom housing plays a significant role in the sound and feel during key presses. Therefore, while the typing experience might differ during the key release due to the top housing materials, the sensation and sound upon bottoming out will remain consistent across both switches.
Ultimately, the interaction between the two differing top housing materials and the shared nylon bottom housing dictates the overall experience of each switch. Typing on the HMX Lucky will yield a more mellow sound profile, especially noticeable when keys are released thanks to the nylon's sound absorption qualities. Meanwhile, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), while bright and articulate during key release, will experience a similar warm depth during key presses due to its commonity in the bottom housing. Thus, despite their divergent top materials, both switches can produce surprisingly compatible auditory results when engaged, underscoring the importance of the bottom housing in dictating a balanced typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Lucky linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch present different qualities in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to diverse typing preferences. The Lucky switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) features a higher actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as the heavier switch. While both switches are considered light, the heavier feel of the Silent Bluish White (V2) may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, those who favor lighter switches for longer typing sessions or extended gaming may lean towards the Lucky switch due to its lower force requirements. Overall, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Lucky providing a lighter touch and the Silent Bluish White (V2) offering a firmer feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, we find that the Lucky has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) measures 3.5 mm. This indicates that the HMX Lucky offers a longer travel distance compared to the TTC switch, making it a better choice for users who enjoy a more pronounced key press and deeper tactile feedback. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm in the Silent Bluish White (V2) may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances often allow for faster key actuation. Therefore, if you prioritize a more abrupt and responsive feel, the Silent Bluish White (V2) would be preferable, while the HMX Lucky caters to those who favor a more traditional and 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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 it comes to sound, the HMX Lucky linear switch tends to produce a quieter experience compared to traditional clacky switches; however, its exact auditory characteristics aren't explicitly detailed, which leaves some aspects open to interpretation. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch is specifically designed to be muted, minimizing the noise commonly associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes the Silent Bluish Whites an excellent choice for environments where discretion is essential, as their design effectively dampens sound without sacrificing the mechanical feel.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lucky switch is noted for its lightweight construction and soft nylon housings, which contribute to a neutral yet deeply satisfying typing experience. Though it lacks a detailed description, it can be inferred that this lightness may facilitate a smooth and enjoyable keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch offers a more complex tactile experience. It features a medium tactile bump that provides satisfying resistance while maintaining a buttery smooth keystroke, resulting in an effortless typing sensation. The Silent Bluish Whites balance tactility with subtleness, making them approachable and comfortable for a wide range of users.
In summary, both the HMX Lucky and TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches present unique advantages appealing to different preferences. The Lucky switches focus on a lightweight and satisfying linear feel, while the Silent Bluish Whites offer muted sound combined with a medium tactile response, making them well-suited for environments requiring quieter operation. If sound and feel are prioritized based on personal typing style and environmental needs, either switch can deliver a very fulfilling experience while potentially shaping the overall typing experience based on individual setups.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a smooth and light typing experience, the HMX Lucky with its 43-gram bottom-out force is an excellent option, providing a satisfying, neutral feeling that can be delightful for extended typing sessions. Its soft nylon housing can offer a pleasant feel that makes it ideal for gaming or casual typing without the distraction of auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit more resistance in your keystrokes and desire a quieter option for shared workspaces, the Silent Bluish White (V2) with its medium tactile response and muted sound profile is the way to go. Its polished and buttery feel delivers satisfying feedback without the loud clacking commonly associated with mechanical switches. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, the kind of sound you can tolerate, and the environment in which you’ll be using the keyboard.
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