HMX Lucky vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, switch selection can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options are the HMX Lucky and the TTC Silent Red, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The HMX Lucky switches stand out with their softer and glittery nylon housings, providing a neutral yet deeply satisfying feel characterized by a clacky, bouncy, and silky typing experience. These switches are an excellent choice for those who enjoy a lively and responsive keypress that enhances their overall typing enjoyment. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switches prioritize a smooth and quiet experience, making them ideal for office environments or shared living spaces. With a muted sound profile and a consistent feel, these switches ensure your typing remains discreet without sacrificing comfort, boasting a padded bottom-out feel that many users find appealing. While both switches can elevate your keyboard experience, the choice ultimately depends on whether you seek a vibrant and engaging tactile response or a serene and comfortable typing environment. 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

TTC Silent Red Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the TTC Silent Red switches illustrate distinct differences, particularly in their top housings. The HMX Lucky utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer composition that results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's ability to absorb sound, creating a muted and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and thus generates a sharper, crisper sound profile. This difference means that while the Lucky may provide a more subdued sound, the Silent Red is likely to resonate with clearer, high-pitched tones—ideal for users looking for a more defined auditory feedback.

The bottom housings of the two switches, however, share a commonality, with both the HMX Lucky and TTC Silent Red featuring nylon material. This similarity means that regardless of the top housing material, the bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound, as both switches consist of the same material in this area. The nylon bottom housing plays a crucial role in shaping the feel and sound at the bottom-out point during key presses. Therefore, while the top housing of each switch focuses on the auditory experience during key release, the bottom housing's influence ensures that both switches deliver a consistent depth in sound when the keys are pressed down.

Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials in the HMX Lucky and TTC Silent Red allows for a unique blending of sound profiles when typing. While the Lucky’s nylon top delivers a warmer, more muffled sound, the Silent Red’s polycarbonate creates an elegant sharpness that some users might prefer for clarity, particularly in RGB-lit environments. Despite these differences, both switches share a similar performance at the base due to their nylon bottom housing. This compatibility means users can swap between the two with an understanding that the tactile experience of bottoming out will maintain a level of consistency, even as the auditory characteristics vary considerably from one switch to the other.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The Lucky switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a lightweight option ideal for prolonged use, such as in work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Red switch features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. This results in a more tactile experience at the expense of increased effort during long periods of use. Consequently, those who prioritize a lighter feel may opt for the Lucky switch, while users seeking a heavier, more satisfying keystroke would likely prefer the Silent Red. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces reflect their suitability for different user preferences and typing styles.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, the HMX Lucky features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the TTC Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Lucky switch offers a more pronounced depth with its longer travel, which can enhance the tactile feedback for those who favor a more substantial press. On the other hand, the Silent Red's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster key actuation. Ultimately, if you prefer a hearty depth with a more significant feel, the HMX Lucky would be your best choice, while the TTC Silent Red caters to those who appreciate a more responsive typing experience with its shorter travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Lucky linear switch presents a clacky profile, offering a sharp and snappy auditory experience with each keystroke. This distinctive sound can be characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive, which may appeal to those who enjoy the audible feedback of traditional mechanical switches. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is designed with a muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter operation that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This quality makes the Silent Red an ideal choice for quieter environments, such as offices or shared living spaces, where noise may be an issue.

In terms of feel, the Lucky switch stands out with a bouncy sensation, giving a spring-like feedback that is lively and responsive. This energetic feel is complemented by a silky smoothness and a polished finish, ensuring a refined typing experience with reduced friction throughout each keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch offers a mild typing experience that strikes a balance, making it approachable for most users. It also features a polished design, ensuring smooth key travel, but lacks the bounciness found in the Lucky switch. Instead, it focuses more on providing a comfortable and consistent action with a padded bottom-out feel that enhances overall comfort during prolonged typing sessions.

In conclusion, while the HMX Lucky switch and TTC Silent Red switch both feature polished finishes for a smooth typing experience, they cater to different user preferences. The Lucky offers a lively, clacky sound and a bouncy feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy audible and tactile feedback. Conversely, the Silent Red prioritizes a quieter operation and a gentle, consistent feel, appealing to users in noise-sensitive settings. Depending on your preference for sound and tactile feedback, both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences, albeit in different ways.

Conclusion

To wrap up, your choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you enjoy a lighter typing experience that offers a clackier sound profile and a more responsive feel, the Lucky switch might be the better fit for you. Its 43-gram bottom-out force, combined with its bouncy and silky characteristics, provides an engaging and lively typing experience that many users find deeply satisfying. This makes it an excellent option for those who prefer a more vibrant sensation while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more subdued experience, particularly in quieter environments like offices or shared living spaces, the TTC Silent Red switches are a fantastic choice. With a heavier bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, they provide a plush and muted feel, ensuring that you can type away without disturbing those around you. The Silent Red's polished finish enhances the smoothness of the key presses, making it perfect for prolonged typing sessions. Thus, evaluate your typing style, environment, and sound preferences to choose the switch that best complements your keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more