HMX Lucky vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the TTC Speed Silver 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 TTC Speed Silver stand out as prominent options, each catering to distinct preferences. The HMX Lucky features a softer, glittery nylon housing that provides a delightfully bouncy and silky typing experience, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more tactile feedback. Its clacky sound profile adds a charming auditory element, appealing to those who appreciate a more traditional feel when typing. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver is designed with speed enthusiasts in mind. With a light-medium resistance and a reduced travel distance, these switches allow for rapid, precise actuation, making them perfect for gamers or typists who prioritize quick response times. While the Lucky emphasizes a satisfying tactile feel that some might find pleasurable, the Speed Silver champions performance and efficiency. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
The HMX Lucky and TTC Speed Silver switches both utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct auditory profiles during use. The Lucky's nylon top housing is designed to produce a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs sound effectively. This characteristic results in a more muted acoustic experience, where the sound of keystrokes feels rich yet understated. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver leverages a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity, thereby delivering a sharper and more resonant sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate provides a crisper auditory response that stands out more, particularly in setups utilizing RGB lighting, as the clear material allows for better light diffusion.
While the top housing materials of the Lucky and Speed Silver switches differ, both models feature nylon bottom housings, which create a similar foundational sound experience. The nylon used in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that affects the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is fully pressed. As a result, when users type on either switch, they will experience a cohesive, rounded auditory experience in terms of the bottoming out despite the contrast in the top housing materials. This shared feature of nylon in the bottom housing helps to unify the overall sound characteristics of the two switches, bringing a familiar tactile feel.
In essence, the divergence in top housing materials between the HMX Lucky's nylon and the TTC Speed Silver's polycarbonate creates varied auditory profiles that cater to different user preferences. The nylon's sound-dampening quality versus the polycarbonate's resonance leads to distinct experiences at the peak of keystrokes. Nevertheless, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches provide the same underlying audio foundation, creating a balanced typing experience. This means that while the intricacies differ in sound profile, the final result may still yield satisfying, rounded sounds from both switch types when fully actuated.
Weight
The HMX Lucky linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, making them suited for different user preferences. The Lucky switch requires a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and has a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Speed Silver switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Lucky switch the lighter option, ideal for users who prefer less resistance, facilitating longer typing sessions and more comfortable gaming experiences. In contrast, the Speed Silver, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, provides a more substantial feel, catering to those who enjoy a stronger push while typing. Overall, users looking for a lighter feel should gravitate toward the Lucky switch, whereas those who prefer a heavier typing experience may find the Speed Silver more suitable.
Travel distance
The HMX Lucky linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch provide distinct travel distances, which can significantly impact user experience. The Lucky has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the longer option, while the Speed Silver features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. For gamers seeking quick response times, the Speed Silver may be the preferred choice due to its reduced travel distance, allowing for faster actuation. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial feel may favor the Lucky, as its greater travel distance offers a deeper and more pronounced keypress experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus tactile feedback.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 characteristics, the HMX Lucky linear switch stands out with its clacky profile, producing a crisp, bright, and percussive response when pressed. This auditory feedback can make typing feel more engaging and dynamic. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch does not have a detailed sound description available, which leaves a gap in understanding its acoustic qualities. However, it is generally noted that linear switches tend to be quieter than tactile or clicky counterparts, so it’s reasonable to expect the Speed Silver to provide a more subdued sound profile, especially in comparison to the Lucky.
In terms of feel, the Lucky switches shine with their bouncy, silky, and polished nature. This combination gives them a lively and smooth typing experience, ensuring minimal resistance and a satisfying tactile feedback with each key press. The bouncy feedback provides a sense of rebound, adding to the overall enjoyment of typing. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver brings a mild feel to the table, offering a gentle typing experience that prioritizes comfort. While the Speed Silver may not match the nuanced bounciness and silky smoothness of the Lucky, its mild characteristics make it versatile and approachable for a wide audience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lucky linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel. The Lucky's clacky sound and vibrant tactile feedback provide a lively typing experience that some might find exhilarating, while the Speed Silver offers a more reserved sound with a mild feel, making it an excellent choice for those seeking speed and precision without compromising on comfort. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you favor a more engaging auditory experience and a lively touch, or a straightforward, fast response with an understated feel.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you lean towards a lighter switch that delivers a bouncy, silky, and polished typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Lucky is a great option. It’s ideal for casual typing, gaming, or any scenario where a relaxed yet satisfying keystroke is valued. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and precision, particularly for gaming or fast-paced typing, the Speed Silver is your go-to switch. With a medium-light resistance and reduced travel distance, it allows for rapid actuation while maintaining a mild acoustic profile. Thus, consider the environment you'll be using the keyboard in and whether you prefer a more relaxed or speedy feel in your typing experience.
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