HMX Lucky vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lucky and the Jwick Splash Brothers stand out as compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience. The HMX Lucky, renowned for its softer, glittery nylon housing, provides a neutral yet deeply gratifying feedback, making it an excellent choice for users who favor a lighter touch without sacrificing comfort. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers deliver a unique “speed” experience, characterized by their shorter activation points and long pole stems, which enhance both responsiveness and typing feel. Users often appreciate the creamy sound signature of the Splash Brothers, offering a pleasant auditory experience alongside its function. While both switches cater to fans of linear typing styles, their distinct characteristics present different advantages. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the Jwick Splash Brothers, significant differences in sound profiles emerge from the top materials used. The Lucky features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to nylon’s softer nature, allowing it to absorb sound better than harder plastics. Consequently, typing on the Lucky elicits a sound that tends to be warmer and more rounded, making it an attractive option for those who prefer a smoother auditory experience. In contrast, the Splash Brothers utilize a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer and yields a sharper, crisper sound profile. This clarity is especially pronounced when the key is released, resulting in a more resonant auditory feedback that can enhance typists' tactile experience. Thus, the choice of top housing materials directly influences the fundamental acoustic properties of each switch.
Looking at the bottom housing, both the HMX Lucky and the Jwick Splash Brothers employ nylon, highlighting a shared aspect that contributes similarly to the typing experience. The nylon bottom housing in both switches functions to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, reinforcing the warm auditory feedback that typists often seek. The softness of nylon plays a crucial role in dampening the sound during bottoming out, thus aiming for a more muted impact when the key is pressed down. This similarity means that while the top housings differ markedly in their sound profiles, the foundational sound characteristics coming from the bottom housing remain aligned, resulting in a balanced auditory experience across both switches.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches delivers a distinct typing experience. While the Lucky's nylon top housing provides a softer, more muted sound, the Splash Brothers' polycarbonate top enhances clarity and crispness. However, the similarities in the nylon bottom housings create an interesting dynamic; the final sound profile during typing will reflect a blend of these materials' properties. As a result, even though the two switches diverge in their top housing sound profiles, the nylon bottoms forge a common ground that ensures a deeper bottoming sound across both models. Typists will appreciate the varying auditory experiences derived from these switches, driven by the unique material choices.
Weight
The HMX Lucky linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer different actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying typing preferences. The Lucky has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a relatively light option for those who prefer a smoother, less taxing typing experience. In contrast, the Splash Brothers does not specify an actuation force, but it does have a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when fully pressed down. This means that while the Lucky is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, the Splash Brothers provides a heavier bottoming out experience, potentially suited for users who favor a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. Overall, the Lucky switch is ideal for extended use due to its lighter touch, whereas the Splash Brothers might appeal to those seeking more feedback with their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, the Lucky stands out with a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Splash Brothers has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Lucky switch provides a more pronounced feel as you press down, appealing to those who appreciate a deeper keystroke. In contrast, the Splash Brothers offers a quicker response time, making it a potentially better choice for gamers who prefer a more tactile and rapid actuation. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Lucky is the longer option, and if you favor a more substantial keypress, it might be the better fit. However, if you are looking for swifter feedback, the shorter distance of the Splash Brothers switch would be advantageous.
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 Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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
When it comes to sound characteristics, the HMX Lucky linear switch is not explicitly described, leaving a gap in clarity regarding its auditory profile. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is noted for its creamy sound signature, providing a mellow auditory experience that tends to fall in the neutral category. A neutral sound profile typically makes it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. Ultimately, if you're seeking a quieter, more subdued acoustic experience, the unknown sound attributes of the Lucky could lend themselves to similar results, depending on your specific keyboard setup and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the Lucky switch is characterized by its softer and glittery nylon housings, which contribute to a neutral and satisfying typing experience. This design leads to a typing sensation that can cater to a wide range of users. In contrast, the Splash Brothers linear switch boasts a unique combination of snappy responsiveness, bouncy feedback, and a subtle yet polished typing sensation. Its shorter activation distance and long pole stem result in a dynamic and lively feel, making typing a more engaging experience. While the Lucky switch promotes a straightforward, neutral typing experience, the Splash Brothers offer a more intricate tactile interaction, ideal for users who enjoy a bit of a springy response alongside smooth travel.
In conclusion, both switches bring distinct qualities to the table. The HMX Lucky linear switch emphasizes a soft and neutral typing experience, while the Jwick Splash Brothers deliver a more nuanced and responsive feel, adorned with a creamy sound profile. While the sound qualities of the Lucky remain ambiguous, its general typing characteristics may still appeal to those looking for simplicity. Ultimately, your choice between these switches would depend greatly on whether you prioritize a straightforward experience or a more dynamic typing feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lucky linear switches and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a softer typing experience and a more neutral feel, the Lucky with its 43 grams of bottom-out force and glittery nylon housing might be the perfect fit for you. Its deeper satisfaction in typing could make it an excellent choice for long typing sessions or casual gaming. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch with a bit more responsiveness, the Splash Brothers with its 48 grams of bottom-out force offers a snappier and bouncier feel, thanks to its shorter activation distance. The creamy sound signature combined with the dynamic typing experience makes it ideal for those who want to experience a lively and engaging feel while typing or gaming. In shared or office environments, both switches are fairly neutral sound-wise; however, the versatile characteristics of the Splash Brothers might make them slightly more adaptable for varied use cases. Ultimately, your decision should reflect both your personal typing style and the setting in which you plan to enjoy your mechanical keyboard.
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