HMX Lucky vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When searching for the ideal mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come into consideration are the HMX Lucky and the KTT Strawberry, both of which are linear switches. The HMX Lucky is recognized for its lightweight design and soft, glittery nylon housings, providing a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience. This makes it a great choice for users who prefer a tactile feedback that isn't overly pronounced, allowing for a versatile typing flow that caters to both gaming and typing tasks. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry stands out with its eye-catching pink and clear housings, celebrated for its smooth actuation and comfortable feel. It is also distinguished by its low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished characteristics, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize a seamless and quiet typing experience. Each switch offers unique benefits, appealing to different typing preferences, but to truly understand which switch suits your needs best, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the KTT Strawberry reveals distinct characteristics that affect their sound profiles significantly. The Lucky utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its softer nature, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon's ability to absorb sound better than harder plastics prevents sharpness, resulting in a rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry employs polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is a stiffer material that yields a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, contributing to a clear and resonant auditory experience. Thus, while the Lucky offers a more muted and textured soundscape, the Strawberry presents a brighter and crisper auditory quality.
In terms of housing aesthetics, the differences between nylon and polycarbonate are quite pronounced. The translucent nature of polycarbonate allows the Strawberry to better showcase RGB lighting effects, enhancing visual appeal alongside sound performance. It is also noted that a clear housing typically signals the use of polycarbonate; hence, it's beneficial for RGB applications. Meanwhile, the nylon housing of the Lucky does not possess this same level of transparency, which may limit its visual effects but serves to enrich the overall sound profile it delivers. Therefore, although both switches are designed for optimal performance, the aesthetic versatility of polycarbonate provides a distinct advantage for users interested in illumination.
When considering the overall impact of the housing materials on each switch's performance, it is essential to recognize how the materials interact within the switches. With the Gear Lucky, the soft nylon contributes consistently to a layered sound profile, influencing sound quality throughout the typing experience. Conversely, the stiffer polycarbonate used in the Strawberry transitions sound differently, with a more pronounced sound when releasing a key due to its resonant properties. Ultimately, the effect of the different materials can be heard distinctly in each switch's performance, giving users the choice between a fuller, rounded sound with the Lucky and a sharper, more brilliant sound with the Strawberry for a tailored typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch to the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying preferences among users. The Lucky switch has a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who favor a softer touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Strawberry switch features a heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial feel, which some users prefer for a better typing experience. As a result, the HMX Lucky is the lighter option, while the KTT Strawberry is the heavier choice. The differences in actuation and bottom out forces indicate that typists looking for ease of use should gravitate towards the Lucky, while those seeking a stronger tactile response may opt for the Strawberry. Overall, these contrasting specifications highlight the diverse preferences within the keyboard community.
Travel distance
The HMX Lucky linear switch offers a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Lucky the shorter option between the two, providing a more responsive feel that can be appealing to gamers who prioritize quick key presses and fast response times. Conversely, the Strawberry, with its longer travel distance, offers a more traditional and deeper key press that might be more comfortable for users who prefer a pronounced tactile feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference; those who enjoy a quicker actuation may lean towards the Lucky, while those who appreciate a deeper press might favor the Strawberry.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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, the HMX Lucky linear switch has a more ambiguous profile, as its specific sound characteristics are not detailed. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch is known for its low-pitched tone, which typically provides a bass-heavy and mellow audio signature. This distinction in sound can significantly affect one's overall typing experience; while the Lucky remains uncertain in its auditory feedback, the Strawberry's low-pitched sound contributes to a more subdued and satisfying soundscape during use.
In terms of feel, the Lucky switch is noted for its neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, indicating a comfortable balance without any particular enhancements. Meanwhile, the KTT Strawberry excels with its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished attributes. These qualities promise an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance, promoting a fluid motion that can enhance prolonged typing sessions. The Strawberry's advanced feel characteristics suggest it may provide a more luxurious typing experience compared to the more subdued Lucky.
In conclusion, while the HMX Lucky linear switch offers a fascinatingly neutral and satisfying experience, its qualities appear less defined than those of the KTT Strawberry linear switch, which boasts a rich profile of sound and feel attributes. If auditory feedback and a high level of smoothness are priorities, the Strawberry will likely provide a more tailored experience. For those drawn to a simpler, yet still enjoyable setup, the Lucky can still deliver a commendable typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their unique appeal, making the choice dependent on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch largely comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter tactile experience, the Lucky switch with its 43-gram bottom out force may be the perfect choice for you, especially if you're after a neutral and satisfying typing experience. Its glittery nylon housing adds a unique aesthetic, making it appealing to those who enjoy a more playful touch. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust typing experience with a solid feel, the KTT Strawberry switch, boasting a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, might be what you're looking for. Known for its frictionless and silky-smooth actuation, this switch ensures a fluid travel that elevates your typing comfort, making it suitable for extended use whether you're gaming or typing up documents. Additionally, the low-pitched sound profile of the Strawberry provides a mellow auditory feedback that can enhance the overall typing experience. Therefore, consider your sensitivity to switch weight, your aesthetic preferences, and the sound and feel you're seeking to find the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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