HMX Lucky vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, selecting the right one can significantly enhance your typing experience. The HMX Lucky switch stands out with its lightweight, glittery nylon housings that provide a neutral and deeply satisfying feel, making it an attractive option for those who seek a softer touch without sacrificing responsiveness. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer a rich, bassy sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles, creating an indulgent auditory experience while typing. Their medium weight appeals to a wide range of users, and the unique Ly stem along with a proprietary factory lube method ensures a smooth and frictionless keystroke. While the Lucky switches excel in delivering a soft and satisfying tactile experience, the Sunset Yellow switches shine with their delightful sound and distinct gliding feel. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lucky and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches present a fascinating contrast that shapes their respective sound profiles and tactile experiences. The HMX Lucky, featuring both a nylon top and bottom housing, is celebrated for its traditional characteristics associated with this classic material. Nylon's softer plastic properties not only contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile but also serve to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This sound quality can make typing on the Lucky feel rich and comforting, appealing to enthusiasts who favor a more subdued acoustic feedback while engaging with their keyboard.
In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing. While POM (Polyoxymethylene) is known for its durability and resilience, it also creates a distinctive sound that, while deeper and muted, exhibits unique tonal qualities. The result is a sound profile that offers a pleasant, albeit different, typing experience compared to the nylon housings of the Lucky. Because both the top and bottom housings contribute to the overall auditory experience, the Sunset Yellow’s POM material influences the sound and feel distinctly, making it appealing to users who seek a switched-out sensation alongside a unique acoustic feedback that differs from traditional nylon feel.
Despite these differences, the shared goal of achieving a satisfying typing experience combines the characteristics of the materials used. Both the Lucky and Sunset Yellow switches exhibit a deeper sound profile, albeit through different manifestations—nylon’s absorption of sound versus POM’s unique tonality. The tactile feel and bottom-out sound are primarily influenced by the bottom housing; in both switches, the overall experience is enhanced by the qualities that each material brings to its construction. Therefore, while their compositions differ, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound depth and acoustic satisfaction through their respective designs, showcasing the versatility of both nylon and POM in switch construction.
Weight
The HMX Lucky linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lucky switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, compared to the Sunset Yellow's actuation force of 43 grams, making it easier to press and potentially more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Lucky again maintains a lighter profile at 43 grams, while the Sunset Yellow has a heavier bottom out force of 51 grams. This difference suggests that the Sunset Yellow may offer a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer feel when bottoming out. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch for prolonged use, the HMX Lucky would be an ideal choice, whereas if you appreciate a more robust push sensation, the Everglide Sunset Yellow may be more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, we see a notable difference: the Lucky switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This difference can impact the typing experience significantly. With the Lucky's longer travel distance, users may find a more pronounced tactile feedback that some prefer for a cushioned feel during each keystroke. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow's shorter travel distance caters to gamers and those who prioritize a more responsive typing experience, allowing for quicker actuation and faster response times. Thus, for users seeking a deeper feel, the HMX Lucky would be the recommended choice, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow is best suited for those who favor speed and agility in their keystrokes.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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 comparing the sound profiles of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it's clear that they offer distinctly different auditory experiences. The Lucky switch remains somewhat enigmatic in its sound description, leaving it open to interpretation and personal experience. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow features a notably rich and engaging sound that is both bassy and thocky, likened to the comforting sound of mahjong tiles colliding. This deep, resonant character enhances the typing experience, making each keystroke sound indulgent. The nuances of sound generated can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycap choices, adding further layers to their acoustic profiles.
In terms of feel, the Lucky switch presents a neutral and satisfying typing experience thanks to its lightweight design and softer nylon housing, creating a balanced interaction with the keys. Meanwhile, the Sunset Yellow boasts an impressive array of tactile sensations, characterized by its creamy, frictionless typing experience that feels exceptionally smooth and polished. The combination of unique materials, a specialized stem design, and factory lube gives the Sunset Yellow a refined glide that enhances typing speed and responsiveness. While the Lucky offers comfort in its own right, the Sunset Yellow leans more towards an effortless feel that can make each keystroke feel fluid and dynamic.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lucky and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches cater to different preferences within the realm of mechanical keyboards. While the Lucky provides a more neutral and possibly quieter sound signature alongside a satisfying feel, the Sunset Yellow indulges users with its rich, deep sound and exceptionally smooth key presses. Those who prioritize an engaging auditory experience might gravitate towards the Sunset Yellow, while others may appreciate the balanced appeal of the Lucky. Ultimately, despite their differences, each switch can provide a gratifying typing experience tailored to personal taste and usage scenarios.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a neutral and satisfying typing experience, the Lucky is an excellent choice, especially for those who appreciate a slightly softer feel thanks to its glittery nylon housing. This makes it ideal for long typing sessions or casual use where comfort is paramount. On the other hand, if you are looking for a rich auditory experience coupled with a more responsive feel, the Sunset Yellow should be your go-to. With its medium-light actuation force and unique creamy texture, it offers a delightful blend of sound and feel that can enhance your typing enjoyment. The bassy and thocky sound profile adds an indulgent layer, making it great for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, choose the Lucky for a smooth, lightweight experience, while the Sunset Yellow will satisfy your need for tactile feedback and a captivating sound.