HMX Lucky vs. HMX Swift

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two options worth considering are the HMX Lucky and the HMX Swift, both of which are linear switches. The HMX Lucky is celebrated for its softer, glittery nylon housing, providing a lightweight feel and a typing experience that is not only neutral but also deeply satisfying for those who prefer a gentle touch. On the other hand, the HMX Swift impresses with its deeper sound profile, attributed to its full nylon construction, and a silky smoothness that enhances the overall typing experience while requiring just 42g of actuation force. This switch is ideal for users who favor a clacky, easy-to-press feel combined with a bouncy and creamy texture. While both switches offer delightful linear experiences, their unique characteristics cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Lucky Linear

HMX Swift Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Lucky and HMX Swift both feature nylon as their primary housing material—both for the top and bottom. This shared characteristic provides a consistent foundation for their acoustic profiles and tactile feedback. Nylon, being a softer plastic, plays a crucial role in how each switch behaves acoustically, leading to the production of a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The acoustic design allows the switches to absorb more sound compared to their harder counterparts, resulting in a rounder and more muted sound profile. Therefore, when utilizing either the Lucky or the Swift, users can expect a similarly enriched auditory experience thanks to the identical composition of their housings.

While the housing materials are the same in both models, the key differentiation lies in how the interactions between the top and bottom housings may present varying tactile experiences. Each switch's bottom housing affects the feel and sound upon actuation—what is often referred to as the bottom-out sound—while the top housing primarily influences the sound upon key release. The uniformity in nylon usage means that both switches will yield a pleasant typing experience, but the subtleties in feedback can vary slightly based on individual design nuances or manufacturing tolerances that may create a distinct feel for each model.

Overall, the reliance on nylon in both the HMX Lucky and HMX Swift ensures a cohesive sound quality while also allowing for differentiation in user experience based on subtle design choices. Users can anticipate a familiar auditory profile, but they may notice nuanced differences in haptic feedback depending on how each switch has been engineered, despite both leveraging the inherent acoustic advantages of nylon. In this way, the models can cater to personal preferences while maintaining a baseline of quality expected from nylon-housed switches.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it's evident that both offer light actuation and bottom out forces, but they differ in their specific measurements. The Lucky switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Swift switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches can facilitate longer typing sessions due to their lighter weights, typists seeking a more substantial feel might prefer the Swift despite its slightly higher force requirements. Overall, the Lucky is more suitable for those looking for a lighter touch, while the Swift offers a bit more resistance for those who appreciate a firmer feel in their keystrokes.

Travel distance

The HMX Lucky linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This makes the Lucky the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that is particularly favorable for gamers who prioritize quick key presses. On the other hand, the Swift's 3.9 mm travel distance provides a deeper actuation that some users may find more satisfying for typing and gaming alike, as it may impart a sense of stability and assertion during use. Given that traditional travel distances are around 4.0 mm, both switches offer a modern approach with their relatively short travel, appealing to varying preferences in tactile feedback and response time. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether one prefers the rapidity of the Lucky or the slightly more pronounced depth of the Swift.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Lucky switch provides a more nuanced auditory experience compared to the HMX Swift. While the exact sound profile of the Lucky switch isn't explicitly described, its softer nylon housings suggest a quieter operation that may not compete with the more defined auditory signature of the Swift. The Swift's deeper sound profile, characterized by its clacky nature, comes from its full nylon housings, resulting in a percussive and crisp sound that can add an engaging element to the typing experience. This difference means that if a quieter operation is preferred, the Lucky may be more suitable, while the Swift offers a more pronounced feedback through sound.

In terms of feel, the Lucky switch's characteristics are not mentioned in detail, leaving some ambiguity around its tactile experience. On the other hand, the Swift switches stand out with a remarkably easy-to-press and light feel, requiring just 42g of actuation force. This effortless action translates to a typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, making it ideal for long typing sessions. Additionally, the Swift switch is described as feathery, bouncy, and creamy, all of which suggest a delightful tactile quality that makes keystrokes feel light and responsive. These attributes contribute to a dynamic typing experience that is both comfortable and enjoyable.

In conclusion, while the HMX Lucky and HMX Swift linear switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences, the differences set them apart based on the sound and feel they deliver. The Swift’s deeper, clacky sound profile and lighter, bouncy feel contrast with the more ambiguous qualities of the Lucky switch. Those who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback and smooth, effortless keystrokes may gravitate toward the Swift, while the Lucky may appeal to those preferring a subtler experience. If you are looking for a mechanical keyboard with rich sound and light feel, the Swift can offer that combination, while the Lucky will deliver a softer, more reserved typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lucky and HMX Swift linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a lighter keypress that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions, the HMX Lucky switch may be the optimal option for you, especially with its deeply satisfying and neutral typing experience. Its softer nylon housing also contributes to a lightweight feel, making it an excellent choice if you lean towards a relaxed, easygoing typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust keypress with a deeper sound profile and a silky smooth action, you'll likely find the HMX Swift to be a better fit. Its slightly heavier bottom out force offers a bouncier feel and enhances the typing experience with a creamy texture, suitable for those looking to balance gentle key presses with a rich auditory feedback. Therefore, consider what aspects you value most—be it a lighter touch for extensive typing tasks or a fuller sound and feel for a dynamic typing experience, and let that guide your decision between these two outstanding switches.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

HMX Swift Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more