HMX Lucky vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lucky and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) are two compelling options, particularly for fans of linear switches. The HMX Lucky is celebrated for its lightweight design and softer, glittery nylon housings, which contribute to a typing experience that is both neutral and deeply satisfying. With characteristics like being clacky, bouncy, silky, and polished, these switches can appeal to users seeking a lively yet comfortable feel. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is designed for those who prioritize a super smooth typing experience, thanks to its Ly stems. Users are greeted with a resonant sound profile that adds a layer of auditory pleasure to each keystroke. While both switches offer unique benefits—softer feedback with the Lucky and a sleek, smooth experience with the Tomcat—individual preferences will ultimately guide the choice. 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

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) present a fascinating case of contrasts and similarities that can affect the typing experience. The Lucky employs a nylon top housing while the Tomcat (Heavy) features a polycarbonate top housing. This difference fundamentally influences the sound profile produced by each switch when typing. The nylon top of the Lucky, being a softer material, absorbs sound to yield a deeper and fuller acoustic experience, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Conversely, the polycarbonate of the Tomcat (Heavy) creates a sharper, more resonant sound profile characterized by a high-pitched clarity. Thus, while both switches have been designed for an enjoyable typing experience, their top housing materials impart distinctly different auditory feedback.

On the other hand, both the Lucky and the Tomcat (Heavy) share similarities in their bottom housing, as both utilize nylon. This commonality ensures that regardless of the differences in their top housings, the bottom of each switch reacts similarly to keystrokes, maintaining that deeper sound profile typical of nylon materials. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, meaning that users of both switches will experience a satisfying and substantial response when they bottom out. This shared characteristic in the bottom housing helps balance out the auditory experience, providing a familiar anchor for typists who might switch between the two.

In summary, when comparing the HMX Lucky and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), the differences in top housing materials create unique sound profiles that cater to distinct preferences, while the shared nylon material in the bottom housing offers a consistent tactile and auditory experience. The combination of these materials allows for a nuanced layering of sound; users will realize the tonal depth from the nylon bottom in both switches, while the varying top housings contribute to their individual signatures. Therefore, anyone transitioning between these two might appreciate the consistent bottom housing experience while exploring the contrasting auditory landscapes offered by their respective top housings.

Weight

The HMX Lucky linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch present distinct characteristics when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Lucky switch features a comparatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less exertion. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) boasts a firmer actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial feel during their typing experience. Consequently, the Lucky switch is lighter overall, while the Tomcat is the heavier option. This difference in force preferences means that users seeking a softer touch should lean toward the Lucky, while those who appreciate a stronger push feel may find the Tomcat switch more satisfying.

Travel distance

The HMX Lucky linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Lucky switch allows for a deeper press, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback during key presses. In contrast, the Tomcat's shorter travel distance could be preferred by gamers seeking quicker response times, making it more suitable for fast-paced gameplay. Overall, if you're looking for a switch that offers a more substantial feel, the HMX Lucky is the better choice, while those who prioritize speed may want to opt for the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy).

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Lucky linear switch stands out with its clacky acoustic profile. This switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, characterized by a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. The sound profile can enhance the typing experience, giving a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) does not have a specific sound signature mentioned, which leaves its acoustic characteristics somewhat unknown. However, it’s important to note that the sound generated by both switches can still be influenced greatly by the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and even the materials used in the build, meaning these factors could contribute to a unique sound environment regardless of the switch choice.

When focusing on feel, the Lucky switch excels with its combination of bounciness, silkiness, and polished finish. This means that the keys provide a lively, spring-like feedback, creating an engaging typing experience with noticeable rebound upon release. Additionally, the exceptionally smooth action minimizes resistance, making the typing experience feel seamless. As for the Tomcat (Heavy) switch, there are no detailed descriptors available for its tactile sensation, which makes it difficult to draw direct comparisons. It may still deliver a satisfying feel, but without specific attributes, the nuances of user experience remain uncertain.

In conclusion, while the HMX Lucky linear switch is well-regarded for its clacky sound and an engaging feel characterized by bounciness, silkiness, and smoothness, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch lacks specificity in sound and feel, leaving many qualities unknown. If you opt for the Lucky, you can expect a vivacious auditory and tactile experience, while the Tomcat may either surprise you or fall flat due to its unclear characteristics. In both cases, experimenting with different boards and keycaps will allow for a more personalized experience, potentially bridging some gaps in performance and auditory feedback.

Conclusion

To wrap up, choosing between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a bouncy, silky feel when typing, the Lucky switch, with its bottom-out force of 43 grams, is likely to be your best choice. Its clacky sound adds a lively auditory feedback to your keystrokes, making it perfect for those who want an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more robust typing feel with a bit more resistance, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch, which has a bottom-out force of 64 grams, may be more suitable. This switch is designed for those who value a smooth, resonant sound profile and a solid tactile feedback without the lighter feeling of other switches. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what you find more satisfying and comfortable in your typing experience, whether that be the gentle bounciness of the Lucky or the weighted assurance of the Tomcat (Heavy).

Mentioned in this article

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more