HMX Lucky vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two noteworthy contenders are the HMX Lucky and the Gazzew U4Tx. The HMX Lucky is renowned for its lightweight design and softer nylon housing, providing a typing feel that is neutral and satisfying, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx stands out with its unique combination of tactile feedback and acoustic refinement; its design offers a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out experience, creating a typing atmosphere that is both luxurious and enjoyable. While the Lucky is ideal for users seeking a smooth linear switch, the U4Tx delivers a tactile experience that appeals to those who appreciate nuanced feedback. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.

By the numbers

HMX Lucky Linear

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the Gazzew U4Tx switches, it is clear that both switches emphasize a softer plastic composition that influences their overall sound profiles. The Lucky employs a traditional nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is well-regarded in the keyboard community for producing a deeper and fuller acoustic experience. Nylon's inherent softness absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory character. In contrast, the U4Tx incorporates a proprietary material often referred to as "boba plastic" for its top and bottom housings. While the Gazzew blend may differ from conventional nylon, it shares a similar characteristic of softness, which isolates it as another material capable of delivering rich, deep sound profiles.

Despite the distinctions in material naming and formulation, the result from both the HMX Lucky and the Gazzew U4Tx remains analogous. Because both switches prioritize the softness in their housing materials, the overall typing experience offers a satisfying auditory profile characterized by a muted yet rich sound. The Gazzew's proprietary blend, like nylon, also serves to absorb sound, which maintains the desired outcome: a less harsh auditory experience during typing. This similarity in material application suggests that users of either switch will likely enjoy a comparably pleasant sound experience, despite the differences in composition.

The interplay between the two housing types further influences the tactile experience during use, with the bottom housing playing a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Given that both the Lucky's nylon housings and the U4Tx's boba plastic housings are designed with an emphasis on softness, the user will encounter a fluid and rounded typing experience regardless of the switch chosen. The respective qualities of these materials may yield slight variances in sound characteristics upon key release or bottom-out, but the fundamental outcome—a delightful and rich typing audio—remains consistent across the two models. Thus, whether you opt for the traditional nylon or the innovative Gazzew blend, you are assured of a comforting and deep auditory typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we notice distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Lucky features a light actuation force of 37 grams, accompanied by a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended use in work or gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx has an actuation force that is unknown, but it does have a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, indicating a firmer keypress that may appeal to users looking for a more substantial typing experience. This makes the Lucky lighter overall, while the U4Tx is on the heavier side. For users who appreciate a more tactile feel, the U4Tx may be recommended, but those seeking a lighter touch and quicker actuation will find the Lucky to be better suited to their preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is evident that the Lucky has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the U4Tx measures 3.6 mm. This distinction indicates that the Lucky switch offers a deeper experience when pressed, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel during input. In contrast, the U4Tx, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, as the reduced distance can lead to faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on individual preferences—whether one favors the more pronounced depth of the Lucky or the snappier action of the U4Tx.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Lucky linear switch is characterized by a neutral and deeply satisfying auditory experience, though specific attributes of its sound are not provided. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offers a rich and dynamic acoustic profile. It features a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, which is complemented by a muted, whisper-quiet sound when topping out. This combination makes the U4Tx not only bassy and full but also conducive to a smoother typing environment, minimizing excessive noise typical of many mechanical keyboards.

In terms of feel, the Lucky switch is described as providing a lightweight and satisfying typing experience, though exact tactile qualities are not detailed. Meanwhile, the U4Tx switch is acclaimed for its sharp tactile feedback, delivering a pronounced and crisp bump upon actuation. This strong feedback means that each keystroke feels defined and purposeful, enhancing the tactile experience during extended typing sessions.

In conclusion, the Lucky switch offers a gentle and pleasant typing experience, while the U4Tx provides a high-intensity tactile response with a refined acoustic signature. While they each deliver their own unique qualities, choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback. If you value a quieter yet fulfilling experience, the U4Tx may edge out; however, both choices promise a satisfying typing journey with distinct characteristics that cater to different styles.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, your choice should be guided by your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and the weight of the actuation. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a neutral feel and a more subtle sound profile, the HMX Lucky is an excellent choice. Its lightweight action at 43 grams makes it ideal for long typing sessions where you want to reduce finger fatigue while enjoying a smooth and satisfying keypress. On the other hand, if you desire a more tactile feedback combined with a deeper sound profile, the Gazzew U4Tx should be your go-to. With its medium bottom-out force of 62.5 grams and the sharp tactile bump that provides a distinct keystroke feel, it offers an engaging typing experience that's both acoustically pleasing and satisfying. The U4Tx is perfect for users who appreciate a deeper, bassy sound along with a muted top-out experience, making it suitable for more immersive typing scenarios. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and how much you value feedback and sound characteristics in your keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more