HMX Lucky vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options are the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch. The Lucky switch stands out with its softer, glittery nylon housing, creating a lightweight and neutral typing feel that many users find deeply satisfying, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers a pronounced tactile response, delivering a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to each stroke, striking a balance between satisfying feedback and comfort. While the Lucky is ideal for those who enjoy a seamless typing experience, the Viola Tricolor caters to users who appreciate a bit more texture and auditory feedback in their keystrokes. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the Haimu Viola Tricolor offer intriguing contrasts, particularly in the top housing where they diverge, influencing sound profiles and aesthetic properties. The Lucky utilizes nylon for its top housing, a classic material known for its softer attributes. This creates a deeper and fuller sound profile that tends to absorb noise, resulting in a more muted auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor employs polycarbonate in its top housing, which is a much stiffer plastic. This choice enhances the sound dynamics by providing a sharper, crisper sound, due to its increased resonance and clarity, which is especially apparent when RGB lighting is involved. The translucence of polycarbonate allows for striking visual effects, a characteristic that can also influence a user's selection based on aesthetic preferences.
Interestingly, though both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, the impact of material choice becomes apparent when considering how these switches feel and sound during use. For both the Lucky and the Viola Tricolor, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, creating a consistent experience for users that prefer this softer, more muted auditory feedback. Since both switches share the nylon material for the bottom housing, users will find similarities in the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback during typing. This consistent element allows for a unified feel regardless of the top housing material selected, ensuring that the overall typing experience maintains a predictable quality.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in the housings of the HMX Lucky and Haimu Viola Tricolor dramatically influences their respective sound profiles, while still offering some common ground through their nylon bottom housings. The juxtaposition of nylon in the Lucky's top housing against polycarbonate in the Viola Tricolor creates a unique auditory experience, as the latter's sharper sound contrasts with the former's muted tones. However, the shared nylon bottom housing means that users will encounter a familiar tactile feel and sound on key bottoming out when using either switch. This blend of differing top materials and common bottom characteristics presents an interesting dichotomy for keyboard enthusiasts seeking specific auditory and tactile experiences.
Weight
The HMX Lucky linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Lucky switch features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for prolonged use, whether for typing at work or for long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor lacks a specified actuation force but has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This heavier feel can provide a more substantial typing experience, which might appeal to users who prefer a stronger push when interacting with their keyboard. Overall, the Lucky switch is the lighter option, while the Viola Tricolor switch is heavier, leading to different user experiences depending on personal preferences for switch feel during extended use.
Travel distance
The HMX Lucky linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch have identical travel distances, both measuring 3.8 mm. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable keypress experience in terms of the distance traveled when pressing down on either switch. As both switches require the same amount of travel to activate, they should deliver similar tactile feedback and overall feel during use. Hence, anyone considering these switches for their keyboard will achieve comparable results in terms of travel distance.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 is characterized by its softer sound profile, which complements its lightweight design. This creates a typing experience that is smooth and neutral, making it suitable for users who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch features a bassy sound profile, delivering a deeper and richer acoustic experience during key presses. Its low-pitched tone adds depth and character to each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing ambiance for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory experience.
Regarding the feel of these switches, the Lucky offers a deeply satisfying and neutral typing experience that doesn't push too far into either tactile or linear sensations, making it appealing for users who seek a smooth action without excessive feedback. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor stands out with its accented tactile feedback, providing a pronounced sensation that feels invigorating while not overwhelming. The medium tactile nature strikes a balance that can be both snappy and reactive, ensuring that typists receive adequate feedback without it being overly aggressive.
In summary, the HMX Lucky linear switch is ideal for those who appreciate a quiet and smooth typing experience, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch caters to users seeking a more dynamic and engaging tactile sensation along with an enhanced sound profile. Users can derive pleasure from both switches, but their ultimate experience will depend on personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback. As such, those who enjoy a subtle sound and feel may lean towards the Lucky, while others who crave a richer auditory experience and pronounced feedback might prefer the Viola Tricolor.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you favor a lighter touch and desire a smooth, neutral typing experience that is both satisfying and effortless, the Lucky switch is an excellent choice. Its low actuation force of 43 grams makes it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort and fluidity are paramount, particularly if you enjoy gaming or writing without the fatigue that can accompany heavier switches. On the other hand, if you appreciate more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper auditory experience, the Viola Tricolor switch will be more suitable for you. With its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams and a thuddy, bassy sound profile, it infuses your typing with an invigorating sensation and a character-rich auditory signature that many typists find rewarding. In the end, the decision hinges on your preference between a delicate, gliding experience with the Lucky or the firm, pronounced response of the Viola Tricolor—both of which offer unique advantages depending on your typing style and environment.
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