HMX Lucky vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lucky and the Jerrzi Violet present two distinct yet appealing options for different typing preferences. The HMX Lucky, characterized by its softer and glittery nylon housing, offers a linear switch experience that is lightweight and neutral, creating a deeply satisfying feel with each keystroke. This makes Lucky switches an excellent choice for gamers and typists seeking a fluid, uninterrupted typing experience without any tactile bumps to distract them. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switches are defined by their gentle tactile feedback, which strikes a balance between smooth actuation and a delightful pop with each key press. Their neutral sound signature adds to the overall enjoyment, making them ideal for those who appreciate a bit of feedback during typing but still desire a refined acoustic experience. While both switches cater to different typing styles—linear for a seamless ride and tactile for a more engaging interaction—it's essential to explore their characteristics further. So, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, allowing you to decide which switch best suits your personal preferences and typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Lucky and the Jerrzi Violet, a notable difference is found in their top housing materials. The Lucky features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials. In contrast, the Violet opts for a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant auditory experience, perfect for users who prefer a bright acoustic response. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate's translucence makes it a favored choice for RGB lighting setups, whereas the nylon's opacity may not showcase lighting effects to the same extent. This fundamental difference in sound profile and visual appeal sets the two models apart.
On the other hand, both the HMX Lucky and Jerrzi Violet utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material results in a similar auditory experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. With nylon being a softer plastic, it contributes to a deeper sound, creating a harmonious transition from the typing acoustic to the overall feedback of the switch. As users engage with these switches, both models will provide a consistent sense of fullness and muted response at the keypress bottom. This commonality ensures that despite the differing top housings, there’s still a significant overlap in the tactile experience offered by the bottom housing.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in both switches creates varying auditory dynamics. While the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures a consistent, rounded sound experience, the contrasting top housings diverge in how they project sound. The Lucky's nylon top contributes to the overall muted effect, while the Violet's polycarbonate housing provides a sharper, more resonant tone upon release. This creates a layered auditory experience where the choice of top housing fundamentally influences how sounds are perceived, emphasizing the importance of material selection in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, contributing to their overall typing experience. The Lucky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly during extended use at work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Violet switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, though the bottom out force remains unspecified. This indicates that the Violet could provide a more substantial typing feel, appealing to users who favor a stronger push. Ultimately, if you prefer a lighter switch for prolonged use, the HMX Lucky is the better option, whereas the Jerrzi Violet may cater to those who enjoy a firmer feel while typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, the Lucky boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Violet features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This establishes the Violet as the more responsive option, ideal for gamers seeking quicker actuation times. Conversely, the Lucky's longer travel distance may provide a more traditional feel, offering a hearty depth that some users prefer. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches should reflect one's personal preference for responsiveness versus depth, as the Lucky offers a subtle delay that might feel more comfortable for typing compared to the brisk actuation of the Violet.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Lucky switch features a softer sound profile, which aligns well with its lightweight design made of glittery nylon. This creates a typing experience that is not overly loud, making it suitable for quiet environments. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switch has a neutral sound signature, characterized by a moderate sound profile which strikes a balance between audible feedback and discretion. This makes the Violet switch appropriate for various settings, whether for office use or at home, without being overly distracting.
When considering the feel, the HMX Lucky switch provides a neutral typing experience that many users find deeply satisfying. Its lightweight design allows for easy actuation without sacrificing feedback, making it enjoyable for long typing sessions. Meanwhile, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a gentle tactile experience characterized by stepped feedback. This means it provides tactile bumps at two stages of the keystroke, which can enhance typing precision and allow for a more deliberate interaction with the keyboard, particularly beneficial for users who appreciate clear tactile signals without an overwhelming tactile bump.
Overall, both the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offer distinct advantages depending on user preferences, particularly in terms of sound and feel. The Lucky's softer sound and neutral feel make it ideal for those seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience, while the Violet's neutral sound and gentle tactile feedback cater to users who prefer a more textured interaction without excessive noise. Depending on your specific typing style and environment, either switch could provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, your personal preferences and intended use will play a significant role in your decision. If you value a lighter touch and a neutral typing experience that is deep and satisfying, the Lucky switch would be an excellent choice, especially for long typing sessions or casual gaming where responsiveness and comfort are paramount. On the other hand, if you appreciate feedback during your key presses and enjoy a gentle, tactile sensation while typing, the Violet switch may be the better option for you. Its smooth actuation and poppy tactile response are ideal for both typing and gaming, offering a balanced experience with a neutral sound profile that suits various environments, whether at home or in an office. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean towards a softer linear feel or a more tactile, engaging typing experience, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard meets your specific needs and enhances your overall enjoyment.
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