HMX Lucky vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular contenders emerge: the HMX Lucky and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), both of which are linear switches offering distinct characteristics tailored to different typing preferences. The Lucky is celebrated for its softer and glittery nylon housings, which produce a typing experience that is both neutral and deeply satisfying, making it a great choice for those who prefer a lighter touch and a more aesthetically pleasing design. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy) takes a more robust approach with its PA12 top housing, enhancing acoustic profiles for a softer sound, while its POM stem delivers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, making it ideal for typists seeking a balance of sophistication and performance. While the Lucky excels in a lightweight and visually appealing experience, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a heavier feel coupled with a distinct auditory signature. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lucky and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches both feature nylon as their primary housing material, employing it both in the top and bottom housings. This similarity contributes to a consistent typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon used in both switches is noted for its relatively soft texture, which aids in sound absorption compared to harder plastics. As a result, users will find that the auditory feedback from both switches is notably mellower, characterized by a rounder sound when typing, promoting a more enjoyable acoustic experience. Since both models utilize identical materials, it is expected that the overall sound quality will be remarkably parallel.
While the housing materials for the HMX Lucky and Xinhai (Heavy) switches are the same in terms of composition and sound characteristics, it's important to understand how these materials interact within each switch to create a unique typing feel. The bottom housing, being more significant in influencing the bottom-out sound and tactile sensation, will play a critical role in how each switch feels during actuation. However, the top housing will predominantly influence the sound produced when keys are released, which may result in subtle differences in acoustics despite the same material. Consequently, while the two switches share a common material, the different designs and constructions may lead to marginal variations in performance.
Moreover, even with identical materials creating a similar auditory environment, the overall experiences provided by these switches can diverge based on their specific engineering. If either the Lucky or Xinhai (Heavy) incorporates variations in switch design, such as different actuation points or spring configurations, users might perceive these differences during typing despite the shared nylon housing. Thus, while both switches excel in delivering a cozy and sound-absorbing typing experience due to their nylon construction, individual preferences for tactile feedback and sound can lead to contrasting feelings when using each switch extensively.
Weight
The HMX Lucky linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lucky switch features a lightweight actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions, as its lighter response minimizes fatigue. Conversely, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch offers a firmer actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for a pronounced tactile feel. Thus, while the Lucky switch is suited for users seeking a gentler touch, the Xinhai caters to those who appreciate a heavier push. In summary, the HMX Lucky is the lighter option with lower forces compared to the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), which is distinctly heavier.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Lucky offers a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference means that the HMX Lucky provides a deeper feel when pressed, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial keypress, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) allows for quicker actuation, making it a suitable option for gamers seeking faster response times. Although both switches fall within the range of contemporary preferences for travel distances, the Lucky's longer 3.8 mm travel distance offers more considerable tactile feedback, in contrast to the more abrupt 3.4 mm of the Xinhai. Therefore, if you lean towards responsive key presses, the Xinhai (Heavy) might be the better choice, but if a hearty and deeper key feel is what you seek, the Lucky switch is preferable.
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 HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $2.99.
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 features a softer and more subdued acoustic profile thanks to its nylon housings, allowing for a typing experience that feels neutral yet satisfying. This contributes to a quiet and comfortable typing session, making it suitable for environments where noise levels need to be minimized. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a unique auditory experience with its PA12 top housing, which is designed to create softer acoustics. The POM stem injects a crisp, higher-pitched resonance into each keystroke, giving it a more pronounced sound compared to the Lucky. This combination results in a typing experience that balances subtlety with clarity, providing an engaging auditory feedback that many users appreciate.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lucky switch stands out for its lightweight design, which contributes to a typing experience that is both neutral and deeply satisfying. Its softer nylon housing enables a smooth actuation without unnecessary resistance, making it easy to type over long sessions without fatigue. The HMX Xinhai (Heavy), on the other hand, brings a heavier touch that caters to users who prefer a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. Its construction aims for precision and control, giving the user a satisfying tactile response that some may find more satisfying for heavier typing. Both switches provide distinct yet enjoyable experiences, appealing to different preferences depending on how much weight and texture a typist desires.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Lucky and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches deliver high-quality typing experiences, they cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. The Lucky offers a muted, neutral sound and a lightweight feel, perfect for quiet typing sessions, while the Xinhai (Heavy) presents a crisper sound and a more resistant feel. If you prefer a more subdued auditory experience with a softer touch, the Lucky is an excellent choice; however, if you enjoy a pronounced audio feedback complemented by a heavier feel, the Xinhai (Heavy) will deliver that satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on your individual preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter touch and enjoy a typing experience that feels neutral and satisfying, the HMX Lucky is the ideal choice for you. With a bottom-out force of only 43 grams, these switches allow for quick keystrokes and minimal fatigue during extended typing sessions. Their softer nylon housings provide a comforting feel that enhances the overall typing experience while maintaining a pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust typing sensation coupled with a higher actuation force, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is your go-to option. The 62.5 grams of bottom-out force create a noticeable resistance that can enhance precision, especially beneficial in gaming or fast-paced typing scenarios. Its distinct acoustics, thanks to the unique PA12 top housing and POM stem, produce a crisp and refined typing sound. Ultimately, both switches offer their own delights, so consider what feels right for you: the lightweight, effortless glide of the Lucky or the substantial and sophisticated action of the Xinhai (Heavy).
Mentioned in this article
