HMX Lucky vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lucky and Outemu Yellow Silver both present intriguing options for users seeking a linear feel. The Lucky switch, with its softer and glittery nylon housing, offers a typing experience that is not only neutral but also deeply satisfying, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a gentle touch and enhanced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver is celebrated for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, catering especially to gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes. While both switches are designed to provide smooth and uninterrupted typing, the Lucky appeals more to users who enjoy a softer experience, whereas the Yellow Silver shines in fast-paced environments where quick response times are crucial. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lucky and Outemu Yellow Silver switches, a notable distinction emerges in the top housing. The HMX Lucky features a nylon top housing, renowned for its softer texture that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Conversely, the Outemu Yellow Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in material properties means that while the Lucky's nylon housing produces a more muted and rounded sound, the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate housing enhances the clarity and resonance of each keystroke. If an individual is seeking a more subdued typing experience, the nylon top housing of the Lucky is advantageous; however, those favoring a more vibrant auditory feedback may prefer the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate construction.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Yellow Silver employ nylon material. This shared feature results in similar sound characteristics when the keys bottom out. The nylon bottom housing's softer properties yield a deeper and fuller sound profile, ensuring that both switches provide an overall consistent typing experience with a muted auditory feedback during key presses. The impact of the bottom housing is especially pronounced during the actuation and bottoming out of the switches, where the depths of sound can significantly affect user preference. Thus, regardless of the differing top materials, users can expect a harmonious bottom-out experience derived from the nylon composition present in both switches.
Ultimately, the combination of varied top housing materials and identical bottom housings creates unique audio dynamics across the HMX Lucky and Outemu Yellow Silver switches. The Lucky's nylon top fosters a warmer, fuller sound while the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top contributes to a more resonant and articulate sound profile. However, with both switches employing nylon in their bottom housings, users will still encounter a familiar depth of sound when the keys are fully pressed. Therefore, users who prioritize specific audio attributes can choose between these two switches based on their preference for sound clarity or warmth, while still enjoying a comparable bottom-out auditory experience due to the common material used in the bottom of both housings.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, notable differences appear in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Lucky features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a lightweight typing experience, ideal for extended periods of use. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This increased actuation force provides a more substantial feel for those who prefer a firmer push when typing or gaming. Consequently, the Lucky switch is the lighter option overall, while the Yellow Silver switch, with its higher forces, is the heavier choice, making it suitable for users who appreciate a more robust keystroke feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it's clear that the HMX Lucky features a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver offers a more traditional travel distance of 4 mm. This distinction may appeal to different user preferences; those who favor quicker response times, such as gamers, might lean toward the HMX Lucky for its shorter distance that allows for faster key actuation. Conversely, the Yellow Silver's longer travel distance of 4 mm may provide a more satisfying, tactile experience for users who appreciate a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference, with the Lucky being the shorter option and the Yellow Silver the longer one.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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
The sound profile of the HMX Lucky linear switch is largely characterized by a softer tone, which contributes to a quieter typing experience. This can create an atmosphere conducive to focus, especially in environments where noise levels matter. The Outemu Yellow Silver switch, on the other hand, is defined by its neutral sound profile, which strikes a balance between audible feedback and quietness. With a moderate actuation force, both switches are suitable for various environments, making them versatile choices whether at home or in shared spaces. However, it's worth noting that sound can be greatly influenced by factors such as your keyboard build and keycaps, so individual experiences may vary.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lucky switch offers a lightweight and satisfying typing experience that appeals to users seeking a balance of responsiveness without being overly demanding. This switch is designed for comfort and smooth operation, promoting a natural typing rhythm. The Outemu Yellow Silver switch also features a light actuation force, which enhances its speed and responsiveness, making it particularly favored by gamers and fast typists. Both switches provide a neutral tactile experience, promoting a seamless flow in typing without excess resistance, making them alike in their user-friendly design.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lucky and Outemu Yellow Silver switches cater to users who appreciate a smooth and lightweight typing experience with a neutral sound profile. While the Lucky switch is highlighted for its softer tone and deep satisfaction, the Yellow Silver is noted for its gaming suitability and responsiveness. Ultimately, users can expect similar outcomes in terms of typing feel and sound, but personal preference in characteristics such as softness and specific auditory feedback may guide their choice between the two.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider your primary needs and preferences. If you lean towards a softer, lighter typing experience with a bottom-out force of only 43 grams, the Lucky switch may be more suitable for you. Its neutral feel and satisfying action make it a great option for typists who want a gentle touch that doesn't require much effort to actuate keys. Furthermore, the unique nylon housing gives it a comfortable and unique feel, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or casual use. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, especially in gaming scenarios, you might favor the Yellow Silver switch. With a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, it provides a snappier and more controlled response that can enhance performance in fast-paced environments. Its neutral sound profile also ensures versatility, making it a great choice for both gaming and professional settings. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value a softer touch for typing comfort or a more robust feel for agile gaming.
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