Kailh Berry vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Berry and HMX EMO linear switches stand out as popular choices. The Berry is praised for its hefty typing experience with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture, producing a deep sound profile categorized as 'Textured', 'Low-pitched', 'Bassy'. On the other hand, the HMX EMO offers a lively, clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, delivering an effortless and bouncy typing experience that's both satisfying and smooth. Each switch brings its own unique characteristics to the table, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the HMX EMO, it is clear that both switches share similar characteristics due to their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for RGB lighting to be showcased effectively due to its translucency. This similarity in housing material ensures that users can expect a consistent sound profile and aesthetics when using either switch.
However, the key point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their nylon bottom housings. The Kailh Berry features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the EMO's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound feedback of each switch.
In essence, while both the Kailh Berry and the HMX EMO share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The Kailh Berry's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the EMO's polycarbonate bottom housing may lead to a crisper and sharper sound. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials in each switch contributes to a unique typing experience, catering to different preferences in sound feedback and feel.
Weight
The Kailh Berry linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch have distinct differences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Berry switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the EMO switch has a bottom out force of 46 grams, categorizing it as light. The actuation force of the Berry switch is not specified, while the EMO switch requires 40 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that the EMO switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Berry switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the EMO switch may be the better choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the Berry switch with its heavier bottom out force may be preferred. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, we see that the Berry has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the EMO has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to the average user, but for those who are more sensitive to keypress feel, it could impact their typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference - whether you prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the EMO for its quick response or the slightly longer travel distance of the Berry for a more substantial keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO for $2.79.
The Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched and bassy tone, offering a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the HMX EMO linear switch's sound profile is not specified, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Kailh Berry switch is praised for its textured typing experience, providing a springy feel with a chalk-like texture when typing. In contrast, the HMX EMO switch offers a lively and clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, delivering an effortless and bouncy typing experience. Without specific details on the feel of the EMO switch, it is challenging to make a direct comparison in this regard.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Berry linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Berry switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile along with a textured typing experience, the EMO switch stands out for its lively and clacky feel with a light bottom-out force. For users seeking a deep and rich sound with a textured typing experience, the Berry switch may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those looking for a lively and bouncy typing experience may find the EMO switch more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a springy feel and deeper sound profile, then the Berry switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and bouncy typing experience with a clacky feel and lower actuation force, then the EMO switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
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