Kailh Box Jade vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch to the HMX EMO linear switch, it's clear that they offer distinct typing experiences. The Box Jade is perfect for those who enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the HMX EMO provides a lively, clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. While the Box Jade is favored for its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, the EMO stands out for its smooth and bouncy typing experience. 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and the HMX EMO both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound characteristics, both switches are likely to provide a similar experience due to the shared polycarbonate material in their top housings.
On the other hand, the Kailh Box Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. The HMX EMO also features a nylon bottom housing, which similarly contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches enhances the typing experience by providing a unique sound signature that is distinct from the polycarbonate top housing.
When it comes to the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, the qualities of the top and bottom housings are divided between the two switches. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. While both the Kailh Box Jade and the HMX EMO offer a combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials, their unique configurations result in slightly different typing experiences that cater to individual preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences due to their varying weights. The Box Jade has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the EMO offers a lighter feel with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams. This makes it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. While the Box Jade offers a heavier typing experience, the EMO provides a lighter touch, allowing users to type effortlessly for extended periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the EMO switch for faster response times, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Box Jade switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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 Box Jade switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy typing experience, providing a sharp and crisp clicky sound that is reminiscent of autumn leaves crunching underfoot. On the other hand, the HMX EMO switch's sound profile is not explicitly described, so it may be a more subdued or different type of sound compared to the Box Jade. Depending on personal preference, the Box Jade may be preferred for those who enjoy a more pronounced and tactile sound feedback while typing.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is described as delivering an accented and invigorating typing experience, with a medium-heavy tactile bump that offers a balance between tactility and smooth typing. The HMX EMO, with its feather-light 46g bottom-out force and bouncy feel, may cater to those who prefer a light and effortless typing experience without the pronounced tactile feedback that the Box Jade offers. Depending on individual typing preferences, one may find the Box Jade's medium-heavy tactile bump more satisfying, while others may prefer the lighter and smoother typing experience of the EMO switch.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it is important to remember that choosing between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the HMX EMO linear switch ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile with medium-heavy tactility, the Box Jade may be the ideal choice for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a feather-light typing experience with a smooth and bouncy feel, the EMO switch could be more appealing. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so trying out both to see which one suits your typing style best would be the most definitive way to determine the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a lively and clacky feel, the HMX EMO linear switches with their feather-light 46g bottom-out force would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches should be based on your desired typing experience in terms of both sound and feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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