Kailh Box Royal vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Royal and the HMX EMO mechanical keyboard switches, it really boils down to your preference in terms of tactile feedback and typing experience. The Box Royal is designed for those who crave an extremely tactile typing experience, with a sharp and binary tactility that provides a satisfying sensation with every key press. On the other hand, the HMX EMO offers a smoother and more effortless typing experience, with a lively and clacky feel that is complemented by a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. While the Box Royal is known for its high-pitched sound profile, the EMO is exceptionally factory-lubed for a bouncy and smooth 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
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
The main difference between the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the HMX EMO switches lies in the top housing material. While the Box Royal features a nylon top housing known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound, the EMO utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer nature. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the typing experience for users, with the Box Royal offering a more muffled and round sound compared to the EMO's clear and resonant sound.
On the other hand, the bottom housing material for both switches remains consistent with nylon, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. While the top housing material may vary between the Box Royal and the EMO, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that users will still experience a similar typing sound and feel when using either of these switches.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and the HMX EMO switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile. Those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound with a more muted tone may lean towards the Box Royal with its nylon top and bottom housings. On the other hand, users looking for a sharper and crisper sound with a clear and resonant tone may favor the EMO with its polycarbonate top housing. Despite the differences in top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a level of consistency in sound profile between these two switches.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the HMX EMO linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Royal is heavier at 70 grams while the EMO is lighter at 46 grams. This means that the Box Royal offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier keypress, while the EMO provides a lighter touch for those who prefer to type for longer periods of time without fatigue. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Box Royal being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the EMO switch for faster response times, while those who enjoy more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the slightly longer travel distance of the Box Royal switch. Overall, both switches offer a similar travel distance, providing users with a tactile typing experience that suits their individual preferences.
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 Royal 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 Box Royal tactile switch is known for its high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the sound profile of the HMX EMO linear switch is not specified. Depending on personal preference and other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, the sound produced by each switch may vary.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is recognized for its sharp tactile feedback, offering a strong and distinct tactile bump with each keypress. In contrast, the HMX EMO switch provides a lively and clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, delivering an effortless and bouncy typing experience. The specific feel of the EMO switch is not described, but it is important to consider the type of feedback and force required for keypresses when choosing a switch that best suits your typing style.
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is ideal for those seeking an aggressive and sharply tactile typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the HMX EMO linear switch offers a light and clacky feel, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, both switches can deliver unique and enjoyable experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a sharp, aggressive tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile, then the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, bouncier feel with a lower bottom-out force, then the HMX EMO linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of tactility, sound, and overall typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences for the ultimate mechanical keyboard experience.
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