Kailh Box White vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Kailh Box White, a clicky switch, and the HMX EMO, a linear switch. The Box White is favored for its maximum audio feedback, offering a distinctive "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and accented tactility when typing. On the other hand, the EMO provides a lively and clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, delivering a smooth and satisfying typing experience. While the Box White is resonant, high-pitched, crunchy, and polished, the EMO offers a bouncy and effortless feel. 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
Yes
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
Both the Kailh Box White and the HMX EMO utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in both switches ensures a consistent sound profile and aesthetic appeal when incorporating lighting effects.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Kailh Box White and the HMX EMO feature nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in material between the top and bottom housings allows for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound upon key release.
While the housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the HMX EMO are similar, with both switches using polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the specific design and composition of each switch may lead to slight variations in sound and feel. However, the use of these specific materials ensures that both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with distinctive characteristics. Ultimately, whether using the Kailh Box White or the HMX EMO, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile, tactile feedback, and overall performance.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the HMX EMO linear switch differ significantly in terms of weight. The Box White has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a balance between a light touch and a solid push. In contrast, the EMO offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams. This makes the EMO switch more suitable for those who prefer a lighter and easier keystroke. For individuals who like a heavier key press, the Box White switch would be the better choice. Both switches offer distinct experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on whether a lighter or heavier touch is desired for the typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the HMX EMO linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Despite the minimal difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches, it can still make a noticeable variance in the typing or gaming experience. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular for their faster response times. Gamers especially tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances for quick actions. However, some may find the shorter travel distance of the EMO switch to feel too abrupt, while others may appreciate the slightly longer travel distance of the Box White switch for a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 White comes in at $2.76 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 White clicky switch is known for its resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy typing experience, likened to stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the HMX EMO linear switch's sound profile is not specified, so it may provide a quieter typing experience compared to the clicky Box White switch.
In terms of feel, the Box White switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The HMX EMO linear switch is not specified in this aspect, so it may provide a different tactile feel compared to the Box White switch.
Overall, if you're looking for maximum audio feedback and a tactile typing experience, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, bouncy typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the HMX EMO linear switch could be a better fit for you. Both switches offer unique qualities, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides maximum audio feedback and a tactile typing experience, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. The satisfying "crunch" sound and accented tactility make typing on these switches a truly immersive experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a light typing experience with a feather-light bottom-out force, the HMX EMO linear switch would be more suitable. The smooth and bouncy typing experience provided by the EMO switch, along with its factory-lubed design, ensures effortless and enjoyable typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize audio feedback and tactility (Box White) or a light and smooth typing experience (EMO).
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