KTT Cream Yellow vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX EMO offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow is favored for its distinctively clacky sound, bouncy typing feel, and shortened bottom-out distance. On the other hand, the EMO stands out with its lively and feather-light 46g bottom-out force, offering an effortless and smooth typing experience. While both switches provide a bouncy feel, the Cream Yellow is categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', whereas the EMO lacks a specific categorization. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX EMO both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's relatively stiff nature. This allows for a clear and resonant sound, ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in both switches ensures a consistent sound experience when pressing down on the keys, with the only potential difference being the aesthetics of the switch.
On the other hand, the Cream Yellow and the EMO differ in their choice of bottom housing material, with the Cream Yellow using nylon while the EMO also utilizes nylon for this component. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out the keys, adding a unique tactile experience to each switch.
Overall, while both the Cream Yellow and the EMO share the benefits of using polycarbonate for their top housing, they differ in the tactile experience provided by their nylon bottom housing. The split between the top and bottom housings allows each switch to offer a balanced sound profile, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key. This distinction adds variety to the typing experience for users looking for different sound profiles in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Yellow requires a heavier force compared to the EMO. The Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, classifying it as a lighter switch. The Cream Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the EMO offers a lighter touch for typing for longer periods of time. Both switches have their advantages, with the Cream Yellow catering to those who prefer a stronger push and the EMO appealing to those who enjoy a lighter keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch is identical, both measuring at 3.5 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of how far the key travels from the top to the bottom. Users can expect consistent feedback and actuation from either switch, making them suitable choices for those looking for a smooth and linear typing experience. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is the same, ensuring that users will get comparable results regardless of which one they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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.
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 Cream Yellow switch is best known for its distinctive clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy audio feedback due to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem design. On the other hand, the HMX EMO switch offers a lively and clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, delivering a bouncy typing experience that is smooth and satisfying, thanks to its factory-lubed components. When it comes to sound, the Cream Yellow switch produces a crisp and bright tone, while the EMO switch's sound qualities are not specified. In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch is known for its bouncy and spring-like feedback, giving a satisfying rebound sensation when typing. Unfortunately, information on the specific feel of the EMO switch is not provided.
Overall, both the Cream Yellow and EMO switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky sound with bouncy feedback, the Cream Yellow switch may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and smooth typing experience with factory-lubed components, the EMO switch might be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, consider the following guidelines: opt for the Cream Yellow if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a distinctive clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, choose the EMO if you prefer a light bottom out force with a lively and clacky typing experience that is factory-lubed for smoothness. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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