KTT Darling vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling and the HMX EMO are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Darling is celebrated for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, accompanied by a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. In contrast, the EMO provides a lively and clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, offering an effortless and bouncy typing experience. Acoustically, the Darling produces a high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out, while the EMO's sound profile is not specified. Both switches provide different tactile and auditory feedback, making them suitable for different preferences. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Darling and the HMX EMO share similar characteristics in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through effectively in both the Darling and the EMO.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the KTT Darling and the HMX EMO differ in their materials. The Darling utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the EMO also features a nylon bottom housing, providing similar qualities in terms of sound when compared to the Darling. This consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing gives both switches a familiar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the housing materials of the KTT Darling and the HMX EMO play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches share the benefits of using polycarbonate in the top housing for a clear and resonant sound, they also differentiate themselves with the use of nylon in the bottom housing. The differences in materials contribute to the overall feel and sound of each switch, giving users a variety of options to choose from based on their preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch are quite different. The Darling switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the EMO's 40 grams, making it the heavier of the two. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Darling requires 53 grams while the EMO only needs 46 grams, making the EMO the lighter option. Both switches fall into the light to medium-light category, but the Darling provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the EMO to be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users will experience a similar key feel when pressing down on either switch. This distance is relatively short compared to other switches on the market, providing quick and efficient typing for users who prefer a shorter travel distance. Overall, both the KTT Darling and the HMX EMO offer a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Darling linear switch stands out for its clacky and high-pitched qualities, delivering a crisp and sharp sound that is both engaging and immersive. On the other hand, the HMX EMO linear switch's sound characteristics are not specified, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. When it comes to feel, the Darling switch is praised for its bouncy feedback, offering a springy and responsive typing experience that is both satisfying and enjoyable. Unfortunately, the information regarding the feel of the EMO switch is unavailable, making it challenging to evaluate its tactile qualities in comparison to the Darling.
Overall, if you prioritize a typing experience with a pronounced bounciness and a sharp, resonant sound, the KTT Darling linear switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a light bottom-out force and a factory-lubed, smooth typing feel, the HMX EMO linear switch could also provide a satisfying experience. Keep in mind that individual preferences play a crucial role in selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup, so trying out both options to see which one suits your typing style and preferences best would be ideal. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, and you can expect similar results in terms of overall performance despite their distinct subjective qualities.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, typing sensation, and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a typing sensation that feels chewy, substantial, and bouncy with a high-pitched, resonant sound, then the KTT Darling may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a lively, clacky feel with a factory-lubed, smooth typing experience, then the HMX EMO switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you find most satisfying.
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