HMX EMO vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX EMO and the TTC Flaming Purple mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX EMO switch provides a lively and clacky typing experience with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, making it effortless and bouncy. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant character and slightly bassier sound signature, adding a poppy undertone to each keystroke. Both switches offer smooth typing experiences with low bottom-out forces, making them suitable for enthusiasts and daily typists. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
47g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and TTC Flaming Purple both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in these top housings enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it ideal for switches that aim to achieve a more distinct and vibrant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the integration of RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. However, despite these similarities in material and sound profile, the EMO and Flaming Purple may differ in design and overall aesthetic appeal.
On the other hand, the EMO features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing. Nylon as a housing material is known for its ability to absorb more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a noticeable variation in the overall sound experience between the HMX EMO and TTC Flaming Purple switches. While both switches offer a tactile and satisfying typing experience, the use of nylon in the bottom housing may create a distinct feel for users who prefer a quieter and more subdued typing sound.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate in the top housing and nylon in the bottom housing for the HMX EMO provides a unique blend of sound qualities that cater to different preferences. The split between the qualities of each housing material impacts both the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Purple's consistent use of polycarbonate and nylon throughout its housing may offer a more consistent sound profile but lacks the potential for a diverse typing experience that the EMO provides. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX EMO linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, both switches have similar weight with the EMO being slightly lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams. Both switches provide a light and easy typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Some users may prefer the slightly heavier feel of the Flaming Purple for a more substantial typing experience, while others may appreciate the lighter touch of the EMO for long periods of typing without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is slightly shorter than the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - those who prefer a quicker, more responsive feel may lean towards the EMO, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Flaming Purple. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results with slightly different travel distances.
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 TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 HMX EMO linear switch offers a lively and clacky sound profile that adds a satisfying auditory feedback to each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch presents a slightly bassier undertone, giving it a unique and engaging poppy sound signature. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience in terms of sound, with the EMO leaning towards a lively clackiness and the Flaming Purple offering a slightly bassier tone. Depending on your preference, you can expect a pleasing auditory experience from either switch.
In the realm of feel, the HMX EMO switch is known for its feather-light and bouncy typing experience with a bottom-out force of 46g, making it effortless and smooth to type on. Conversely, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is described as feathery, requiring minimal force to activate keys and providing a comfortable and low-impact typing feel. Both switches offer a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, ensuring a pleasant and effortless typing experience. Whether you prefer a bouncy feel like the EMO or a feathery touch like the Flaming Purple, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience in terms of feel.
In conclusion, the HMX EMO linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the EMO provides a lively and clacky sound profile with a bouncy typing experience, the Flaming Purple presents a slightly bassier sound and a feathery feel that enhances comfort during typing. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a pleasant and smooth typing experience with either the HMX EMO or the TTC Flaming Purple switch. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, offering a range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, consider the characteristics and qualities that best suit your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lively and clacky feel with a lighter bottom-out force, the HMX EMO switch with its 46g force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a resonant sound profile and a feathery typing experience with just a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 47g, the TTC Flaming Purple switch could be the perfect fit. Take into account how each switch aligns with your desired sound and feel preferences to make an informed decision. Ultimately, the choice between the HMX EMO and TTC Flaming Purple switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience that resonates with you the most.
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