HMX EMO vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the HMX EMO and the Gateron Glory Yellow, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The HMX EMO switch is celebrated for its lively and clacky feel, featuring an impressively light 46g bottom-out force that contributes to a bouncy and effortless typing experience. Its exceptional factory lubrication enhances the smoothness, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize comfort and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Yellow switches provide a different tactile sensation with a heavier feel, offering a smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance that many typists prefer for a more substantial feedback while typing. Both switches have their unique advantages—whether you seek lightness and a lively feedback with the EMO or a more robust typing experience with the Glory Yellow. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and Gateron Glory Yellow switches exhibit notable differences in their housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The EMO features a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This material's stiffness facilitates a more resonant and articulate response, making it ideal for users who prefer a crisper auditory experience. In contrast, the Glory Yellow employs a nylon top housing, characterized by its softer and more elastic properties. This softness tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, which can be appealing to those who favor a more muted auditory feedback while typing.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, both the EMO and Glory Yellow utilize nylon, which means that they share similar acoustic characteristics in this regard. The nylon bottom in the EMO, much like that in the Glory Yellow, contributes to a deeper sound, creating a duller and rounder typing experience due to its sound-absorbing attributes. This uniformity in bottom housing material suggests that both switches will deliver a comparable bottom-out feel and sound. Therefore, while the top housing materials differ—one being polycarbonate and the other nylon—their shared bottom housing construction leads to a consistent base sound profile across both switches.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing material of the HMX EMO and Gateron Glory Yellow mean that users will experience contrasting sound profiles when keys are released. The polycarbonate top of the EMO enhances resonance and clarity, elevating the listening experience for those who enjoy sharper keystrokes. Meanwhile, the nylon top of the Glory Yellow ensures a softer, rounder release sound. This variance indicates that although both switches feature nylon in their bottom housings, the distinct characteristics of their respective top housings will provide users with different auditory experiences, catering to diverse preferences in mechanical keyboard acoustics.
Weight
When comparing the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces that cater to distinct preferences among users. The EMO features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Glory Yellow has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, which appeals to users who seek a more pronounced and substantial feel when typing. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is not available, leaving that aspect unknown. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch for comfort during long use, the HMX EMO would be the better option, while those who favor a firmer response may lean towards the Gateron Glory Yellow despite its lack of bottom out force data.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The HMX EMO features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Glory Yellow has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the EMO is the shorter of the two switches, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances can enhance overall speed and efficiency. Conversely, the Glory Yellow's greater travel distance offers a deeper feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying and tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference; those who prioritize responsiveness might lean towards the EMO, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may favor the Glory Yellow.
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 Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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 tends to produce a lively, clacky characteristic that enhances the typing experience, creating an engaging auditory feedback that many users find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch is known for its smooth keystroke, but specific details about its sound profile are not provided. It's important to note that the overall sound quality of either switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard's build, the materials used, and the keycaps selected, so users could achieve a similar sound depending on their specific setup.
Regarding feel, the HMX EMO switch is recognized for its exceptionally light bottom-out force of 46g, which contributes to a bouncy and airy typing sensation. This feather-light action allows for a very effortless experience that can be quite satisfying for typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is described as having a heavier feel compared to the EMO, but detailed nuances of its tactile feedback—such as a specific pressure point or travel characteristics—are not specified. This means that while both switches offer a linear experience, the sensations they provide may cater to different preferences regarding actuation force and overall resistance during typing.
In conclusion, while the HMX EMO and Gateron Glory Yellow switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, they present distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The EMO offers a clacky and lively auditory experience with a very light touch, which appeals to users who enjoy a more dynamic feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow provides a heavier feel that could suit those who prefer a firmer typing experience; however, further details about its sound and tactile qualities remain unspecified. Ultimately, the choice between these two options will depend on individual preferences regarding sound acoustics and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, your choice primarily hinges on your typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you lean towards a lively and clacky feel with a feather-light actuation, the HMX EMO is your best bet, as it offers an effortless bounce that can make typing feel almost exhilarating. It's also factory-lubed, ensuring a smooth experience right out of the box, perfect for those who enjoy a slightly more playful and tactile interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch that provides a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance, the Gateron Glory Yellow would be a great choice. It caters to users who enjoy a more solid and deliberate typing experience, making it well-suited for environments that require precision and control. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you value a light and responsive feel or a weightier, smoother keystroke, ensuring that you select the switch that best enhances your typing or gaming endeavors.
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