HMX EMO vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the HMX EMO and the TTC Gold Red, both of which are linear switches. The HMX EMO switch is renowned for its lively and clacky feel, with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. This switch offers an effortless and bouncy typing experience, thanks to its exceptional factory-lubrication. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switches provide a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. These switches also offer a snappy sound profile, adding a touch of personality without being too loud. The Gold Red switches are categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Silky', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. 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
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the TTC Gold Red, both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal material for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting, allowing for a visually appealing experience. The similarities in the top housing material suggest that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetic features from both the EMO and the Gold Red keyboards.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the HMX EMO utilizes nylon, while the TTC Gold Red also features nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller yet rounder sound. The properties of nylon in the bottom housing contribute significantly to the typing experience, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. Despite both keyboards using nylon for the bottom housing, the slight variations in design and manufacturing may result in subtle differences in the typing experience between the EMO and Gold Red keyboards.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the HMX EMO and TTC Gold Red keyboards provides a balance between sharp, crisp sound quality and deep, full sound profiles. The differences in the housing materials of the two keyboards allow for unique typing experiences, with each material contributing distinct characteristics to the overall sound profile. While both keyboards offer similar benefits in terms of sound quality and design aesthetics, users may prefer one over the other based on personal preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The EMO has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Gold Red's 43 grams, making the EMO slightly easier to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the EMO requires 46 grams to fully press the key, while the Gold Red needs 50 grams, indicating a slightly more substantial typing experience with the Gold Red. Both switches are considered light in comparison to other switches on the market, making them suitable for individuals who prefer less resistance while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the EMO being slightly lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gold Red.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the TTC Gold Red linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The EMO's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time, while the Gold Red's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 HMX EMO switch offers a lively and clacky sound profile, adding a tactile and satisfying element to your typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switches provide a thocky, low-pitched sound that is deep and rich, creating a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, with the EMO providing a more tactile and pronounced sound, while the Gold Red delivers a smoother and more neutral sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO switch is known for its bouncy and effortless typing experience, with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force making it easy on the fingers. The Gold Red linear switches, on the other hand, offer a buttery smooth typing feel with a light-medium level of resistance. Additionally, the Gold Red switches are described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance.
Overall, both the HMX EMO linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch provide unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the EMO switch offers a lively and clacky sound with a bouncy typing experience, the Gold Red switch provides a thocky and smooth sound profile with a buttery typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing feel, either switch can offer a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, you can expect to get similar results in terms of smoothness and tactile feedback from both switches, with the main difference lying in the specific sound profiles they produce.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and TTC Gold Red linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force at 46 grams and enjoy a lively, clacky feel with a smooth and bouncy typing experience, then the HMX EMO switch would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force at 50 grams and enjoy a buttery smooth typing experience with a snappy sound profile that is thocky, low-pitched, and neutral, then the TTC Gold Red switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what type of typing experience you enjoy the most.
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