HMX EMO vs. Huano Grape Orange
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference often dictates the best fit for each individual user. The HMX EMO switch stands out with its lively, clacky feel and a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing a playful typing experience that's both satisfying and smooth due to its exceptional factory lubrication. This switch caters to those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while typing and appreciate a responsive bounce with each keystroke. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange switch goes even lighter with an ultra-low 40g actuation force, designed specifically for comfort during extended typing sessions. This switch prioritizes an effortless experience, making it an attractive option for users who spend long hours at their keyboards and prefer a quieter, more subdued feel as they type. Both switches excel in their own right, offering unique benefits that cater to different typing styles and 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
40g
Actuation force
40g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and the Huano Grape Orange switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which fundamentally shapes their acoustic characteristics. Polycarbonate is applauded for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to its stiffness compared to other plastics, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced during keypresses. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from the polycarbonate's translucency, making them ideal for setups utilizing RGB lighting. This commonality in top housing material ensures that users of either switch will experience a similar audio signature, particularly during the release phase of a key press, marking strikingly comparable sound profiles between the two.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the EMO and Grape Orange switches utilizes nylon, leading to consistent auditory experiences during the downstroke. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, primarily because it is a softer plastic that absorbs sound rather than reflecting it. As a result, the combination of nylon for the bottom housing of both switches creates a rounder and more muted sound when keys are bottomed out. This shared use of nylon means that regardless of the differences noted in the top housing, the bottom-out sound will retain a familiar richness across both switch types.
It is essential to highlight that while both switches share similar housing materials in their top and bottom sections, the interaction between the two contributes to the overall auditory and tactile experience during key presses. The EMO and Grape Orange switches, owing to their shared polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms, allow users to expect a balance of crispness and depth in sound. Users will notice that the polycarbonate top primarily governs the sound during key release, while the nylon bottom impacts the key's tactile feel and sound when it is pressed down. Despite the uniformity in materials, individual user preferences may still fluctuate based on their sensitivity to the subtle sound variances and tactile feedback each switch provides.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch both feature the same actuation force of 40 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, they differ when it comes to bottom out force; the EMO has a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Grape Orange has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that although both switches share the same initial actuation feel, the Grape Orange provides a more substantial resistance when fully pressed down, appealing to users who prefer a firmer typing experience. Consequently, if you're looking for a lightweight switch for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, both options may suit you at the actuation stage, but the Grape Orange may feel heavier overall due to its higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, we find that the EMO features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Grape Orange offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the EMO switch has a shorter travel distance, which may be preferable for gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate feel when typing or gaming. Conversely, the Grape Orange's longer travel distance could appeal to users who appreciate a deeper, more substantial key press, as it provides a bit more resistance and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference; those favoring speed might gravitate towards the HMX EMO, while those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience might select the Huano Grape Orange.
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 Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange 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 HMX EMO linear switch is known for producing a lively, clacky noise that enhances the typing experience, making each key press feel vibrant and engaging. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, while also light and effortless, emits a quieter sound profile that is generally less pronounced when typing. This difference in auditory feedback can influence the user's preference, especially in environments where noise might be a concern; however, both switches' sound characteristics can ultimately be affected by the choice of keyboard plate material and keycap design.
When considering the feel of each switch, the HMX EMO is praised for its bouncy, engaging response, attributed to its feather-light 46g bottom-out force that ensures a satisfying typing experience. This switch allows for a dynamic interaction, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate a lively feedback mechanism. In contrast, the Grape Orange switch features an even lighter actuation force of 40g, resulting in an incredibly effortless typing sensation suitable for long typing sessions. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking minimal resistance and a smoother glide while typing, fostering a different, albeit equally satisfying, tactile experience.
In conclusion, the HMX EMO and Huano Grape Orange switches each offer unique auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different user preferences. While the EMO provides a lively, clacky sound and a bouncy feel, the Grape Orange promotes a quieter, more subtle sound with an incredibly light and smooth typing sensation. Both switches are designed to enhance typing comfort and efficiency, and your choice will likely hinge on whether you prefer a more pronounced feedback loop or a quieter, effortless action. Ultimately, both switches can deliver an enjoyable typing experience, but the nuances in sound and feel will cater to distinct typing styles and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX EMO and the Huano Grape Orange linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you enjoy a lively and clacky feel with a slightly lighter actuation force, the EMO could be the ideal choice for you, especially if you appreciate a bouncy typing experience that feels satisfying and smooth. On the other hand, if your focus is on extended typing sessions and you prefer a switch with an exceptionally light actuation force that minimizes fatigue, the Grape Orange might serve you better. It provides a seamless and effortless typing experience that many users find appealing for long hours of work. Thus, consider how important sound, feel, and actuation force are to you, as these characteristics will significantly influence your satisfaction with either switch. Choose the one that aligns best with your individual typing style and requirements.
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