HMX EMO vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX EMO and the TTC Honey, both of which are linear switches. The HMX EMO is well-known for its lively and clacky feel, boasting a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. This switch offers a bouncy and satisfying typing experience that is smooth, thanks to its exceptional factory lubrication. On the other hand, the TTC Honey switch is praised for its smooth and creamy typing feel, along with a deep and pleasing sound profile. Categorized as subdued, creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, polished, the Honey switch provides a different tactile experience compared to the EMO. 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
42g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the TTC Honey, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate's stiffness allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for RGB lighting purposes. However, the EMO differs from the Honey in terms of its nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall sound experience of each switch.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, their differing bottom housing materials showcase how material choice can influence sound profiles. The TTC Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing aligns with its top housing, resulting in a cohesive sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the EMO's nylon bottom housing creates a contrasting deeper and fuller sound profile compared to its polycarbonate top housing. This highlights how the split between top and bottom housing materials can impact the overall typing experience, with each material bringing its unique qualities to the switch's sound and feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the HMX EMO and the TTC Honey comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the differing bottom housing materials of nylon and polycarbonate create distinct typing experiences. The EMO offers a mixture of sharper top housing and deeper bottom housing sound profiles, while the Honey provides a consistent sharp and crisp sound throughout. Whether one prefers a more resonant and clear sound or a deeper and fuller sound, the housing materials of these switches play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces compared to other switches on the market. The EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Honey has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches are on the lighter side, making them suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue can be a concern. However, the Honey switch requires slightly more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the EMO switch. This means that the Honey switch may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of key presses.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX EMO linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Honey switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the EMO switch. The EMO switch is more suited for those who prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, ideal for gamers or those who enjoy a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Honey switch provides a slightly deeper key press, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their respective travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
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 Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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 typing experience, while the TTC Honey switch is known for its subdued and dampened sound profile. The EMO switch delivers a more pronounced and satisfying click when pressed, creating a satisfying auditory feedback for the user. On the other hand, the Honey switch provides a more subtle and mellow sound, which may appeal to those looking for a quieter typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the EMO switch being more pronounced and clacky, while the Honey switch is more subdued and gentle in its sound output.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the HMX EMO switch provides a bouncy and effortless typing experience with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. The switch is factory-lubed, ensuring a smooth and satisfying keystroke with minimal resistance. In contrast, the TTC Honey switch is described as creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished. These descriptors indicate a smooth and effortless typing sensation, with a silky and polished key travel experience. The Honey switch offers a refined and luxurious feel to the user, allowing for comfortable and seamless typing sessions.
Overall, the HMX EMO linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the EMO switch provides a lively and clacky sound with a bouncy typing experience, the Honey switch offers a subdued and creamy sound with a smooth and buttery typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound output and typing experience, users can choose between the lively and pronounced EMO switch or the smooth and gentle Honey switch to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and satisfying tactile feedback for an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, you should consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a lively and bouncy feel with a light 46g bottom-out force, then the HMX EMO switch would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing feel with a slightly higher 50g bottom-out force, then the TTC Honey switch might be more appealing to you. Both switches have unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Happy typing!
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