HMX EMO vs. Bsun Hutt
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Bsun Hutt switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX EMO and the Bsun Hutt mechanical keyboard switches, a clear difference can be seen in their characteristics. The HMX EMO is a linear switch known for its lively, clacky feel and feather-light 46g bottom-out force, delivering an effortless and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Hutt is a tactile switch with a medium-heavy spring and a prominent tactile bump, providing a distinctive and enjoyable typing experience with a balanced sound profile. While the EMO offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience, the Hutt offers a snappy and sharp feel with an invigorating tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
49g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20.5mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and the Bsun Hutt both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more resonant sound compared to softer plastics. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through for a visually appealing effect. Overall, the use of polycarbonate in both switches contributes to a clear and distinct sound profile that enhances the typing experience.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the HMX EMO features nylon while the Bsun Hutt also uses nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other plastics, as it absorbs more sound and creates a duller tone. This results in a more muted sound when bottoming out keys, which can be preferred by some users for a quieter typing experience. Despite both switches using nylon for their bottom housing, the impact of this material will be felt predominantly when pressing down on the keys, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the HMX EMO and the Bsun Hutt share similarities in using polycarbonate for their top housing material, the choice of nylon for their bottom housing presents a noticeable difference in the sound profile. The EMO's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Hutt's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound for a duller tone. Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in each switch results in a unique typing experience with varying sound profiles depending on the type of key press.
Weight
The actuation force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch are both 40 grams, meaning you'll get similar results in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the EMO requires 46 grams, while the Hutt requires 49 grams. This makes the EMO the lighter option, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Hutt is slightly heavier, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a balance between actuation force and bottom out force, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance being traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the key travel distance. Therefore, users can expect consistent results when typing on keyboards equipped with either the HMX EMO or the Bsun Hutt switches.
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 Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
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 is known for offering a lively and clacky typing experience, while the Bsun Hutt switch provides a resonant sound profile with a higher-pitched and clean tone. Both switches offer distinctive auditory experiences, but the EMO switch may have a slightly softer and more satisfying sound compared to the sharper resonance of the Hutt switch.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO switch is acclaimed for its feather-light 46g bottom-out force, delivering an effortless and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Hutt switch features a medium-heavy spring with a prominent tactile bump, offering a snappy and invigorating typing sensation with a sharp and accented tactile feedback. While the EMO switch leans towards a smoother and more effortless feel, the Hutt switch provides a more tactile and responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX EMO linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The EMO switch provides a smoother and more satisfying sound with an effortless typing experience, while the Hutt switch boasts a resonant sound profile with a sharper tactile feedback, making typing more responsive and engaging. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a high-quality typing experience, ensuring that newcomers will get similar results tailored to their individual preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch, it is important to consider your typing preferences. If you prefer a light, smooth typing experience with a bouncy feel and a low bottom-out force, the EMO switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy spring with a prominent tactile bump, producing a resonant and satisfying typing sound, the Hutt switch is worth considering. Ultimately, select the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience for the most enjoyable and personalized mechanical keyboard setup.
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