HMX EMO vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO, a linear switch, and the Durock Ice King Tactile, a tactile switch, offer distinct typing experiences. The HMX EMO is renowned for its lively and clacky feel, with a light 46g bottom-out force that provides a bouncy and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile is praised for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying tactile typing experience. While the EMO offers a more effortless and satisfying typing experience, the Ice King Tactile brings a unique blend of smoothness and tactility. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
68g
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
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Durock Ice King Tactile differ significantly. The EMO features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile comes with a nylon top housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the EMO and Ice King Tactile utilize nylon. This choice of material leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. The presence of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to the overall typing experience by creating a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out the switch.
While the top and bottom housings of the EMO and Ice King Tactile may differ, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch play a crucial role in the overall sound and feel. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to provide a unique typing experience based on the properties of their respective housing materials.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Durock Ice King Tactile switch. The EMO switch has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Ice King Tactile switch has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams. The EMO switch would be suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switch would be better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches provide different levels of resistance, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.5mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that pressing down on a key with either switch will result in a similar feeling of travel distance. Both switches provide a satisfying amount of distance for users to feel the actuation of the switch. Users can expect consistent performance and feedback from both switches due to their identical travel distances. In conclusion, whether you choose the HMX EMO or the Durock Ice King Tactile, you can expect a similar travel distance experience when pressing down on the keys.
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 Durock Ice King Tactile has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Tactile for $4.20.
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 is known for its lively and clacky sound profile, which can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy a more audible typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a more subdued sound, providing a quieter and more subtle typing experience overall. Both switches can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used, so it's important to consider these variables when choosing between the two.
In terms of feel, the HMX EMO switch is praised for its feather-light 46g bottom-out force, creating an effortless and bouncy typing experience that many users find smooth and satisfying. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a silky, frictionless feel with a pronounced tactile bump, providing a unique and refined typing experience with minimal resistance. The Ice King Tactile's polished finish further enhances the overall smoothness of the keystrokes, making it a standout choice for tactile switch enthusiasts.
Overall, the HMX EMO linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. If you're looking for a more audible typing experience with an emphasis on smoothness and lightness, the EMO switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump and a silky smooth feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is likely to provide a more satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so consider your personal preferences and typing style when making a decision between the two.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light, clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force and a bouncy typing experience, then the EMO might be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a medium-heavy 68g bottom-out force, a creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump, and a uniquely satisfying tactile experience, then the Ice King Tactile switch may be more suited to your needs. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and overall typing experience when making your decision, as both switches offer exceptional qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what feels best for your typing style.
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