HMX EMO vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and the Gateron Ink Box Pink are two popular options to consider. The HMX EMO is a linear switch that offers a lively, clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is also a linear switch known for its smooth and lighter typing feel, with a higher-pitched clack. Both switches provide a satisfying and smooth typing experience, making them ideal choices for those who prefer a more tactile feel while typing. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Gateron Ink Box Pink, one key difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The EMO utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which offers a pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both materials aim to enhance sound quality, the EMO's polycarbonate housing provides a clearer and resonant sound, while the Ink Box Pink's INK blend offers a unique and satisfying thin sound profile.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the EMO's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink complements its top housing by offering a similar high-pitched and clacky sound profile. While both bottom housings aim to enhance the sound experience, the EMO's nylon bottom housing creates a different acoustic effect compared to the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink.
In terms of overall sound experience, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile of a switch. The qualities of the bottom housing impact the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. The contrasting qualities of polycarbonate and nylon in the EMO, as well as the INK blend in the Ink Box Pink, offer users a range of options to customize their typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper and clearer sound profile from polycarbonate or a high-pitched and clacky sound from the INK blend, both switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it is evident that the EMO is lighter in both aspects. The EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Despite their differences, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring that typists can achieve their preferred level of feedback when using either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Ink Box Pink has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the EMO. Both of these switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices among gamers for their fast response times. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may find the slightly longer travel distance of the Ink Box Pink to be more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the type of key press experience desired.
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 Gateron Ink Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
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 that is sharp and percussive when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch produces a higher-pitched clack that is crisp and bright, adding a unique auditory experience to your typing sessions. Depending on your preference, the EMO provides a more energetic and bouncy sound, while the Ink Box Pink offers a smoother and lighter sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the HMX EMO switch provides a feather-light typing experience with a 46g bottom-out force, resulting in an effortless and bouncy feel that is both satisfying and smooth. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch offers a silky smooth typing experience with minimal resistance and a polished finish, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. While the EMO delivers a lively and clacky feel, the Ink Box Pink delivers a refined and polished typing experience.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that both the HMX EMO and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a more energetic and clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, the EMO switch would be a great choice. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother and lighter sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Ink Box Pink switch would be more appealing. Ultimately, both switches provide exceptional performance and can deliver satisfying results depending on your personal preference.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a light, bouncy typing experience with a lower bottom out force, the HMX EMO switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth, silky typing feel with a medium bottom out force and a higher-pitched clack sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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