HMX EMO vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch. The HMX EMO switch offers a lively, clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is known for its shorter travel and offers a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. Both switches are categorized differently, with the EMO falling into a specific category and the Ink Yellow falling into categories like 'Neutral', 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to 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
60g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Gateron Ink Yellow, one key difference is seen in their top housing materials. The EMO utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and high-pitched sound, described as clacky. While both materials offer a clear and resonant sound, the EMO's polycarbonate top housing may be preferable for those looking for a crisper sound, while the Ink Yellow's INK blend top housing offers a slightly different tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the EMO incorporates a nylon bottom housing which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also offers a pointed and high-pitched sound, similar to its top housing. Both housing materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of pressing down on the switch, with the nylon bottom housing providing a different typing experience compared to the INK blend bottom housing.
Overall, while the EMO and Ink Yellow switches both offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials, they each have their own unique characteristics. The EMO's combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing creates a clear and resonant sound with a deeper tone. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow's use of a proprietary INK blend for both top and bottom housing results in a pointed and high-pitched sound described as clacky. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of the EMO or the clacky sound of the Ink Yellow, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the EMO is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams. In contrast, the Ink Yellow is the heavier choice with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the EMO provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Ink Yellow offers a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a stronger typing experience. Both switches have distinct advantages based on personal preference, with the EMO being lighter and the Ink Yellow being on the medium-heavy side. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the HMX EMO, while those who enjoy a more robust typing experience may choose the Gateron Ink Yellow. Regardless of the choice, users will receive similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces based on their individual preference for the force required to trigger a keystroke and bottom out effectively.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will feel a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. The travel distance being the same for both switches ensures that users will get a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. Overall, both switches offer a smooth and consistent typing experience with a travel distance of 3.5 mm.
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 Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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
The HMX EMO linear switch is known for delivering a lively, clacky feel with a light bottom-out force of 46g, providing users with an effortless and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, showcasing a pleasant smoothness and clackiness. When it comes to sound, the EMO switch's sound profile is yet to be described, while the Ink Yellow switch is noted for its neutral and clacky characteristics. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is influenced by various factors including the keyboard and keycaps used. Regarding feel, the EMO has not been characterized in this aspect either, whereas the Ink Yellow is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience. This means that the switch offers a gentle and smooth feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in terms of typing experience. If you prefer a lively and bouncy feel, the HMX EMO switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you desire a smoother and more polished typing experience, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a lively, bouncy feel and a lower bottom-out force of 46 grams, the EMO switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams, a shorter travel distance, and a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, the Ink Yellow switch would be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and a mild typing feel, the Ink Yellow switch would be a good fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and overall feel.
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