HMX EMO vs. Jerrzi Orange
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Jerrzi Orange 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 Jerrzi Orange. The HMX EMO is a linear switch that offers a lively and clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. It provides an effortless and bouncy typing experience that is smooth and satisfying. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange is also a linear switch known for its lightweight feel and crisp, audible feedback with each keystroke. This makes it a lively choice for enthusiasts who appreciate a responsive and vibrant typing experience. While both switches offer unique characteristics that may cater to different preferences, such as being feathery, easy-to-press, subdued, or clacky, it is essential to dive deeper into each switch's specific features to determine which one would be the best fit for your typing needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and Jerrzi Orange both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, enhancing resonance and clarity in sound output. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting effects. In terms of aesthetics and sound performance, both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housing.
On the other hand, the EMO features a nylon bottom housing which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Jerrzi Orange also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, showcasing a similar sound profile during typing. This classic switch housing material brings a unique sound experience to both switches, enhancing the overall tactile feel and acoustics of typing on these keyboards.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the HMX EMO and Jerrzi Orange are primarily seen in their bottom housing composition. While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate in their top housing for enhanced clarity and resonance, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of each switch brings a distinct sound profile to their typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a premium typing experience with a focus on sound quality and aesthetics through their unique housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force of the HMX EMO linear switch is slightly heavier at 40 grams compared to the Jerrzi Orange linear switch which requires only 37 grams to actuate. However, the bottom out force for the EMO is 46 grams, while the bottom out force for the Orange is unknown. In terms of weight, the EMO is slightly lighter in actuation force but heavier in bottom out force compared to the Orange switch. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Jerrzi Orange for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier bottom out force of the HMX EMO for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jerrzi Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for quick response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two may not be very noticeable in actual use. However, if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, you may lean towards the Jerrzi Orange switch with the longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific feel that each individual user is looking for in their typing experience.
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 Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
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 switch is best described as offering a lively and clacky typing experience, while the Jerrzi Orange switch provides a more subdued and clacky sound profile. The EMO switch delivers a bright and percussive sound with each keystroke, adding a sense of energy to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Orange switch produces a more dampened and subtle sound, which may appeal to those looking for a quieter but still tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound.
Moving on to feel, the HMX EMO switch is noted for its feather-light actuation force of 46g, providing a bouncy and effortless typing feel. In contrast, the Jerrzi Orange switch offers a feathery and easy-to-press experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches aim to provide a responsive and comfortable typing experience, with the EMO switch leaning towards a livelier feel and the Orange switch offering a smoother and more gentle typing sensation. While the differences may be subtle, they cater to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback and actuation force.
Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, it's important to note that both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The EMO switch excels in delivering a lively and clacky typing experience with a feather-light actuation force, while the Orange switch stands out for its subdued and clacky sound profile along with a feathery and easy-to-press feel. Whether you prefer a more energetic typing experience or a quieter and smoother feel, both switches aim to provide a satisfying and responsive typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the HMX EMO linear switch or the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a lively and bouncy typing experience with a feather-light bottom-out force, the EMO may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a crisp and audible feedback with each keystroke, the Orange switch could be the better option. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what type of typing experience you value most. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on your individual preferences and needs.
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