HMX EMO vs. KTT Kang White
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the KTT Kang White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the HMX EMO and the KTT Kang White mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX EMO switch stands out for its lively and clacky feel, coupled with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, making it effortless and bouncy to type on. On the other hand, the KTT Kang White switch is renowned for its poppy linear action and dazzling typing sound, thanks to the self-lubricating material that provides unparalleled smoothness. While the EMO falls under the linear switch category, the Kang White is also a linear switch that offers low-pitched and neutral characteristics. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and the KTT Kang White both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to feature RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this similarity in their top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing material.
The EMO's bottom housing is made of nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Kang White also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper sound profile. Despite the difference in top housing materials, the similarity in using nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches offer a comfortable and consistent typing experience.
Overall, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the EMO and Kang White switches contributes to their sharp and clear sound profiles, especially when combined with RGB lighting. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches adds a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a well-rounded typing experience. While there may be slight variations in sound and feel between the two switches due to their different top housing materials, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that users can expect similar results in terms of typing comfort and sound quality.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch differ in their weight. The EMO has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Kang White has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the EMO switches, as they require less force to type. In contrast, those who prefer a more substantial push feel may opt for the Kang White switches, as they offer a heavier typing experience. However, both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable choices for individuals with varying preferences. Ultimately, the weight of the switches plays a significant role in determining the typing experience and suitability for different users.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Kang White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the KTT Kang White has a longer travel distance compared to the HMX EMO. The 3.5 mm travel distance of the HMX EMO falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Kang White provides a deeper and more traditional keystroke feel, which may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
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 KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 per 10 switches.
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 best known for its lively, clacky feel and feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing a bouncy and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Kang White linear switch is praised for its self-lubricating material, which results in unparalleled smoothness when typing and a dazzling sound that is low-pitched and neutral. When it comes to sound, the EMO's specific characteristics are unknown, while the Kang White offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various purposes. As for the feel of the switches, the EMO's details are also unspecified, while the Kang White is recognized for its smoothness due to the self-lubricating material. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities in sound and feel, catering to different preferences. Depending on your preference for typing experience, you can achieve similar results with either switch based on the provided information.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a lively and bouncy typing experience with a light 46g bottom-out force, the HMX EMO linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a medium 58g bottom-out force and enjoy a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the KTT Kang White linear switch might be more suitable for your needs. Consider your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom-out force when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, choosing between the EMO and Kang White switches will depend on what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
