HMX EMO vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX EMO linear switch to the BSUN Kiki Red linear switch, both options offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX EMO is known for its lively and clacky feel, coupled with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the BSUN Kiki Red offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance, thanks to its all-POM housings and smooth actuation facilitated by Ly stems. While the EMO stands out for its satisfying smoothness, the Kiki Red excels in subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX EMO and the Bsun Kiki Red feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The EMO's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, ideal for those who prefer a clearer and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Kiki Red's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, providing a different auditory sensation for users. Despite their differences in sound, both switches offer the benefit of transparency for RGB lighting effects due to their respective housing materials.
In terms of the bottom housing, the EMO utilizes nylon which results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound profile compared to other housing materials. Similarly, the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and muted sound profile, offering consistency in sound across the switch. Although the materials differ, both switches aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience through the unique qualities of their respective bottom housings.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it becomes clear that each component plays a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing is more influential on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials between the HMX EMO and the Bsun Kiki Red, users can expect a similar level of care and attention to detail in delivering a satisfying typing experience through the unique qualities of their housing materials.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, we can see that the EMO is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Kiki Red is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches fall into the lighter category, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The similarities in their forces mean that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of actuation and bottoming out, providing consistent feedback and performance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding the desired key press feel for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX EMO linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the travel distance of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is slightly longer at 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance could make the Kiki Red feel slightly more substantial than the EMO. If you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for quick responses, the EMO may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly longer travel distance for a more pronounced feeling when pressing down on a key, the Kiki Red could be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 Bsun Kiki Red has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Kiki Red for $3.83.
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 is known for its lively and clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red switch offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched clacky nuance that maintains a balance between sound and subtlety. Both switches provide unique sound signatures that can enhance the overall typing experience based on personal preference and setup.
When it comes to feel, the EMO switch offers a bouncy and smooth typing experience with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, creating an effortless and enjoyable sensation while typing. In comparison, the Kiki Red switch boasts a medium-light weighting that contributes to a creamy and frictionless actuation, providing a luxurious and refined typing feel. Both switches prioritize smoothness and responsiveness, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback for users.
Overall, the HMX EMO linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that can appeal to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The EMO switch excels in providing a lively and clacky sound with a bouncy typing experience, while the Kiki Red switch focuses on a finely-tuned and balanced sound profile with a creamy and polished typing feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, users can expect a satisfying and premium typing experience with either switch option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX EMO linear switch or the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and enjoy a lively, clacky typing experience, the EMO switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a finely-tuned typing experience with a balance of high-pitched clackiness and smooth actuation, the Kiki Red switch could be the perfect fit. Both switches offer unique sound profiles and distinct tactile feels, so be sure to test them out and see which one aligns more with your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch - whether it be sound, feel, or overall typing experience.
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