HMX EMO vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX EMO linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The EMO switch provides a lively and clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, offering a bouncy and satisfying typing experience that is smooth and effortless. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch is designed to provide a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, delivering a snappy sound profile and immersive typing experience. Both switches are factory-lubed for smooth operation right out of the box. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and TKC Kiwi both utilize unique materials for their housing components, with the EMO featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Kiwi incorporates UHWMPE for both the top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, contributing to a clear and resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, UHWMPE offers a bright sound signature, providing resonant clacks during typing. The nylon bottom housing of the EMO produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the EMO and Kiwi, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through unique sound profiles. The contrasting qualities of polycarbonate and UHWMPE create distinct differences in sound characteristics, with polycarbonate lending a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while UHWMPE offers a brighter and more resonant sound signature. Additionally, the softer nylon bottom housing of the EMO absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi.
While the housing materials of the HMX EMO and TKC Kiwi differ in terms of composition and sound characteristics, both switches prioritize the overall typing experience. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows for a balanced sound profile during key presses, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing impacts the sound upon releasing a key. Whether utilizing polycarbonate or UHWMPE, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to varying preferences and typing styles.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, it is evident that the EMO is the lighter option. The EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel. The actuation force of the EMO is lighter than that of the Kiwi, providing a smoother keystroke for those who prefer a lighter touch. However, the bottom out force of the Kiwi is heavier, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX EMO linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Kiwi has a longer travel distance compared to the EMO. The EMO's 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm distance, offering a quicker response time that may be preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the Kiwi's 4 mm travel distance provides a more substantial key press, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their unique travel distances, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 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
In terms of sound, the HMX EMO switch provides a lively and clacky sound with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, giving a more energetic typing experience. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. This creates a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the EMO switch, providing a different auditory experience for the user. Ultimately, the sound of a switch also depends on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the HMX EMO switch delivers a bouncy and satisfying typing experience with its factory-lubed design. The Kiwi switch, on the other hand, features a stepped and accented tactile feel, providing a two-stage tactile sensation that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Kiwi switch is also polished, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek typing experience. These qualities contribute to a different tactile feedback compared to the EMO switch, giving users a variety of options to choose from based on their preference for typing feel.
In conclusion, the HMX EMO linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the EMO switch provides a lively and clacky sound with a bouncy typing experience, the Kiwi switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a stepped and accented tactile feel. Both switches are factory-lubed for smooth and effortless typing, but the Kiwi switch has a more pronounced tactile bump and a polished finish for enhanced typing comfort. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the HMX EMO linear switch or the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light, clacky feel with a lower bottom out force, the EMO may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium to medium-heavy bump at the top of each key press and a snappier sound profile, the Kiwi switch may be more suited to your typing needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences, so make sure to take into account factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the EMO and Kiwi switches will depend on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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