HMX EMO vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO, a linear switch, and the Durock Koala, a tactile switch, stand out as popular options for different preferences. The HMX EMO switch is renowned for its lively and clacky feel, boasting a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. It offers an effortlessly bouncy typing experience due to its exceptional factory-lubing, delivering a satisfying and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switch hits the sweet spot for those seeking a tactile bump without being too overwhelming. With a stepped tactility and pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, the Koala provides a satisfying keypress experience with a bit of resonance that's not excessively noisy. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and Durock Koala switches, both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they each have unique bottom housing materials that impact the overall typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the HMX EMO utilizes nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Durock Koala also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. This consistency in bottom housing material between the two switches ensures that users can expect a cohesive typing experience despite any differences in the top housing material.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the HMX EMO and Durock Koala switches significantly impacts the sound profile and feel of typing. While both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, providing a sharp and clear sound profile, they differ in their bottom housing material with the use of nylon. This results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing on either switch, showcasing the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in creating a unique typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel from both switches, with subtle differences based on the choice of materials in the housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it is evident that the EMO is lighter in both aspects. The EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Koala has no specified actuation force but a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a heavier feel. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the EMO would be the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. Conversely, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing, the Koala provides a more satisfying tactile response with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is preferred.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it is evident that the EMO has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Koala has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The EMO's shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers, while the Koala's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and substantial key press for those who prefer a deeper actuation. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their varying travel distances, with the EMO providing a quicker key press and the Koala offering a more deliberate actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and the desired 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 Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 described as having a lively and clacky sound profile, making for an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound, offering a more mellow tone that is suitable for various settings. Keep in mind that the actual sound of the switches will also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps you use.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO switch is praised for its factory-lubed smoothness, providing an effortless and bouncy typing experience with a light 46g bottom-out force. In contrast, the Durock Koala switch is characterized as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff. This means that the Koala switch offers a refined and smooth typing feel with a prominent yet not overwhelming amount of tactility. The stepped design also adds a unique tactile sensation with distinct stages during the keystroke, while the stiffness requires a bit more force to actuate.
Considering all available information, newcomers to mechanical keyboards might find the HMX EMO switch to be more suitable if they prefer a light and smooth typing experience with a lively sound. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switch could be a better fit for those who prefer a more tactile and pronounced keystroke feel with a mellow and neutral sound profile. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so choosing between them would depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel. Whichever switch you go with, you can expect to get a satisfying typing experience tailored to your specific needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering which switch to choose between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, you should opt for the EMO if you prefer a light, clacky feel with a lower bottom-out force of 46 grams. The EMO is ideal for those seeking an effortless and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams and a pronounced bump without spanning the entire keystroke, the Koala is the better choice for you. The Koala provides a perfect middle ground for those looking for a switch that packs a punch without being too overwhelming. Ultimately, the decision between the EMO and Koala switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and bottom-out force.
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