HMX EMO vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX EMO and the Zuoce Lavender both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX EMO switch provides a lively and clacky feel, with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, giving typists a satisfying and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and proprietary Ly blend, resulting in a crisp and clacky sound with each keystroke. While the EMO is known for its bouncy typing experience, the Lavender offers an easy-to-press feel. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
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
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Zuoce Lavender, one major difference is the top housing material. The EMO features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Lavender has a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the EMO is better suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency, whereas the POM top housing of the Lavender may appeal to those seeking a more subtle sound.
On the other hand, both switches share a similarity in their bottom housing material. The EMO and Lavender both utilize POM for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is relatively more muted compared to other plastics. This commonality in bottom housing material suggests that both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel may vary slightly between the EMO's nylon bottom housing and the Lavender's POM bottom housing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for a switch can greatly impact the sound profile and typing experience. While the EMO's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a sharper sound profile with a deep and full bottom-out feel, the Lavender's POM top and bottom housing offer a more muted and soothing sound experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Zuoce Lavender linear switch. The EMO requires 40 grams to actuate and 46 grams to bottom out, while the Lavender needs 48 grams to actuate and 53 grams to bottom out. The EMO is better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Lavender offers a slightly heavier feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX EMO linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, the EMO switch offers a slightly deeper travel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Overall, both switches provide a similar experience in terms of travel distance, with the Lavender switch edging out slightly shorter in comparison to the EMO switch.
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 Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 known for its lively and clacky feel, creating a satisfying and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch boasts a crisp and clacky sound signature that adds a distinct satisfaction to each keystroke. Both switches offer a pleasing sound profile that can enhance the overall typing experience, but the EMO may provide a slightly more bouncy and lively sound compared to the Lavender's more sharp and snappy sound.
In terms of feel, the HMX EMO switch offers a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, making it easy and bouncy to type on. The factory-lubed EMO switch ensures a smooth and effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch is described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a gentle resistance during key presses. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel, reducing strain during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the HMX EMO and Zuoce Lavender switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The EMO switch provides a lively and bouncy typing experience with a clacky sound, while the Lavender switch delivers exceptional smoothness and an easy-to-press feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience, either switch can offer a satisfying and enjoyable experience. Ultimately, both switches are excellent options that can provide similar results in terms of overall quality and performance, allowing you to choose based on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a light bottom-out force and an effortless, bouncy typing experience with a clacky sound, then the HMX EMO switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value exceptional smoothness, a crisp and clacky sound, and an easy-to-press feel with a slightly higher bottom-out force, then the Zuoce Lavender switch could be the better option for your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider your preferences and priorities when making a decision.
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