HMX EMO vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the HMX EMO, a linear switch, and the Durock Light Tactile, a tactile switch. The HMX EMO switch is renowned for its lively and clacky feel, paired with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. With exceptional factory lubrication, typing on the EMO switch provides an effortless and bouncy experience that is both satisfying and smooth. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, offering a softer and more subtle tactile response compared to other tactile switches in the market. The angelic tactility and jelly-like sound signature make typing on the Light Tactile switch a unique and pleasurable experience. Each switch is categorized differently with the EMO falling into one category and the Light Tactile into another. 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
52g
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
Both the HMX EMO and the Durock Light Tactile feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that resonates sound effectively. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of the switches. The similarities in the top housing material of both switches suggest that users can expect a similar sound and feel when typing on either the EMO or the Light Tactile.
However, the key point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their bottom housing materials. The EMO utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Light Tactile's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This difference in bottom housing material highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and user experience of a switch.
In terms of typing experience, the bottom and top housing materials play a crucial role in dictating the sound and feel of a switch. The qualities of the bottom housing material, such as nylon in the case of the EMO, will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing material, in this case, polycarbonate, will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience can help users choose a switch that aligns with their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, one noticeable difference is in their respective weights. The EMO has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it a more gentle option for typing. In contrast, the Light Tactile switch features a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the EMO would be the better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Light Tactile switch would appeal to those seeking a more pronounced keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight. If a similar typing experience is desired, selecting switches with equivalent actuation and bottom out forces would result in comparable results.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The EMO switch, being slightly shorter, may provide a quicker and more responsive typing experience, while the Light Tactile switch offers a bit more depth to each key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 linear switch offers a lively and clacky typing experience, while the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch provides a gentle and jelly-like sound signature. The EMO switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more distinct and energetic typing sound, while the Light Tactile switch offers a softer and more soothing typing noise. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO linear switch delivers a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offers a gentle tactility that is more subtle and refined, appealing to those who prefer a smoother typing feel. With factory-lubed components, the EMO switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, while the Light Tactile switch's polished finish contributes to a sleek typing experience.
Overall, the HMX EMO linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the EMO switch provides a livelier typing sound and a bouncy feel with its light bottom-out force, the Light Tactile switch offers a gentler typing experience with a more refined tactility. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference, with the EMO switch catering to those who prefer a more energetic typing experience and the Light Tactile switch appealing to those who enjoy a softer and more polished feel. Ultimately, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will achieve similar results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom-out force, tactility, and sound profile. If you prefer a light bottom-out force and a lively, clacky typing experience, the EMO may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a moderate to heavy bottom-out force and a gentle, angelic tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, the Light Tactile switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the typing experience you are seeking.
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