HMX EMO vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and the Gazzew LT both offer unique characteristics that appeal to keyboard enthusiasts. The HMX EMO is a linear switch that is known for its lively, clacky feel and feather-light 46g bottom-out force. The factory-lubed EMO provides a bouncy and effortless typing experience that is both satisfying and smooth. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT is also a linear switch that stands out with its enticing lilac hue and deep, resonant thockiness. With a seamless glide and an auditory symphony with every keystroke, the LTs are categorized as 'Bassy', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched'. Each switch has its own unique appeal, making it a tough choice to decide between them. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The HMX EMO features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding to its appeal. In contrast, the Gazzew LT uses a proprietary plastic blend for its top housing, referred to as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the EMO's polycarbonate emphasizes clarity, while the LT's blend focuses on depth.
In terms of bottom housing, the EMO utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deep and full sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and duller sound compared to stiffer plastics. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT features its proprietary plastic blend for the bottom housing, providing a rich and deep sound profile similar to its top housing. Both materials offer a softer sound compared to stiffer plastics, enhancing the overall typing experience with a more muted sound profile.
When considering both top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material are split between different parts of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Despite their differences in material, both the HMX EMO and the Gazzew LT aim to enhance the typing experience through unique sound profiles, catering to different preferences in switch design.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Gazzew LT linear switch, which has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force, with the EMO requiring 46 grams and the LT having a force unknown. The EMO switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the LT switch provides a more substantial typing feel, catering to users who prefer a heavier push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the EMO offering a lighter touch and the LT delivering a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX EMO linear switch is 3.5mm, while the Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2mm. In this case, the EMO switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the LT switch. The EMO switch may provide a slightly deeper feeling when typing or gaming, while the LT switch may offer a slightly quicker response time. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers seeking faster key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a slightly longer or slightly shorter travel distance.
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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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 offers a lively and clacky typing experience with a feather-light bottom-out force, providing a satisfying and smooth sound. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch is known for its deep and resonant thocky sound, creating an auditory symphony with every keystroke. The LT's sound profile is described as bassy, thocky, and low-pitched, adding a unique depth and richness to the typing experience, which can vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO switch is praised for its factory-lubed smoothness and bouncy typing experience, delivering an effortless and satisfying feel with each key press. In contrast, the Gazzew LT linear switch provides a seamless glide and a smooth typing sensation, ensuring a comfortable and consistent typing experience. The specific feel of the LT switch may be influenced by factors such as actuation force and key travel distance, contributing to the overall typing feel.
Overall, both the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the EMO switch excels in delivering a clacky and smooth typing experience with a light bottom-out force, the LT switch stands out for its deep and resonant thocky sound and seamless gliding feel. Depending on personal preferences and typing habits, users may find one switch more suitable than the other, but both switches are designed to provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the HMX EMO and Gazzew LT switches may come down to individual preferences in sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, feel, and sound. If you prefer a lighter touch with a bouncy typing experience and a clacky feel, the EMO with its 46g bottom out force would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force with a deep, resonant thockiness and a smooth typing glide, the LT with its 65g bottom out force might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the typing experience you desire, whether it be a lively and clacky feel or a deep and bassy thockiness.
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