HMX EMO vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly affect your typing experience, and the HMX EMO and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches exemplify two distinct approaches to this personalization. The HMX EMO, a linear switch, is celebrated for its lively, clacky feel and feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless and bouncy typing experience that's exceptionally smooth due to its factory lubrication. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prefer quick, uninterrupted keystrokes without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade, categorized as a hall effect switch, stands out for its bright, clacky sound and is an ideal upgrade for those looking to enhance the acoustics of their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. This switch is favored by typists who crave a superior auditory experience alongside its unique operational benefits. Both switches offer compelling attributes tailored to different preferences; 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
30g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches share commonalities in their use of housing materials, which significantly influence the overall sound profile and aesthetic qualities of the switches. Both switches incorporate polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared material also emphasizes the translucency associated with polycarbonate, making both switches particularly well-suited for RGB lighting applications. As such, users can expect similar acoustic characteristics from the tops of both switches, benefiting from the clear and resonant sound that polycarbonate inherently provides. Thus, the similarities in materials ensure that those who invest in either switch will enjoy a comparable auditory experience.
In addition to their polycarbonate top housings, both the HMX EMO and Gateron Magnetic Jade employ nylon as the material for their bottom housings. This choice contributes to producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than its stiffer counterparts. Consequently, the bottom-out sound and feel are notably influenced by this material selection, which fosters a more rounded and muted acoustic experience. The sound characteristics produced by the nylon housings result in a complementary effect to the brighter top housing, effectively blending the auditory outputs of both components. Therefore, while the EMO and Magnetic Jade switches exhibit unique identities, the combination of materials ensures a cohesive sound profile across both models.
Despite the shared materials, the individual merits of the HMX EMO and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches emerge from the interaction between their respective housing components. The polycarbonate top housing allows for an articulate and cutting upper register when the switch is released, while the nylon bottom housing provides a softer, more muted experience during actuation. The interplay between these materials creates a layered sound profile that enriches the overall typing experience. As a result, users may find themselves drawn to either switch based on personal sound preferences, yet both remain tethered by their similar acoustic designs, ultimately leading to satisfying outcomes regardless of the choice made.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, impacting the typing experience for users. The EMO features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade offers a slightly lighter actuation force of 30 grams but has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This indicates that while the Magnetic Jade is easier to trigger, it requires more effort when fully pressed down, which can provide a more substantial feedback during extensive typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, users who prioritize lengthier typing sessions may find the lighter EMO more comfortable, whereas those who prefer a stronger push for tactile feedback might lean towards the Magnetic Jade. Ultimately, if weight and actuation feel are crucial for your typing habits, the EMO is the lighter option overall and may be more comfortable for extended use, while the Magnetic Jade offers a heavier bottom out experience.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch both feature the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, resulting in a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys. This equal travel distance means that users can expect a comparable feel and response from both switches during use, allowing for a consistent typing or gaming experience. Since both switches share this specification, the overall actuation process will feel similar, making it easier for users to transition between the two without noticeable differences in key travel.
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 Gateron Magnetic Jade 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 produces a lively and clacky auditory profile, making it enjoyable for users who appreciate a pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. Similarly, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch also delivers a bright and clacky sound, perfect for those seeking an audio experience that enhances the tactile satisfaction of typing. Both switches will likely resonate well in a variety of keyboard configurations, but it’s important to note that the final sound produced can vary significantly based on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO switch stands out with its feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless and bouncy typing experience. Its exceptional factory lubrication further enhances the smoothness, allowing for a very engaging and satisfying tactile response. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch is renowned for offering a superior typing experience, though specific details about its tactile feel and force profile aren't provided. This makes direct comparisons challenging; however, both are designed to provide a smooth experience, suggesting that users will enjoy their typing sessions regardless of which switch they choose.
In conclusion, both switches have unique attributes that cater to different user preferences. The HMX EMO is ideal for those who favor a lightweight, bouncy typing experience combined with a lively sound, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch appeals to those who prioritize bright acoustics and a superior typing feel. Ultimately, either switch will yield satisfying results, depending on the individual typist's preferences and how they configure their keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch largely hinges on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and the weight of the actuation. If you prefer a lighter switch that enables rapid, effortless keystrokes with a lively, bouncy sensation, then the HMX EMO, with its 46-gram bottom-out force, is an excellent option. Its factory-lubed design ensures a smooth experience, making it suitable for anyone looking for a clacky feel without straining your fingers over long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you desire a switch that provides a touch more resistance and a sharper acoustics profile, the Gateron Magnetic Jade, with its medium-light 55-gram force, is the way to go. This switch combines a bright, clacky sound with a more deliberate feel, ideal for those who enjoy a tactile experience that balances a solid typing feedback with enhanced auditory pleasure. Consider your typing habits and preferences carefully, as well as the kind of sound and feedback that will keep you engaged and comfortable in your keyboard experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique charm suited to different types of users.
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