HMX EMO vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX EMO and Durock Mamba mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX EMO is a linear switch known for its lively, clacky feel and feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless and bouncy typing experience that is satisfying and smooth. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba, also a linear switch, offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, making it a tribute to Kobe Bryant. While the EMO switch is factory-lubed and delivers a clacky feel, the Mamba switch offers a polished and thocky typing experience. It ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between these two switches; 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Durock Mamba, one notable difference is in their top housing materials. The EMO utilizes polycarbonate, which is known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharp, high-pitched sound profile. This is especially beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate can enhance the visual effects. On the other hand, the Mamba's top housing combines polymer nylon and UHMWPE, resulting in a more unique sound profile that is described as bright but not overly sharp. While the EMO's polycarbonate offers a crisper sound, the Mamba's blend provides a different type of pleasant sound experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the EMO features nylon which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This can lead to a more rounded and duller sound compared to stiffer plastics. In contrast, the Mamba utilizes POM for its bottom housing, resulting in a sound profile that is deeper, relatively more muted, and incredibly pleasing. The choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, making it an important factor to consider.
While the housing materials of the EMO and Mamba offer different sound profiles, it is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are split between the two for each switch. The impact of the bottom housing material is more noticeable when pressing down on a key, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials, both the EMO and Mamba aim to provide a pleasurable typing experience with their unique sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences to users. The EMO switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Mamba switch has a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a slightly more substantial typing feel. Since the actuation force of the Mamba switch is unknown, it is challenging to directly compare it to the EMO switch in this aspect. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the HMX EMO switch, while those seeking a more pronounced push feel may opt for the Durock Mamba switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. This similarity ensures that users will get consistent typing experiences with both switches, as the keypress will feel the same in terms of travel distance. This makes choosing between the two switches a matter of personal preference or other factors such as sound, smoothness, or actuation force.
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 Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 is known for its lively and clacky sound profile, adding a sense of energy to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a thocky undertone, providing a satisfyingly rich auditory experience. The sound produced by both switches will ultimately be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO linear switch is praised for its feather-light 46g bottom-out force, offering an effortless and bouncy typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Mamba linear switch provides a mild typing sensation with a polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction. Both switches fall in the middle-ground zone in terms of typing feel, making them approachable to a wide range of users.
Overall, the HMX EMO linear switch stands out for its lively and clacky typing feel, while the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a more subdued and polished typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that caters to different preferences. Whether you prefer a more energetic typing feel or a smoother, polished sensation, both the HMX EMO and Durock Mamba switches offer high-quality options to enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the HMX EMO linear switch or the Durock Mamba linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a feather-light bottom-out force and a bouncy, clacky feel, the EMO may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a smooth, gliding typing sensation with a rich, creamy auditory experience, the Mamba could be the better option. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so make sure to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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