HMX EMO vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX EMO and KTT Miaowu both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX EMO is a linear switch best known for its lively and clacky feel, along with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. This switch provides an effortless and bouncy typing experience that's both satisfying and smooth. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu is also a linear switch, known for its enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action. With the use of POK in its stem, it sets itself apart from other switches featuring conventional POM stems, offering a bouncy and clacky typing experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
POK
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
Housing materials
Both the HMX EMO and KTT Miaowu utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, while they share the same top housing material, the differences in their designs may impact the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, the EMO and Miaowu differ in their choice of material for the bottom housing, with the EMO featuring a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. In contrast, the Miaowu also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality. This similarity in bottom housing material may result in a comparable typing experience between the two switches.
When considering the impact of housing materials on typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housing are distributed differently in each switch. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. This distinction in the distribution of housing materials may lead to varying tactile feedback and sound profiles between the HMX EMO and KTT Miaowu, providing users with unique typing experiences based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, we can see that the EMO has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Miaowu's 43 grams. Additionally, the EMO has a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Miaowu has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the EMO switch will require a lighter touch to register a keystroke and to bottom out completely compared to the Miaowu switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the EMO switch may be the preferred option, while those looking for a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Miaowu switch. Both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their relatively close actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
Both the HMX EMO linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys of either switch, users will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches are equal and users can expect similar results when using either one. The consistent travel distance of 3.5 mm ensures that typing on both switches will feel familiar and comfortable, making them both excellent options for those who prefer a shorter travel distance in their linear switches.
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 KTT Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu linear switch is also known for its clacky sound profile, delivering a crisp, bright, and percussive sound with each keystroke. Both switches are sure to satisfy those looking for a switch with a distinctive and audible sound.
When it comes to the feel, the HMX EMO switch provides a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, offering an effortless and bouncy typing experience. Meanwhile, the KTT Miaowu switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation with keys that have a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Both switches offer a unique and tactile typing experience that is sure to please enthusiasts seeking a switch with a responsive and tactile feel.
Overall, the HMX EMO and KTT Miaowu linear switches each offer their own set of qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experience. While the EMO switch provides a clacky and smooth feel with a lightweight actuation force, the Miaowu switch boasts enhanced stem stability and a bouncy typing experience. Depending on your sound and feel preferences, either switch will deliver a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you will get similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX EMO linear switch or the KTT Miaowu linear switch, you should keep in mind a few key differences. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams and enjoy a lively, clacky feel with smooth typing experience, then the HMX EMO switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams and value enhanced stem stability for smoother keystrokes, along with a bouncy and spring-like feedback sensation, then the KTT Miaowu switch might be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of typing experience, sound, and feel.
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