HMX EMO vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX EMO and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches that offer distinct qualities for typing enthusiasts. The HMX EMO switch stands out for its lively and clacky feel, accompanied by a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. With exceptional factory-lubing, this switch provides an effortless and bouncy typing experience that is both satisfying and smooth. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switches are known for their smooth and budget-friendly linear design, offering buttery keystrokes with a pleasing low-pitched "thock" sound. While the EMO switch excels in delivering a lively and clacky typing experience, the Milky Red Pro switch offers a smoother and more affordable option. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Nylon
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 the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both feature nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. However, the EMO's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro's nylon top housing also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound but lacks the clarity and resonance found in polycarbonate top housings.
In terms of aesthetics, the EMO's polycarbonate top housing offers the advantage of translucency, making it ideal for users who plan to use RGB lighting for a visually appealing setup. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, which does not offer the same level of transparency or light diffusion as polycarbonate. While both switches provide a unique sound profile based on their housing materials, the EMO leans towards a crisper and more resonant sound, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a deeper and fuller but slightly duller sound overall.
Overall, the choice between the HMX EMO and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. The EMO with its polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and clearer sound, especially noticeable upon key release, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) with its nylon housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound across the entire typing experience. Both switches demonstrate the impact housing materials can have on the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard, ensuring that users can find a switch that matches their specific preferences and typing style.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we see some differences. The HMX EMO has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. This makes the EMO the lighter option of the two, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a bit more resistance, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with a choice between a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience based on their preference.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we can see that the EMO has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The EMO's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, as shorter distances are preferred for quick movements. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) with its longer travel distance may be more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press, providing a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance, with the EMO offering a shorter option and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) providing a slightly longer one.
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 Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX EMO switch is best known for its lively and clacky feel, offering a satisfying and smooth typing experience with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is described as producing a pleasing, low-pitched “thock” sound, evoking a buttery smoothness with each keystroke. The EMO switch sound profile is not explicitly described, but based on its lively and clacky nature, it may lean towards a crisper and higher-pitched sound compared to the deeper and richer sound of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3).
In terms of feel, the HMX EMO switch provides an effortless and bouncy typing experience, thanks to its factory-lubed design. The EMO switch is not explicitly described as “buttery”, but its smooth and satisfying feel suggests a similar experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is specifically described as offering a buttery and smooth typing sensation, providing a seamless and uniform keystroke experience. Both switches aim to provide a smooth typing experience, but the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is explicitly labeled as “buttery”, indicating an especially fluid and effortless feel.
Considering all the available information, both the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer desirable qualities for different preferences. The EMO switch excels in providing a lively and clacky typing experience with a light bottom-out force, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch focuses on delivering a smooth and affordable typing experience with a low-pitched “thock” sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, your choice will depend on your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a lively, clacky feel with smooth and satisfying typing experience, the HMX EMO switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a slightly higher bottom-out force, a smooth and buttery typing experience, and a low-pitched "thock" sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch could be more suited to your preferences. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to help guide your decision based on what characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your individual typing style and preferences.
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