HMX EMO vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are numerous options to consider, each offering a unique typing experience. Two popular choices are the HMX EMO, a linear switch, and the Gateron Mini i, a tactile switch. The HMX EMO switch is renowned for its lively and clacky feel, with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switches offer gentle tactility in each keystroke, striking a balance with a fairly muted sound profile that still delivers satisfying feedback. The Mini i switches are lightweight and ideal for long hours of comfortable typing, making them perfect for office environments. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Gateron Mini i, we see that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition which absorbs more sound. This means that both switches will likely provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound when pressing down on the keys. However, the EMO utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Mini i's nylon top housing. This difference in top housing material may result in a slight variation in the overall sound profile of the switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the EMO's polycarbonate top housing offers a translucent look that is particularly useful for showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Mini i's nylon top housing may not have the same level of translucency. This variation in material choice for the top housing may appeal to different preferences in terms of visual aesthetics. However, in terms of typing experience, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying feel due to the similar nylon bottom housing material.
Ultimately, the choice between the HMX EMO and the Gateron Mini i will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. While the EMO offers a crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing, the Mini i provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon top housing. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of feel. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile or a fuller sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 40 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the EMO requires 46 grams while the Mini i requires 50 grams. This makes the EMO slightly lighter in terms of the force needed to fully press the switch. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - the EMO would be better for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer typing sessions, while the Mini i would be more suitable for those who prefer a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar actuation force but differ slightly in their bottom out force, providing options for users with different preferences.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the Gateron Mini i tactile switch with its slightly shorter travel distance for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the HMX EMO linear switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a comparable experience in terms of travel distance, providing users with similar results in key feel and responsiveness.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 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 offers a lively, clacky sound that may be more audible compared to the fairly muted sound profile of the Gateron Mini i switch. The Mini i provides a neutral sound profile, which is suitable for most environments whether you are a beginner or advanced user, making it versatile for various typing situations. However, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with a light 46g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch offers a mild typing experience with easy-to-press and subtle characteristics. These qualities make the Mini i switch ideal for long hours of comfortable typing without causing finger fatigue, perfect for office settings where a quiet and professional typing experience is desired.
Overall, the HMX EMO and Gateron Mini i switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the EMO switch may provide a livelier and more clacky sound with a bouncy feel, the Mini i switch offers a more subtle sound profile with mild and easy-to-press characteristics. Depending on personal preferences and typing requirements, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different nuances. If you enjoy a light and bouncy typing experience, the HMX EMO switch may be the ideal choice, while the Gateron Mini i switch is more suitable for those who prefer a quieter and gentler typing feel. Ultimately, both switches can provide a pleasurable typing experience based on your individual preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a lively, clacky feel with a feather-light bottom-out force and a smooth, bouncy typing experience, the EMO switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactility in each keystroke, a fairly muted sound profile, and lightweight switches that offer comfort for long typing sessions without excessive noise, the Mini i switch is more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
