HMX EMO vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and KTT Mint both offer unique and desirable features. The HMX EMO switch is well-known for its lively and clacky feel, with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force that provides a bouncy and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mint is praised for its smooth linear feel and poppy thockiness, thanks to its long-pole stem design. While the EMO switch is categorized as light, the Mint switch falls under categories like 'low-pitched', 'neutral', 'mild', and 'polished'. Both switches have their own advantages and appeal to different preferences; however, let's delve 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
53g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and the KTT Mint both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This stiffness leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in both switches' top housings ensures a consistent and high-quality sound experience, whether typing or gaming.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the HMX EMO features a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the KTT Mint's similar nylon bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switch, providing a unique typing experience for users of the HMX EMO compared to the KTT Mint.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the HMX EMO results in a switch that offers a balanced and dynamic sound profile. In contrast, the KTT Mint, which also utilizes the same housing materials, provides a similar sound experience due to the consistent use of polycarbonate and nylon. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile or a deeper, fuller one, both switches offer a unique typing experience that can cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The EMO has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Mint's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes on the EMO. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the EMO requires 46 grams compared to the Mint's 53 grams, making the Mint a bit heavier to press all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the EMO would be the better option, while the Mint would appeal to those who prefer a slightly heavier push feel. Both switches offer a similar overall typing experience, with the EMO being lighter and the Mint being slightly heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the KTT Mint linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The EMO offers a more responsive typing experience, making it a popular choice among gamers who value speed and precision. On the other hand, the Mint provides a slightly deeper keypress, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing feel. Both switches offer different advantages, so it's important to consider your typing style and needs when choosing between them.
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 Mint comes in at $2.91 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 provides a lively and clacky typing experience with a low-pitched tone, adding a bass-heavy and mellow sound to your typing. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch offers a satisfyingly smooth typing sound with a poppy thockiness, creating a light and fleeting auditory feedback. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, suitable for various typing environments and preferences, but the EMO's low-pitched characteristic may appeal more to those who enjoy a deeper tone while typing.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO switch offers a feather-light 46g bottom-out force and a bouncy typing experience that is described as mild and polished. The Mint linear switch, on the other hand, provides a light and fleeting typing feel with a poppy thockiness, creating a smooth and refined typing experience. Both switches aim for a middle-ground typing experience with a smooth key travel and reduced friction due to factory lubing. While the EMO switch may offer a slightly bouncier feel compared to the Mint, both switches provide a comfortable and approachable typing experience for users of all levels.
In conclusion, both the HMX EMO linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The EMO switch stands out with its lively and clacky sound profile and feather-light bottom-out force, while the Mint switch excels in providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a poppy thockiness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference, as both switches offer a satisfying and smooth typing experience overall.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a bouncy typing experience with a clacky feel, the HMX EMO switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a smooth linear switch with a poppy thockiness, the KTT Mint switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience. Remember to test out both switches if possible to determine which one best suits your needs and typing style.
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