HMX EMO vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the HMX EMO and the Gateron Mountain Top, both of which are linear switches. The HMX EMO switch offers a lively and clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. It is exceptionally factory-lubed, providing an effortless and bouncy typing experience that is both satisfying and smooth. On the other hand, Gateron's Mountain Top switches are designed for office environments, offering a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience with a comfortably light actuation. These switches cater to the need for discreet and continuous typing in professional settings. While the EMO switch is known for being bouncy, easy to press, mild, neutral, snappy, and subtle, the Mountain Top switch is ideal for those seeking a quiet and unobtrusive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits 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
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Gateron Mountain Top, one major difference lies in the top housing material used. The EMO features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Mountain Top uses a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This contrast in sound profile highlights how different housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users.
Another key difference between the two switches is found in their bottom housing materials. Both the EMO and the Mountain Top use nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the switches may still offer distinct typing experiences based on design variations and other components.
While the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Gateron Mountain Top differ in some aspects, they both aim to enhance the sound profile of the switches during typing. The EMO's polycarbonate top housing delivers a clear, resonant sound ideal for RGB lighting, while the Mountain Top's nylon top housing produces a fuller and deeper sound. Additionally, both switches utilize nylon bottom housing for a similar typing experience that emphasizes depth and richness in sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and overall typing feel.
Weight
Both the HMX EMO and Gateron Mountain Top linear switches have the same actuation force of 40 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the HMX EMO is lighter with a force of 46 grams compared to the Gateron Mountain Top's 50 grams. This means that while both switches have a light actuation force, the HMX EMO provides a slightly lighter overall typing experience due to its lower bottom out force. This lighter bottom out force may be preferred by those looking for extended typing or gaming sessions without experiencing finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top's heavier bottom out force may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and desired level of force required for key presses.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly longer than the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the HMX EMO for its slightly longer travel distance, which can provide a more substantial keypress feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top may be favored by those seeking a quicker response time due to its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth 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 Mountain Top 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 EMO switch offers a lively and clacky typing experience, while the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. The EMO switch may offer a more distinct and audible typing experience compared to the more subdued sound of the Mountain Top switch, but both switches aim to provide a satisfying sound signature that caters to different preferences. Ultimately, 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 known for its bouncy and effortless typing experience with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is described as offering a gentle and easy-to-press typing feel, emphasizing comfort and low resistance during key presses. While the EMO switch may provide a more lively and spring-like feedback, the Mountain Top switch prioritizes a smooth and comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Both switches offer unique tactile qualities that cater to different preferences in typing feel.
In conclusion, the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the EMO switch delivers a clacky and bouncy typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Mountain Top switch provides a quieter and more comfortable typing feel suitable for professional environments. Depending on personal preferences and typing habits, users can choose between the liveliness of the EMO switch or the subtlety of the Mountain Top switch to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide a satisfying and smooth typing experience tailored to different user needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the specific needs of your typing environment. If you are looking for a switch that offers a lively and clacky feel with a light bottom-out force, the EMO switch is a great choice for a satisfying and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, if you require a switch that provides a quiet and discreet typing experience suitable for professional settings, the Mountain Top switch from Gateron may be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your preference for typing feel and sound, so choose accordingly based on your specific requirements.
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