HMX EMO vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and the Cherry MX Black both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The HMX EMO is praised for its lively and clacky feel, paired with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force that provides a bouncy and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black stands out for its classic textured smoothness, thanks to Cherry's Hyperglide tooling, and produces a deep sound profile while typing. While the EMO offers a smooth and effortless typing experience, the MX Black provides a stiffer feel with a low-pitched sound. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities that appeal to different users, making them versatile options for a mechanical keyboard. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Cherry MX Black, it is clear that they both use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The EMO features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, perfect for showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the MX Black utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile with a softer feel. These differences in top housing materials lead to distinct typing experiences for users of each switch.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the EMO and the MX Black opt for nylon. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience. While both switches use the same material for the bottom housing, the impact on the sound and feel of the switch when pressed down may vary due to other design factors.
Overall, the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Cherry MX Black play a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of each switch. While the EMO's polycarbonate top housing offers a crisper sound and aesthetic appeal with RGB lighting, the MX Black's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a more rounded sound profile. These differences in housing materials showcase the diversity in switch design and offer users a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is clear that the EMO offers a lighter typing experience compared to the MX Black. The EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it lighter overall. On the other hand, the MX Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of typing or gaming, the EMO would be the ideal choice. However, for those who desire a stronger push feel for a more pronounced typing experience, the MX Black would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two compared to the HMX EMO linear switch's 3.5 mm travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the MX Black being slightly longer. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the EMO switch, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the MX Black. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding key feel and response time.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX EMO linear switch is known for its lively and clacky sound profile, offering a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is described as having a low-pitched sound with a deep tone when typing on them. Both switches provide a pleasant auditory feedback, however, the EMO may offer a more vibrant and energetic typing sound compared to the more mellow tone of the MX Black.
In terms of feel, the HMX EMO linear switch is praised for its feather-light 46g bottom-out force, delivering a bouncy and smooth typing experience. The Cherry MX Black linear switch, on the other hand, is known for its textured feel, providing a classic smoothness with Cherry's Hyperglide tooling. Additionally, the MX Black switches are noted for their stiffness, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the effortless and bouncy feel of the EMO, while others might enjoy the textured and stiff typing experience of the MX Black.
Overall, both the HMX EMO linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the EMO provides a lively and clacky typing experience with a feather-light bottom-out force, the MX Black offers a textured and stiff feel with a low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If a vibrant and bouncy typing feel with a lively sound is your preference, the HMX EMO may be the ideal choice for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a textured and stiff typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Cherry MX Black could be the perfect fit.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, consider the key factors of bottom-out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a bouncy feel and smooth actuation, the HMX EMO switch with its 46g bottom-out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier switch with a classic deep sound profile and a textured, stiff feel, the Cherry MX Black switch with its 80g bottom-out force might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what feels most comfortable to you.
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