HMX EMO vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and Cherry MX Red are both popular options to consider. The HMX EMO is praised for its lively and clacky feel, paired with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, offering an effortless and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is well-known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience with responsiveness and a satisfying auditory depth. While the EMO is factory-lubed and smooth, the MX Red offers a 'Thocky', low-pitched, and textured typing experience. 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
N/A
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
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Cherry MX Red, one key difference lies in the top housing material. The EMO utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the MX Red employs a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Despite these differences, both materials offer unique acoustic qualities that cater to different preferences in sound profile.
Moving on to the bottom housing material, both the HMX EMO and the Cherry MX Red use nylon for their bottom housings. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics. While the bottom housing may not affect the sound as significantly as the top housing when typing, it still plays a role in shaping the overall sound profile and tactile feel of the switch.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom parts of a switch can lead to a split in the qualities each material brings to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material, in particular, has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both the HMX EMO and the Cherry MX Red offer a unique typing experience tailored to individual preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Cherry MX Red linear switch with an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the HMX EMO requires 46 grams while the Cherry MX Red force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the HMX EMO may be more suitable, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch may appeal to those who prefer a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the slight variation in actuation and bottom out forces may make a difference for users looking for a specific typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect similar results with both switches despite the slight differences in force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is evident that the EMO has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the MX Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The EMO provides a quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who value fast reaction times. On the other hand, the MX Red offers a bit more depth in key press, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing experience.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 linear switch is known for its lively and clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience with each key press. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch offers a deeper and slightly more robust sound, with a thocky and low-pitched quality that can enhance the overall typing experience. The sound produced by each switch can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO linear switch is praised for its feather-light 46g bottom-out force, delivering an effortless and bouncy typing sensation that is both satisfying and smooth. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Red switch is known for its textured feel, which might introduce some friction during key presses. This texture can be a preference for some users seeking a tactile typing experience.
Overall, while the HMX EMO and Cherry MX Red linear switches offer different sound and feel qualities, both switches are popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The EMO switch provides a light and clacky typing experience, while the MX Red switch offers a slightly heavier feel and deeper sound profile. Depending on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, either switch can provide a satisfying option that meets your needs. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches may be necessary to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, consider the bottom-out force and typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a light and bouncy typing experience with a 46g bottom-out force, the HMX EMO switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red switch might be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, so ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style. Happy typing!
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