HMX EMO vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX EMO and the Cherry MX Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, two linear switches, there are notable differences to consider. The HMX EMO switch offers a lively, clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortlessly bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red maintains the classic characteristics of the MX Red but operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While the HMX EMO delivers a satisfying and smooth typing experience, the MX Silent Red offers a quieter sound profile. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and Cherry MX Silent Red switches, the differences are evident. The EMO uses a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red's nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, leading to a clearer and resonant sound profile, while nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the choice between these two switch housing materials depends on the desired sound and feel when typing.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the HMX EMO and Cherry MX Silent Red switches use nylon, which again contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound, regardless of the switch brand. This similarity in bottom housing material means that the typing experience in terms of sound will be comparable between the two switches, with differences more pronounced in the top housing material.
Overall, the choice between the HMX EMO and Cherry MX Silent Red switches comes down to personal preference for sound and feel. The polycarbonate top housing of the EMO will provide a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a more defined typing experience. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to those looking for a softer and more muted typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, we see that the EMO has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Silent Red's 45 grams. The bottom out force of the EMO is also lighter at 46 grams, while the bottom out force of the Silent Red is unknown. The EMO offers a more feather-light typing experience with its lower forces, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch on their keyboard. On the other hand, the Silent Red provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with its slightly higher actuation force. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the EMO is the lighter option in terms of actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some opting for the lighter touch of the EMO and others preferring the slightly heavier feel of the Silent Red.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the EMO has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the 3.7 mm travel distance of the MX Silent Red. The 0.2 mm may seem insignificant, but it can make a difference in the typing experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the EMO with its shorter travel distance, while those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing might opt for the MX Silent Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing style.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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
The HMX EMO linear switch is known for its lively and clacky feel, whereas the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offers a slightly heftier feel but operates silently. When it comes to sound, the EMO switch produces a satisfying and smooth clack, while the MX Silent Red switch is known for its muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile. The EMO switch offers a bouncy typing experience, while the MX Silent Red switch provides a quieter typing experience ideal for noise-sensitive environments. In terms of feel, the EMO switch is described as factory-lubed and effortless, while the MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, providing a different tactile experience. Overall, if you prefer a livelier and clacky feel with a feather-light bottom-out force, the HMX EMO switch would suit you best. However, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a slightly heftier feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you desire.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you prioritize a lively, bouncy typing experience with a light bottom-out force and don't mind a bit of noise, the HMX EMO switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the satisfying feel of a linear switch, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what best suits your personal preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your mechanical keyboard.
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