HMX EMO vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and Everglide Oreo stand out as popular options for different reasons. The HMX EMO switch is a linear switch known for its lively, clacky feel and feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo is a tactile switch that offers a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, striking a balance between satisfying keystrokes and comfortable typing. While the EMO switch is best for those who prefer a smoother and more bouncy typing experience, the Oreo switch caters to individuals seeking a noticeable tactile feedback with a mellow 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
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and Everglide Oreo both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This material is especially useful for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a visually appealing aesthetic. However, the EMO stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, showcasing a different auditory experience compared to the Oreo.
In terms of sound profile, the EMO's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing gives users a unique typing experience with a blend of sharper, crisper sounds from the top and deeper, fuller sounds from the bottom. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo's consistent use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housing creates a more uniform sound profile throughout typing. While both switches feature polycarbonate at the top, the contrast in bottom housing material between the two models results in distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. Overall, the housing materials of the EMO and Oreo play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switches, offering users a variety of options to suit their preferences.
When it comes to the tactile experience, the EMO's nylon bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a deeper and more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Everglide Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile during typing. The split between different housing materials for top and bottom in the EMO allows users to experience a more nuanced and varied typing sensation, while the Oreo's consistency in housing material creates a more consistent tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, appealing to different typing preferences and sound profiles.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Additionally, the EMO has a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Oreo has a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the EMO switch, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. In contrast, the Oreo switch may appeal to those who enjoy a slightly heavier typing feel for a more substantial key press. Both switches provide different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The comparison between the travel distances of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch reveals that the EMO has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Oreo has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The EMO's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Oreo's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and deeper key press for some users. Both switches offer unique options for different preferences, with the EMO providing a quicker key press and the Oreo offering a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance in a mechanical keyboard.
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 Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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 switch is known for its lively and clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a subtle and mellow sound when typing, allowing for a quieter typing environment. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, making them suitable for various typing atmospheres.
In terms of feel, the HMX EMO switch provides a feather-light typing experience with its 46g bottom-out force, offering a bouncy and smooth feel that is highly satisfying. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a medium light tactility that strikes a balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. The Oreo switch is also described as "accented," meaning it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, giving a pleasant tactile sensation with each press. Overall, both switches offer distinct tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience for users.
Taking into account the sound and feel characteristics of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the EMO switch delivers a lively and clacky sound with a bouncy typing experience, the Oreo switch offers a mellow sound and a comfortable, tactile feel with medium light tactility. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Regardless of which switch is chosen, users can expect a high-quality typing experience that meets their individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a feather-light typing experience with a bottom out force of 46 grams, opt for the HMX EMO switch. This switch offers a lively and bouncy feel with a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer bottom out force of 55 grams and enjoy a delightful tactile bump followed by a cushioned sensation when typing, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and whether you prioritize a lighter or slightly firmer feel while typing.
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