HMX EMO vs. Outemu Cream Pink
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Outemu Cream Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX EMO linear switch to the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, both offer a smooth and satisfying typing experience. The HMX EMO stands out for its lively and clacky feel, with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, making it ideal for those who enjoy a bouncy and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink provides a similar smooth feel but lacks a standout feature. Both switches are categorized as linear switches, offering consistent keystrokes with no tactile feedback. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Partial box
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
The HMX EMO and Outemu Cream Pink both have unique housing materials that contribute to the overall typing experience. The EMO features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This is ideal for those who enjoy a more resonant sound with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Cream Pink utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Both materials offer distinct advantages, with polycarbonate providing a clearer sound and nylon offering a richer tone.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the EMO and Cream Pink incorporate nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Despite the similarities in bottom housing material, the overall typing experience may still vary due to other factors such as spring weight and stem design. However, users can expect a similar level of sound depth and resonance when typing on switches that utilize nylon for their bottom housing.
The split between top and bottom housing materials in a switch can impact the typing experience in different ways. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. Both the EMO and Cream Pink take advantage of this by using different materials for their top and bottom housings to achieve a balanced typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in switch sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the HMX EMO linear switch to the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, it is clear that the EMO is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Cream Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This makes the EMO more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, as it requires less force to keystroke and bottom out. On the other hand, the Cream Pink offers a heavier and more substantial typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Cream Pink's travel distance of 4 mm. The EMO switch offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for speed and efficiency. On the other hand, the Cream Pink switch provides a deeper keypress experience with its longer travel distance, making it a better option for users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose between a quicker response or a more deliberate keystroke.
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 Outemu Cream Pink comes in at $3.10 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 HMX EMO linear switch is known for its quiet and smooth operation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch is also praised for its quiet sound profile, providing a soft and satisfying keystroke without any distracting noise. Both switches offer a pleasant auditory feedback that is unlikely to disturb others in shared workspaces.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO switch offers a light and responsive typing experience with a 46g bottom-out force, making it ideal for fast and efficient typists. The factory lubrication on the EMO switch contributes to its smooth and effortless actuation, resulting in a bouncy and consistent feel with each keystroke. Similarly, the Outemu Cream Pink switch is known for its smooth and tactile feel, providing a satisfying typing experience with a comfortable actuation force. Both switches offer a delightful tactile feedback that enhances typing accuracy and comfort.
In conclusion, both the HMX EMO linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the EMO switch provides a lively and clacky sound with a feather-light actuation force, the Cream Pink switch offers a quiet and soft typing experience with a smooth and tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but both options are sure to deliver a pleasant typing experience with their respective qualities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a light and bouncy typing experience with a lower bottom-out force, the HMX EMO linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more medium-heavy bottom-out force and enjoy a smoother typing experience, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch would be the way to go. Ultimately, your preferred typing feel and bottom-out force will guide you in choosing between these two switches. Happy typing!
Mentioned in this article
