HMX EMO vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options are the HMX EMO and the Outemu Milk Blue. The HMX EMO, a linear switch, is celebrated for its lively, clacky feel and feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience that is both effortless and bouncy. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and fluidity, especially during fast-paced gaming sessions or lengthy typing marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue switch is a clicky switch that offers a tactile feedback with an unmistakable auditory "click," ensuring that every keystroke is both felt and heard. Ideal for typists who appreciate sensory feedback and want to enhance their typing rhythm, the Milk Blue can add a satisfying layer of engagement to every sentence typed. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Polycarbonate
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Outemu Milk Blue, it is evident that both switches utilize similar materials, particularly in their top housings, which are constructed from polycarbonate. This choice of material in both switches contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that enhances clarity and resonance. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting setups, allowing for a vibrant display through the top housing. Given these similarities, users can expect comparable auditory experiences, particularly in terms of the sound produced when the keys are released, due to the shared properties of the polycarbonate.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the HMX EMO and the Outemu Milk Blue is made of nylon, another common material in keyboard switches. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This results in a more subdued bottom-out sound, which can create a satisfying feedback experience for users who prefer a softer auditory characteristic when pressing down on the keys. As both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings, this shared material further enhances their ability to deliver a rounded sound quality, differing significantly from the richer, sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate tops.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both the HMX EMO and Outemu Milk Blue means that users can enjoy a balanced blend of sound profiles. While the top housing contributes to clarity and brightness, the bottom housing provides depth and warmth. Therefore, despite variations in design or brand identity, the fundamental similarities in materials lead to a comparable typing experience between the two switches. Whether one opts for the HMX EMO or the Outemu Milk Blue, the distinctive characteristics of each housing material undoubtedly shape the overall performance, resulting in a harmonious interplay of sound qualities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch to the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, there are notable differences. The EMO features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer less resistance for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Milk Blue has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which offers a stronger tactile feel but lacks a documented bottom out force. As a result, while the EMO switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, the Milk Blue switch caters to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel with its higher actuation value. With no bottom out measurement available for the Milk Blue, users looking for specific feedback when fully pressing the key may find this information lacking. Overall, those who favor lighter switches should lean towards the EMO, whereas fans of heavier switches may find the Milk Blue more appealing, despite the unknown bottom out metric.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the EMO offers a slightly shorter actuation distance, which can lead to quicker response times, making it more suitable for gamers who value speed and efficiency in their key presses. On the other hand, the Milk Blue, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a more traditional and hearty feel, which some users may prefer for a tactile experience, akin to pressing down deeper into the switch. Thus, if you lean towards a more responsive feel, the EMO is the better choice, whereas if you appreciate a robust typing experience, the Milk Blue would be ideal.
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 Milk Blue 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 lively, clacky acoustics that create a gratifying auditory feedback. This character can enhance the overall typing experience, providing a pleasant soundscape as you type. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch is a clicky switch, which typically produces a distinct, pronounced click sound with each keystroke. This sound is often regarded as satisfying by those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. However, the specific sound profile of the Milk Blue switch wasn't detailed, leaving some aspects of its sound characterization open to interpretation. It's essential to note that the final sound experience will also depend on the keyboard’s construction and the keycaps chosen.
When considering the feel, the HMX EMO switch offers a feather-light feel with a bottom-out force of just 46g, resulting in an effortless and bouncy typing experience. This characteristic makes it a convenient choice for extended typing sessions, as it alleviates strain on the fingers. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue switch, while also favored for its tactile engagement, does not have specific qualitative details provided for its feel. Generally, clicky switches like the Milk Blue tend to offer a tactile bump alongside the clicking sound, which can provide a resume of feedback with each press, lending a different texture compared to the smooth action of linear switches like the EMO.
In conclusion, the HMX EMO linear switch is ideal for those seeking a light yet lively typing experience with a satisfying sound, whereas the Outemu Milk Blue offers a distinctly different auditory engagement through its clicky feedback, though specific descriptions of its feel remain unspecified. If you're searching for a switch that emphasizes the auditory aspect and provides tactile response, the Milk Blue could suit you well. Conversely, if smoothness and ease of typing are your priorities, the EMO may be more aligned with your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will hinge on whether you lean towards the clack of the EMO or the potential tactile sensation of the Milk Blue.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the type of experience you're looking for. If you prefer a smooth and bouncy typing experience with a lighter touch, the EMO is an excellent choice. Its low actuation force of 46 grams means you can type quickly and effortlessly, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and comfort, especially during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile and audible feedback with each keystroke, the Milk Blue clicky switch will cater to your needs. This switch typically provides a distinct click and a more pronounced feel, which can enhance your typing experience if you appreciate the feedback that comes with each press. In conclusion, if you value a quiet and smooth typing experience, go for the HMX EMO linear switch; however, if the satisfying click of a tactile switch is what you seek, then the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value a seamless typing flow or the engaging sound and feel of a clicky switch.
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