HMX EMO vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The HMX EMO switch is a linear switch that is praised for its lively and clacky feel, as well as its feather-light 46g bottom-out force. With exceptional factory lubrication, the EMO provides an effortless and bouncy typing experience that is both satisfying and smooth. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea switch is a tactile switch, although there is no specific standout feature mentioned. For those looking for a switch that offers a more tactile typing experience, the Milk Tea may be the preferred choice. 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
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
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 housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Outemu Milk Tea switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The EMO features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. Both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics. However, while the EMO's nylon bottom housing elicits a duller and rounder sound, the Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing provides a similar effect but with a different touch.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Outemu Milk Tea switches share some similarities. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the EMO and the Ly top housing of the Milk Tea both offer unique sound characteristics that enhance the overall typing experience. While the EMO's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, crisper sound profile, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing delivers bright and resonant clacks, providing users with a distinctive typing experience.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Outemu Milk Tea switches each offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The EMO's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a sharp and clear sound profile while the Milk Tea's mix of Ly and nylon results in a bright and resonant typing experience. Whether it's the sharper, higher-pitched sound of the EMO or the bright, clacky sound of the Milk Tea, both switches provide users with a satisfying typing experience that is enhanced by their choice of housing materials.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch reveals some differences. The EMO has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Milk Tea's 45 grams. However, the EMO also has a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams in contrast to the Milk Tea's force, which is unavailable. This means that the EMO requires less force to activate a keystroke and to bottom out completely compared to the Milk Tea. The lighter actuation force of the EMO may be preferable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the heavier actuation force of the Milk Tea may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Milk Tea switch has a slightly longer travel distance. A switch with a shorter travel distance like the EMO can provide a quicker response time, which is preferred by gamers for fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, a switch with a longer travel distance like the Milk Tea may offer a more satisfying depth when typing or gaming but could feel more sluggish to some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Tea 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
The HMX EMO linear switch is best known for its lively, clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's subjective qualities are unknown, making it difficult to directly compare the feel of the two switches.
When it comes to sound, the EMO switch's sound profile is unknown, while the Milk Tea switch is also lacking in specific sound descriptions. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's design, keycap material, and typing technique.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that while the HMX EMO linear switch has distinct subjective qualities such as a bouncy typing experience and a light bottom-out force, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch lacks specific descriptions in terms of both sound and feel. Therefore, it is difficult to provide a direct comparison between the two switches. However, since both switches belong to different categories (linear and tactile), it is expected that users will have significantly different typing experiences with each switch. If seeking a smooth and bouncy typing experience, the HMX EMO linear switch would be a recommended choice, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch may provide a different tactile feedback suitable for those who prefer a more pronounced bump in their keystrokes.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, you should consider your preference for a light, clacky typing experience with a 46g bottom-out force versus an unavailable bottom-out force. If you enjoy a lively, bouncy feel with smooth typing, the EMO switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a unique sound profile, the Milk Tea switch could be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the typing experience and sound you desire in your mechanical keyboard.
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