HMX EMO vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch are two popular options to consider. The HMX EMO switch is praised for its lively and clacky feel, with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, making typing effortlessly bouncy and smooth. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch offers a different typing experience with a more tactile feedback, providing a satisfying click with each key press. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but ultimately the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Outemu Ocean share similarities in terms of using polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the EMO uses nylon while the Ocean also utilizes nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
Despite both switches using polycarbonate for the top housing, the HMX EMO and the Outemu Ocean have different bottom housing materials which affect the overall sound and feel of the switches. The EMO's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile while the Ocean's nylon bottom housing also enhances the sound by absorbing more sound and creating a duller tone. This shows that even with similar top housing materials, the bottom housing has a significant impact on the overall sound experience of a switch. Additionally, the top housing material is more crucial for the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel when typing.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Outemu Ocean play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of each switch. Both switches benefit from using polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the difference in bottom housing materials, with the EMO using nylon and the Ocean also incorporating nylon, results in distinct sound characteristics for each switch. The EMO offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Ocean provides a rounder and duller sound due to the softer nature of nylon. Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch determines the overall typing experience and sound produced.
Weight
When comparing the HMX EMO linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it is evident that the EMO is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Ocean. The EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Ocean has an actuation force of 55 grams and an unknown bottom out force. The EMO offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a smoother keystroke and less finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Ocean provides a heavier push feel, which can be beneficial for users who prefer a more substantial typing feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch. In terms of travel distance, the EMO offers a slightly shallower press compared to the Ocean. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the EMO due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Ocean. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately depends on personal preference for which one is the better choice.
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 Ocean 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 operation with minimal noise while typing, making it a great choice for those looking for a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch offers a more pronounced tactile feedback with a slight click sound, giving a more satisfying auditory experience for those who enjoy a bit more feedback while typing.
In terms of feel, the HMX EMO linear switch provides a smooth and consistent typing experience with a light actuation force, allowing for quick and effortless keystrokes. On the contrary, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch offers a more pronounced tactile bump and resistance during typing, providing a more tactile typing experience that some users may find more enjoyable.
Overall, the HMX EMO linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a smooth and effortless feel, the EMO switch may be the way to go. However, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and resistance while typing, the Ocean switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, you should consider the typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a light, bouncy feel with a clacky sound, then the EMO switch with its 46g bottom-out force and smooth typing experience would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a higher bottom-out force, the Ocean switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
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