HMX EMO vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX EMO and Outemu Silent Green mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches offering a smooth keystroke experience. The HMX EMO is revered for its lively and clacky feel, along with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force making typing effortless and bouncy. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green provides a quiet typing experience, perfect for those looking for a more discreet option. While the EMO is factory-lubed for a smooth feel, the Silent Green switch offers silent operation ideal for shared workspaces. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Outemu Silent Green, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through. However, the EMO features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
The use of different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch has a noticeable impact on the overall typing experience. With the EMO's nylon bottom housing, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound when pressing down on the keys. In contrast, the Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing will provide a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, the top housing material, whether polycarbonate in both cases, will influence the sound when letting go of a key. This split in housing materials allows for a dynamic sound profile that caters to different preferences.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, the difference in bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The EMO's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing feel. Whether opting for the EMO with its nylon bottom housing or the Silent Green with its polycarbonate bottom housing, users can expect a unique typing experience tailored to their liking.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, which requires 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the EMO switch has a bottom out force of 46 grams while the Silent Green switch has a heavier force of 60 grams. The EMO switch provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentler touch during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Green switch offers a more substantial typing feel with a heavier bottom out force, making it a good choice for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Both switches offer a different typing experience, catering to varying preferences in actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Silent Green linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The EMO switch offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a good option for gamers looking for a faster typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Green switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in choosing between the two.
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 Silent Green 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 known for its lively and clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless and bouncy typing experience. The switch is exceptionally factory-lubed, offering a smooth and satisfying sensation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch's subjective feel is not explicitly described. However, it is a silent switch, which typically means a smoother and quieter typing experience compared to non-silent switches.
When it comes to sound, the EMO switch may produce a moderate sound level due to its clacky nature, while the Silent Green switch is designed to minimize noise with a focus on silent typing. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the EMO switch is noted for its bouncy and satisfying tactile feedback, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. The Silent Green switch, being silent in operation, likely offers a smoother keystroke with less tactile feedback. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Silent Green switch may be the way to go.
In conclusion, the HMX EMO linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch offer contrasting qualities in terms of feel and sound. The EMO switch provides a more tactile and clacky typing experience, while the Silent Green switch focuses on quiet operation with potentially smoother key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and sound level. However, if you prefer a silent typing experience, the Silent Green switch may provide similar results to the EMO switch with less audible feedback.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom-out force. If you prefer a lighter touch and a bouncy typing experience, the EMO with its 46g bottom-out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a 60g bottom-out force, the Silent Green switch may be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference for bottom-out force and typing experience.
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