HMX EMO vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX EMO, a linear switch, and the Outemu Silent White, also a linear switch. The HMX EMO switch stands out for its lively and clacky feel, paired with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. Thanks to its exceptional factory-lubing, the EMO provides an effortless and bouncy typing experience that is both satisfying and smooth. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switch boasts a silent operation without compromising on the smoothness of each keystroke. 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
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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 Silent White both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the EMO's bottom housing is made of nylon, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. The split between polycarbonate and nylon in the EMO's housing materials allows for a combination of sharpness and depth in both the press and release of keys.
On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White features both top and bottom housing made of polycarbonate, resulting in a consistent sharp and crisp sound profile throughout typing. While the stiffness of polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound, it may lack the depth and fullness that nylon offers in the EMO. The decision to use the same material for both housing components in the Silent White likely contributes to a more uniform typing experience in terms of sound.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the HMX EMO and Outemu Silent White ultimately impacts the sound profile and typing experience of the switches. While the EMO combines the sharpness of polycarbonate in the top housing with the depth of nylon in the bottom housing, the Silent White opts for a consistent sound profile by using polycarbonate for both components. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is evident that the EMO is lighter in both categories. The EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Silent White has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The EMO provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Silent White offers a slightly heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger force feedback. Overall, the EMO is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Silent White, making it a better choice for those looking for a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the HMX EMO has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Outemu Silent White. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users who prioritize faster response times. Gamers, in particular, may prefer these switches for their quick actuation. However, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may find the slight difference in travel distance noticeable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for the amount of key travel that feels most comfortable.
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 White 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
When comparing the HMX EMO linear switch and Outemu Silent White linear switch, they both offer a smooth typing experience with a linear feel. The EMO switch has a light 46g bottom-out force, providing a lively and bouncy typing feedback that is highly satisfying. On the other hand, the Silent White switch offers a silent typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter keyboard.
In terms of sound, the EMO switch produces a clacky sound due to its design, while the Silent White switch is known for its silent operation. The sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used, so it's essential to consider the overall setup when choosing between the two switches.
When it comes to feel, the EMO switch offers a responsive and light typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Silent White switch provides a smooth and silent typing feel, perfect for those who prefer a quieter keyboard experience.
Overall, both the HMX EMO linear switch and Outemu Silent White linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a more tactile and lively typing experience, the EMO switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if a silent and smooth typing feel is more to your liking, the Silent White switch would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific sound and feel you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, you should consider the typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a light, bouncy typing experience with a clacky feel, the HMX EMO switch with its 46g bottom-out force would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force for a slightly more tactile typing experience, the Outemu Silent White switch with its 60g bottom-out force might be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of feel and typing style.
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