HMX EMO vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX EMO linear switch with the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is important to note that each offers a unique typing experience. The HMX EMO switch is renowned for its lively and clacky feel, paired with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. With exceptional factory-lubing, this switch provides an effortless and bouncy typing experience that is both satisfying and smooth. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze switch offers a different experience, characterized by a distinct clicking sound with each key press. While the specific features of each switch may appeal to different preferences, both switches offer their own advantages and drawbacks. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Outemu Spring Breeze, it is clear that they both utilize nylon in their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of the sound produced when bottoming out keys, as the qualities of the nylon bottom housing have a significant impact on this aspect of the switch's performance.
On the other hand, the top housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Outemu Spring Breeze differ, with the EMO featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the Spring Breeze using a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic material that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In comparison, nylon top housings absorb more sound than harder plastics, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile that is more rounded in nature. This contrast in top housing materials showcases the different types of sound profiles that can be achieved based on the material used.
In conclusion, while both the HMX EMO and the Outemu Spring Breeze utilize nylon in their bottom housing, they diverge in their choice of top housing material. The EMO's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, suitable for switches with RGB lighting, while the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. The combination of different housing materials in the switches allows for a varied typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the sound and feel when bottoming out keys, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, these differences in housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience and sound produced by each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, we can see that both switches have the same actuation force of 40 grams. However, the EMO has a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Spring Breeze has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the EMO switch would provide a lighter typing experience overall compared to the Spring Breeze, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter feel while typing. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze switch would offer a more substantial and tactile typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with the EMO being suitable for longer typing sessions and the Spring Breeze being preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The EMO's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers, while the Spring Breeze's longer travel distance provides a more satisfying depth when typing. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the EMO feeling more abrupt and the Spring Breeze feeling more pronounced. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for.
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 Spring Breeze 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 well-known for its lively, clacky feel and feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless and bouncy typing experience that is both satisfying and smooth. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch does not have as much information available regarding its feel.
When it comes to sound, the EMO switch is not described in detail, but it likely produces a quieter typing experience due to its linear design. In contrast, the Spring Breeze switch is known for its clicky sound profile, providing a satisfying audible feedback with each key press.
In conclusion, while the HMX EMO and Outemu Spring Breeze switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and potentially feel, it's important to consider personal preference and usage when deciding between the two. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the EMO switch may be more suitable. On the other hand, if you enjoy the audible feedback and tactile feel of a clicky switch, the Spring Breeze switch could be the better option. Ultimately, exploring both switches hands-on will provide the most accurate comparison to determine which one aligns best with your typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it all comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a light, bouncy typing experience with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, then the EMO switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-light 55g bottom-out force and the satisfying clicky sound of typing, the Spring Breeze switch might be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing habits, sound preferences, and overall typing experience when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you.
Mentioned in this article
