HMX EMO vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and Outemu Tom stand out as popular choices, each offering a unique typing experience. The HMX EMO is a linear switch known for its lively and clacky feel, with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. It provides a bouncy and satisfying typing experience that is exceptionally factory-lubed for a smooth feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom is a tactile switch that delivers a more tactile feedback with a distinct bump during actuation. While the EMO offers a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Tom provides a more pronounced feedback for typists who prefer a tactile response. 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
3.30 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and the Outemu Tom both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the typing experience. With both switches using polycarbonate in their top housing, users can expect similar sound profiles and tactile feedback from pressing the keys.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The EMO features a nylon bottom housing, which generates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Tom also incorporates nylon in its bottom housing, emphasizing the same characteristics of a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches provide a unique typing experience based on the properties of their bottom housing materials, offering users a range of options depending on their preference for sound and feel.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate in the top housing and nylon in the bottom housing for both the HMX EMO and the Outemu Tom allows for a balanced typing experience. The different qualities brought by each housing material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch, influencing the sound and feel of pressing down and letting go of a key. Whether it's the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel from the bottom housing or the sound produced when releasing a key from the top housing, users can expect a well-rounded and satisfying typing experience from both switches.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Tom tactile switch which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. The EMO also has a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Tom's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the EMO switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch and may want to type for longer periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the Tom switch would be better for users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches cater to users with different preferences in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, the EMO has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Tom's 3.3 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by many gamers for faster response times, the EMO offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Tom. For those who prefer a more responsive key press, the EMO may be the better option, while the Tom may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a slightly softer feel with a shorter travel distance. Ultimately, both switches will provide similar results in terms of key press feedback, but the EMO will offer a slightly longer distance for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes.
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 Tom 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 factory-lubed EMO switch offers a smooth and satisfying feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch's feel is unknown at this time.
When it comes to sound, the EMO switch produces a yet-to-be-determined sound profile, while the sound of the Outemu Tom tactile switch remains unknown as well. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Considering all available information, it is clear that the HMX EMO linear switch offers a unique and enjoyable typing experience with its lively and clacky feel, low bottom-out force, and smooth operation. As for the Outemu Tom tactile switch, further information is needed to make a direct comparison. However, it can be expected that both switches will provide distinct typing experiences due to their different designs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of feel and sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a light bottom-out force and a lively, bouncy typing experience, the EMO switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a tactile bump and a more traditional typing experience, the Tom switch could be the one to go for. Ultimately, it all comes down to your personal preference and typing style when choosing between these two mechanical keyboard switches.
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