HMX EMO vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and the Durock Piano stand out as excellent options, both offering a linear typing experience. The HMX EMO switch is praised for its lively and clacky feel, paired with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, making typing effortless and bouncy. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch is known for its proprietary material blend, providing a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. While the EMO delivers a satisfying and smooth typing experience, the Piano offers a bassy, frictionless, and silky feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Durock Piano offer distinct characteristics that cater to different sound preferences. The EMO's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness that allows for clear and resonant sounds. On the other hand, the Piano's proprietary POM blend top housing produces a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, although the exact details of the blend remain unknown. Both housing materials offer a unique sound experience, with the EMO focusing on a higher-pitched sound and the Piano emphasizing a deep and satisfying sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the EMO utilizes nylon, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend bottom housing, offering a deep and satisfying sound profile similar to its top housing material. While the specific details of the blend are undisclosed, it contributes to the overall sound experience of the switch. The distinction in bottom housing materials adds another layer of complexity to the sound profile of each switch, catering to different preferences for typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the HMX EMO and the Durock Piano plays a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of the typing experience. The polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in the EMO create a unique combination of sharpness and depth in the sound profile, while the proprietary POM blend in the Durock Piano offers a satisfying and resonant sound experience. Whether opting for a sharper, crisper sound with the EMO or a deep and satisfying sound with the Piano, the housing materials play a significant role in delivering a custom typing experience based on individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is clear that there are notable differences between the two. The EMO switch has a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Piano switch has an unknown actuation force and a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, offering a more substantial tactile feedback. Those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the EMO switch, while users looking for a more robust typing feel may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Piano switch. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in determining the typing experience and personal preference when choosing between these two switches.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX EMO linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The EMO has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Piano, making it a better choice for those who prefer faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Piano switch provides a slightly deeper key press with its longer travel distance, which may be more appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feeling when typing or gaming. Both switches offer variations in travel distance that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference for responsiveness or depth in key presses.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 it comes to sound, the HMX EMO linear switch offers a lively and clacky typing experience, while the Durock Piano linear switch provides a deep and creamy sound signature with a bassy tone. Depending on your preference, the EMO may suit those who enjoy a more vibrant and sharp sound, while the Piano is ideal for individuals seeking a richer and more mellow auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the HMX EMO switch delivers a bouncy and smooth typing experience with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch offers a frictionless and silky feel, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with fluid key presses. Both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing feel, with the EMO emphasizing a lighter touch and bouncier sensation, while the Piano focuses on a gliding push feel with minimal resistance.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a lively and clacky sound paired with a lightweight and bouncy typing feel, the HMX EMO switch is a fantastic option. However, if you prefer a deep and creamy sound signature along with a frictionless and silky typing experience, then the Durock Piano switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, both switches offer excellent qualities that cater to different preferences, so you can expect similar results in terms of high-quality performance regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your typing preferences. If you enjoy a light touch and a bouncy, clacky feel with a bottom-out force of 46 grams, the HMX EMO switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, gliding push feel with a deeper and creamier sound profile and a slightly heavier 63.5-gram bottom-out force, the Durock Piano switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a lighter touch with a livelier feel or a smoother typing experience with a rich sound signature. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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