HMX EMO vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and KTT Pine switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The HMX EMO switch is favored for its lively and clacky feel, coupled with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, making it effortless and bouncy to type on. On the other hand, the KTT Pine Linear Switches are known for their medium-heavy weight, buttery smooth feel, and polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for smooth key travel. While the EMO switch provides a satisfying and smooth typing experience, the Pine switch offers a more substantial and creamy 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
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX EMO utilizes a combination of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. In contrast, the KTT Pine features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a consistently sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile throughout. While both switches incorporate polycarbonate in their housing materials, the EMO's inclusion of nylon for the bottom housing gives it a unique auditory experience compared to the Pine.
The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the HMX EMO and KTT Pine leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. However, the softer nylon material used for the EMO's bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing. Aesthetically, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate for RGB lighting, but the differing bottom housing materials result in distinct typing experiences. While the EMO's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper sound, the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a consistent sharpness in sound quality.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. The EMO's combination of polycarbonate and nylon allows for a nuanced blend of sharpness and depth in sound, with different qualities present in the top and bottom housings. In contrast, the Pine's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout results in a uniformly sharp and crisp sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, showcasing the importance of material selection in the design and functionality of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the KTT Pine linear switch's slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. The EMO also has a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Pine has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the EMO provides a lighter and smoother typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless key press. On the other hand, the Pine switch offers a more substantial and tactile typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have their own advantages depending on personal preferences, with the EMO being lighter and the Pine being heavier, offering options for a range of typing styles.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX EMO linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Pine switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the EMO switch. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered traditional, while a 3.0 mm travel distance is shallower. Given that the EMO switch falls in between these ranges, it offers a balanced feel for users. On the other hand, the Pine switch provides a bit more depth for those who prefer a longer travel distance. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the EMO switch for quicker response times, while others may find the longer travel distance of the Pine switch to be more comfortable for typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 KTT Pine linear switch is described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. The EMO switch may provide a more distinct and sharper sound during key presses compared to the Pine switch, which delivers a deeper, richer tone with a lower frequency range. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the HMX EMO linear switch is known for its feather-light 46g bottom-out force, offering a bouncy and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is characterized as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation. The EMO switch may have a lighter and more responsive feel, while the Pine switch offers a uniform and seamless typing experience with its factory-lubed finish.
Overall, the HMX EMO and KTT Pine linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the EMO switch excels in providing a lively and clacky typing experience with a lightweight feel, the Pine switch shines with its bassy sound profile and buttery smoothness. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can achieve a satisfying typing experience with either switch, as both are factory-lubed for smooth key travel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider your preference for bottom-out force. If you prefer a lighter actuation force, then the EMO with its 46g bottom-out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force, the Pine with its 58g bottom-out force may suit your typing style better. Additionally, take into account the sound and feel descriptions of each switch to determine which one aligns more closely with your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the EMO and Pine switches will come down to personal preference and typing experience desired.
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