HMX EMO vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX EMO linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it's clear that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX EMO switch is renowned for its lively and clacky feel, along with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, making it effortless and smooth to type on. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch stands out for its big tactile bump, providing an exhilarating tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile. While the EMO offers a bouncy and satisfying typing experience, the Polaris Purple delivers a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for linear or tactile feedback. 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
67g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX EMO and the SP-Star Polaris Purple are quite similar in terms of their top housing material, which is polycarbonate. Both switches offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, making both switches visually appealing. However, the EMO's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing which creates a sharper and clearer sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of the EMO absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Polaris Purple.
While the top housings of both switches are polycarbonate, the bottom housing materials of the HMX EMO and the SP-Star Polaris Purple differ significantly. The nylon bottom housing of the EMO creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple contributes to a sharper and clearer sound profile, enhancing the overall resonance of the switch. This difference in bottom housing materials results in a distinct sound and feel when typing on each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch plays a significant role in determining its sound profile and feel. While both the HMX EMO and the SP-Star Polaris Purple share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing for a crisper sound and RGB lighting compatibility, the difference in bottom housing materials results in variations in sound depth and resonance. The nylon bottom housing of the EMO creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple offers a sharper and clearer sound. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing experience, either switch may provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it is evident that the EMO is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams. In contrast, the Polaris Purple is the heavier option with an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 67 grams. The EMO provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, catering to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and bottom out force, with the EMO being the lighter option and the Polaris Purple being the heavier option.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX EMO linear switch is 3.5 mm, which is shorter compared to the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The EMO switch provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch offers a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile feel. Both switches have their advantages depending on individual preferences, with the EMO switch being ideal for speed and the Polaris Purple switch providing a more substantial key press. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired 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 SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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 switch is known for producing a lively and clacky sound during typing due to its design and construction. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the HMX EMO switch offers a bouncy and smooth typing experience with its feather-light 46g bottom-out force. The factory-lubed EMO switch provides an effortless feel that is both satisfying and comfortable. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch is described as having a mild and polished feel, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The tactile bump on the Polaris Purple switch provides an exhilarating feel during typing.
Overall, both the HMX EMO linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the EMO switch is known for its lively and clacky sound, as well as its bouncy and smooth typing feel, the Polaris Purple switch offers a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished typing experience. Depending on your preferences and typing style, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it's important to consider your typing preferences. If you prefer a light and bouncy typing experience with a low bottom-out force, the EMO switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, the Polaris Purple switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the EMO switch offers a lively and clacky feel, while the Polaris Purple switch provides a more exhilarating tactile typing experience. Choose the switch that best aligns with your desired typing experience and enjoy the satisfying and smooth feel of your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
