HMX EMO vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and KTT Rose switches both offer unique qualities worth considering. The HMX EMO switch is praised for its lively and clacky feel, along with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Rose switch stands out for its beautiful design and unique progressive springs that offer a substantial yet not heavy typing experience, with a sound reminiscent of bassy raindrops. While both switches have their own strengths, it's important to delve deeper beyond these general qualities to determine which switch best suits your typing preferences.
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
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and KTT Rose both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate's translucency is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the EMO features a nylon bottom housing, which gives off a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Rose's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and duller sound profile.
While both the EMO and Rose share polycarbonate top housings, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings affect the overall sound and feel of the switch. The nylon bottom housing of the EMO emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound upon keypress, while the Rose's nylon bottom housing provides a similar effect. When it comes to the rebound sound after key release, the impact is influenced more by the top housing material. Therefore, the EMO and Rose offer a combination of sharpness and depth in sound due to their housing materials.
In conclusion, the HMX EMO and KTT Rose both benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, enhancing the sharpness and clarity of their sound profiles. However, the difference arises in the material used for the bottom housing, with the EMO's nylon housing providing a deeper sound compared to the Rose's nylon housing. Despite this distinction, both keyboards offer a unique combination of qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the KTT Rose linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the EMO has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 46 grams compared to the Rose's bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The EMO provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch. In contrast, the Rose switch offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches provide different options for users based on their preference for actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Rose linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The EMO offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Rose, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Rose provides a slightly longer travel distance, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper keypress feeling. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with the EMO leaning towards the shallower end and the Rose being closer to the traditional 4.0mm distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and keypress depth.
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 Rose comes in at $3.01 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
In terms of sound, the HMX EMO switch provides a lively, clacky sound that is satisfying and smooth, while the KTT Rose switch offers a low-pitched and bassy tone that resembles the sound of raindrops. The EMO switch may have a more energetic and crisp sound compared to the more mellow and bass-heavy sound of the Rose switch. However, the actual sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO switch offers a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Rose switch uses progressive springs to deliver a substantial yet not heavy typing experience. The EMO switch may feel more lively and responsive, while the Rose switch offers a balanced and polished typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Overall, both the HMX EMO linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The EMO switch is characterized by its lively and clacky sound with a feather-light feel, while the Rose switch provides a low-pitched and substantial typing experience. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences, with the EMO switch being more energetic and bouncy, and the Rose switch offering a balanced and polished typing feel. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on the user's preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience and bottom out force. If you enjoy a light, clacky feel with a 46g bottom out force, then the HMX EMO linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with progressive springs and a bottom-out force of 63.5g, the KTT Rose linear switch would be more suitable. The EMO offers a lively and bouncy typing experience, while the Rose provides a uniquely substantial but not heavy feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force when selecting between these two switches.
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