HMX EMO vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, two compelling options are the HMX EMO and the Akko Rosewood, both of which fall under the category of linear switches. The HMX EMO is lauded for its lively, clacky feel paired with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, creating an effortless and bounce-rich typing experience that enthusiasts find delightful and smooth. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switches offer a deep, grounding thock sound straight out of the box, thanks to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that enhances their acoustic profile. While the EMO excels in providing an energetic and responsive feel, the Rosewood is favored for its rich auditory feedback and satisfying keypress sensation. These characteristics can greatly influence your typing experience depending on your personal preferences. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and Akko Rosewood switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, leading to differing auditory experiences during typing. The HMX EMO features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer structure which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This enhances the resonance and clarity of each keystroke, making it a preferred choice for users who enjoy a crisp auditory feedback. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and contributes to a deeper, fuller sound. The nylon's sound absorption qualities dampen the impact of each keystroke, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. Thus, the tactile and auditory feedback received from the HMX EMO would be more pronounced and clearer, while the Rosewood provides a softer and more subdued sound.
Interestingly, both the HMX EMO and Akko Rosewood share the same material for their bottom housings: nylon. This characteristic means that both switches will elicit deeper sound profiles during the bottoming out of a key press, thanks to the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon. The impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound and feel during keystrokes will resonate similarly between the two types. However, since the top housings differ, the overall auditory experience will diverge based on their unique properties. Thus, although they may both provide full-bodied sounds when pressed down, the comparison also highlights the distinct auditory characteristics coming from their respective top housings when keys are released.
When considering the combined configuration of the HMX EMO and Akko Rosewood, it's essential to note how the interaction between their top and bottom housings influences performance. The nylon bottom housing in both models will ensure a consistent, rounded bottom-out sound, while the polycarbonate top of the EMO will elevate its sound profile when keys are released. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the Rosewood contributes to a more cohesive and mellower output throughout the keystroke completion. Therefore, while users will experience a notable difference in auditory feedback associated with the key releases, the overall response during the pressing action of either switch will share a common ground due to the nylon material utilized in their bottom housings.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch both exhibit similar actuation forces, each requiring 40 grams of pressure to register a keystroke, which is considered light and ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, there is a notable difference in their bottom out forces; the EMO has a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Rosewood is slightly heavier at 50 grams. This means that although both switches provide an equally light actuation experience, the Rosewood switch requires a bit more effort to press all the way down, offering a slightly more substantial typing feel. Consequently, if someone prefers a lighter touch for prolonged use, the HMX EMO might be the better choice, while the Akko Rosewood caters to those who enjoy a heavier feedback from their switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we find notable differences that cater to varying user preferences. The HMX EMO features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a shorter option, while the Akko Rosewood boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and provides a deeper feel. This means that those who prioritize a faster response time, such as gamers, might lean towards the HMX EMO for its reduced travel distance, which could facilitate quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, users who prefer a more substantial key feel may find the Akko Rosewood more appealing due to its increased depth, which avoids the abrupt sensation that can come with shorter travel distances. Ultimately, while both switches serve different preferences, the choice between them hinges on whether one favors a swift, responsive experience or a more pronounced tactile 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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 linear switch is characterized by a lively, clacky auditory profile that contributes to an engaging typing experience. This quality may be attributed to its unique design and construction, as well as the factors such as the keyboard build and keycap selection. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood linear switch produces a deep and thocky sound, which is highly satisfying for many users. The surprisingly rich acoustics of the Rosewood switch are enhanced by its factory-applied lubricant, contributing to a more pronounced sound without any additional tuning or modification. While both switches offer distinct sound signatures, the actual experience will depend on the overall setup, including the keyboard and keycap choices.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO switch stands out with its exceptionally feather-light 46g bottom-out force, delivering a bouncy and effortless typing experience. The smoothness combined with the lightly clacky sensation creates a very enjoyable typing rhythm. In contrast, the Rosewood switch has not been explicitly detailed in terms of its tactile feedback or force characteristics; however, given its deep sound profile, it’s reasonable to expect that it may deliver a satisfyingly smooth feel similar to other premium linear switches. Overall, while the EMO offers a specific and described tactile experience, the Rosewood’s feel could also be engaging, but without specific metrics, it remains a bit unknown.
In conclusion, selecting between the HMX EMO and Akko Rosewood switches will largely come down to your sound preference and desired typing experience. The EMO switch provides a lively, clacky sound paired with a lightweight, bouncy feel, while the Rosewood offers a deeper thocky sound with a potentially smooth and satisfying feel. Both switches promise enjoyable performances, making them great options depending on whether you prioritize acoustics or an easy typing experience. Ultimately, both options could yield similarly pleasing results depending on individual preferences and the surrounding setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing style and the sensory experience you seek. If you prefer a lively and bouncy typing experience, the EMO's 46g bottom-out force and factory lube make it ideal for speed and ease of use, making it great for fast-paced typing or gaming. Conversely, if you value a deeper, more satisfying acoustic feedback in your keystrokes, the Akko Rosewood, with its 50g bottom-out force, delivers a "thocky" sound that can enhance your overall typing experience, particularly for those who enjoy the auditory elements of keyboard usage. Additionally, if you desire a more substantial feel under your fingers, the Rosewood may offer a more engaging tactile feedback compared to the EMO. Ultimately, consider what aspects of sound and feel resonate with you personally, as both switches offer unique characteristics that can elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
