HMX EMO vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX EMO and the Everglide Sakura Pink mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer a lightweight actuation force to cater to users who prefer a gentler typing experience. The HMX EMO is loved for its clacky feel and feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing a satisfying and bouncy typing sensation. In contrast, the Sakura Pink switches feature an even lighter 35g actuation force, perfect for delicate typists who appreciate a subtle touch. While the EMO switch offers a lively and smooth typing experience, the Sakura Pinks deliver a poppy sound akin to popping bubble wrap, adding a playful element to your keyboarding sessions. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Everglide Sakura Pink, both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for achieving a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. However, while the EMO utilizes nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, the Sakura Pink sticks to polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings.
The difference in bottom housing materials between the HMX EMO and the Everglide Sakura Pink showcases distinct sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of the EMO contributes to a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Sakura Pink. This variation in material directly impacts the typing experience, as the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, highlighting the importance of both housing materials in creating a well-rounded typing experience.
While the HMX EMO and the Everglide Sakura Pink share the same polycarbonate material for the top housing, their contrasting bottom housing materials demonstrate the unique sound profiles each switch offers. The combination of nylon and polycarbonate in the EMO creates a diverse sound experience with deeper tones, while the Sakura Pink's consistent use of polycarbonate results in a consistently sharp and crisp sound. Ultimately, both switches provide users with a different typing experience based on the housing materials utilized, showcasing the importance of material selection in keyboard design.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch are quite similar in terms of being light switches. The EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Sakura Pink has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the Sakura Pink requires slightly less force to actuate, which may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the EMO requires slightly more force to bottom out, providing a slightly more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, both switches offer a light typing feel, with slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces to cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The HMX EMO's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Everglide Sakura Pink's longer travel distance could provide a more satisfying and deliberate keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 and Everglide Sakura Pink switches offer distinct experiences. The EMO switch is known for its lively and clacky sound profile, adding a sense of energy to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch produces a muted sound, perfect for those looking for a quieter typing experience. While the EMO switch brings a more vibrant and poppy sound akin to bubble wrap being popped, the Sakura Pink switch aims for a softer and more subtle approach.
When it comes to feel, both the HMX EMO and Everglide Sakura Pink switches prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience. The EMO switch is characterized by its buttery and creamy feel, offering a seamless keystroke sensation that glides effortlessly under your fingertips. With an easy-to-press design and a frictionless operation, the EMO switch ensures minimal resistance and fatigue during extended typing sessions. Similarly, the Sakura Pink switch provides a delicate and frictionless typing experience, allowing for a fluid and comfortable key press that is gentle on the fingers.
In conclusion, while the HMX EMO and Everglide Sakura Pink switches offer different sound profiles, they both prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience. Whether you prefer the lively and energetic sound of the EMO switch or the muted and subtle sound of the Sakura Pink switch, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both options provide high-quality performance for your mechanical keyboard needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a lively, clacky typing experience, then the HMX EMO switch with its 46g bottom-out force may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a super light actuation force and a smooth, buttery typing experience with a playful poppy sound, then the Sakura Pink switch with its 35g bottom-out force could be more suited to your liking. Consider how you value typing feel, sound, and bottom-out force when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so choose wisely based on what resonates most with your typing style and preferences.
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