HMX EMO vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and the Durock Sea Glass both offer unique typing experiences worth exploring. The HMX EMO switch is known for its lively and clacky feel, with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, making typing effortless and bouncy. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch series stands out with its captivating pastel colors and proprietary material blend, providing a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness while still maintaining smoothness. While the EMO switch offers a satisfying and smooth typing experience, the Sea Glass switches defy expectations with their weightlessness and hollow sound signature. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and Durock Sea Glass both feature unique and innovative housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The EMO's polycarbonate top housing is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a more pleasant and brighter sound. The EMO's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer properties, whereas the Sea Glass's blend creates a unique sound profile that is not particularly sharp but has a brighter tone.
While the top and bottom housings of the EMO and Sea Glass switches differ in material composition, they both contribute to the overall sound profile and typing experience of the switches. The EMO's polycarbonate top housing creates a clearer and resonant sound when letting go of a key, while the nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and more muffled sound upon bottoming out a key. In contrast, the Sea Glass's top housing blend provides a brighter sound profile, while the bottom housing blend contributes to a unique sound experience that is pleasant and not particularly sharp.
Overall, both the HMX EMO and Durock Sea Glass switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the sound profile and typing experience of mechanical keyboards. While the EMO's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and more resonant sound, the Sea Glass's unique blend offers a pleasant and brighter tone. The split between top and bottom housing materials in each switch allows for a balance of qualities that affect both the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when letting go of a key. Whether it's polycarbonate or a polymer blend, choosing the right housing material can make a significant difference in the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that the EMO is lighter in both aspects. The EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass is heavier, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. This makes the Sea Glass more suitable for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel while typing. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their respective force requirements. Ultimately, users can choose between the lighter EMO or the heavier Sea Glass based on their preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Sea Glass has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the EMO. The EMO's 3.5 mm travel distance may be more suitable for those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers, as shorter distances can lead to faster key presses. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's 3.8 mm travel distance may provide a more substantial feel, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the 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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 known for its lively and clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature, adding a touch of airiness to the typing experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO switch is praised for its feather-light 46g bottom-out force, offering a bouncy and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switches are described as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press. These qualities come together to create a smooth and weightless typing sensation that minimizes finger fatigue and provides a comfortable typing experience for extended periods.
In conclusion, both the HMX EMO linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the EMO switch provides a lively and clacky feel with a light actuation force, the Sea Glass switches deliver a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a distinct dryness and airiness. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, whether you prioritize a bouncy typing feel or a weightless and smooth experience. Regardless of the choice, both switches are sure to deliver excellent performance and satisfaction for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a feather-light, bouncy feel with effortless typing, the HMX EMO with its 46g bottom-out force is the way to go. On the other hand, if you're looking for a unique typing experience with a distinct dryness and weightlessness despite its 62g bottom-out force, the Durock Sea Glass switches might be more up your alley. Ultimately, your choice should be based on whether you prefer a lively, clacky feel or a smooth, frictionless typing experience. Happy typing!
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