HMX EMO vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and KTT Sea Salt Lemon both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX EMO is a linear switch known for its lively and clacky feel, with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. It provides an effortless and bouncy typing experience, thanks to its factory-lubed design. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is also a linear switch but is praised for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. While the EMO offers a satisfying and smooth typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon excels in being low-pitched, neutral, and mild. 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
53g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and KTT Sea Salt Lemon both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This makes them ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting effects. While both switches share this characteristic, they may differ in terms of color or design, offering consumers a variety of options to choose from.
On the other hand, the EMO boasts a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that gives a different typing experience. This contrast in bottom housings highlights how the choice of material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
In terms of overall typing experience, the differences in housing materials between the EMO and Sea Salt Lemon play a crucial role. The split between the bottom and top housings allows each material to influence different aspects of typing, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key. This balance between different housing materials showcases how manufacturers can tailor switches to meet the preferences of various users, whether they prioritize sound, feel, or aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that the EMO is lighter while the Sea Salt Lemon is slightly heavier. The EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it a lighter option overall. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon boasts an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a bit more resistance. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the EMO, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel may opt for the Sea Salt Lemon for a bit more resistance while typing. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches cater to different preferences, with the EMO being lighter and the Sea Salt Lemon being slightly heavier.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the EMO. The 0.5 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in how the switch feels when typing or gaming. The EMO offers a shorter travel distance, which can provide a faster response time, ideal for gamers who need quick key presses. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a bit more depth in its travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the individual user.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 linear switch offers a lively and clacky typing experience, which can be attributed to its factory-lubed design and feather-light 46g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. The EMO may have a more energetic and sharp sound, while the Sea Salt Lemon tends to produce a smoother and more mellow tone. Ultimately, the sound preference between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the overall keyboard setup.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO linear switch boasts a bouncy and effortless typing experience, with a satisfying and smooth feel due to its factory-lubed construction. On the contrary, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a mild and gentle typing experience, striking a balance between comfort and performance. The EMO switch may provide a more pronounced and lively typing feel, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a softer and more approachable sensation. Again, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and comfort levels.
Overall, both the HMX EMO linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have their own unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. While the EMO is known for its lively feel and clacky sound, the Sea Salt Lemon excels in providing a smooth typing experience with a mellow sound profile. Depending on whether you prefer a more energetic typing experience or a softer touch, either switch can offer a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, trying out both switches on different keyboards and setups will help determine which one aligns best with your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, you should opt for the HMX EMO if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a lively, clacky typing experience. The EMO switch is ideal for those seeking an effortless and bouncy feel while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom-out force and a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch would be the better choice. The Sea Salt Lemon switch is perfect for those who enjoy a mild and approachable typing feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for bottom-out force, typing experience, and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
