HMX EMO vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the HMX EMO and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. The HMX EMO is a linear switch known for its lively, clacky feel and feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless typing experience that is both satisfying and smooth. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility, making it approachable for those who prefer a bit more feedback while typing. It also offers a deep and thocky sound profile for an immersive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. However, the EMO's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials would result in a different typing experience between the two switches.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The EMO's nylon bottom housing offers a softer material that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper typing sound. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This difference in bottom housing material will impact the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch, with the nylon bottom housing of the EMO creating a more muted and rounded sound compared to the more resonant sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring.
The combination of polycarbonate top housing for both the HMX EMO and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring ensures a similar sound profile in terms of sharpness, pitch, and clarity. However, the use of different bottom housing materials between the two switches results in variations in sound and feel during typing. The EMO's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Regardless of these differences, the overall typing experience on both switches will be influenced by the qualities of the respective top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it is clear 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, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the EMO more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a slightly heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. Both switches will give different results in terms of typing feel, with the EMO offering a lighter touch and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring providing slightly more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the EMO being slightly shorter and the Shadow (Ink) slightly longer, the difference may be subtle to some users. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the EMO for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the longer travel distance of the Shadow (Ink) switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring for $3.57.
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 offers a distinct clacky sound profile with a feather-light bottom-out force of 46g. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is noted for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience. It's important to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO switch is described as delivering a bouncy and satisfying typing experience, thanks to its factory-lubed, smooth operation. The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility, providing an approachable typing feel with a lower actuation and bottom-out force. Its bouncy nature gives users a spring-like feedback sensation, adding to the overall typing experience.
Considering the information provided, the HMX EMO linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the EMO switch provides a lively and clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, the Shadow (Ink) switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile with a medium level of tactility. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, and depending on personal preference, users can achieve similar results in either choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to individual typing preferences and the specific use case of the keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a feather-light bottom-out force and lively, clacky feel, the EMO may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
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