HMX EMO vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX EMO, a linear switch, and the TTC Silent Brown, a tactile switch. The HMX EMO switch is praised for its lively, clacky feel and feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, along with a muted sound profile. While the EMO switch is perfect for those seeking a smooth and satisfying typing experience, the Silent Brown switch caters to individuals who prefer a tactile feedback and a quieter typing experience. 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
63.5g
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and TTC Silent Brown both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing in both switches creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. Despite the difference in materials between the top and bottom housings, the overall sound profile of each switch is balanced by the combination of these two materials.
While the EMO and Silent Brown share similarities in their housing materials, the impact of these materials varies in terms of sound and feel. The bottom housing, made of nylon in both switches, influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, creating a deeper and fuller sound. Conversely, the top housing, constructed from polycarbonate, affects the sound when a key is released. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a sharper and crisper sound profile, emphasizing the importance of both housing materials in determining the overall typing experience of each switch.
Overall, the HMX EMO and TTC Silent Brown showcase the importance of housing materials in keyboard switches and how they contribute to the overall sound and feel. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, they offer slightly different sound profiles based on the characteristics of these materials. The combination of stiffer polycarbonate for sharper sounds and softer nylon for fuller sounds results in a balanced typing experience that caters to both the bottom-out and release of keys. Whether it's the EMO's sharper sound or the Silent Brown's fuller sound, these housing materials play a crucial role in defining the unique typing experience of each switch.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the EMO requires less force to register a keypress, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. In terms of bottom out force, the EMO also has a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Silent Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This indicates that the Silent Brown switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a higher force required to fully press the key. Therefore, those who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the Silent Brown switch, while those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the HMX EMO. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches offer varying levels of tactile feedback and responsiveness to suit different preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX EMO linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we can see that the EMO has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Brown has a slightly longer distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the EMO offers a slightly quicker key press than the Silent Brown. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the EMO, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their key press may lean towards the Silent Brown. Both switches offer a modern trend towards shorter travel distances, catering to different preferences within the keyboard community. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to 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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX EMO linear switch is best known for its lively and clacky typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is described as having a muted sound profile, creating a softer and quieter typing experience. The EMO switch may provide a more audible typing experience, while the Silent Brown switch aims to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, appealing to those who prefer a more discreet typing experience.
In terms of feel, the HMX EMO switch offers a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, delivering an effortless and bouncy typing experience that is both satisfying and smooth. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch is described as providing a buttery and mild typing experience with a satisfying rounded tactile bump. This switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with reduced friction and uniform key travel, appealing to those seeking a polished and comfortable typing sensation.
Overall, the HMX EMO linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the EMO switch provides a lively and clacky typing experience with a light bottom-out force, the Silent Brown switch delivers a quiet and comfortable typing experience with a rounded tactile bump. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a more audible typing experience with a bouncy feel or a quiet, buttery typing experience with a rounded tactile bump.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and bouncy typing experience with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, the HMX EMO linear switch would be the perfect choice for you. The EMO offers a lively and clacky feel that is both satisfying and smooth, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, if you prefer a more comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch would be a great option. The Silent Brown switches offer a muted sound profile, making them quieter than traditional mechanical switches. Ultimately, your choice between the HMX EMO and TTC Silent Brown switches will depend on your preference for key feel and sound profile.
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