HMX EMO vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX EMO and the Gateron Silent Ink Black mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The HMX EMO is a linear switch that provides a lively and clacky typing experience with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. Its factory-lubed design allows for effortless and bouncy typing, delivering both satisfaction and smoothness in every keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black, also a linear switch, is ideal for quieter environments due to its cushiony and pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. Categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', this switch offers a more subdued 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
60g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, we see that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The EMO features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Silent Ink Black uses a proprietary INK blend top housing that offers a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound. On the other hand, the EMO's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, while the Silent Ink Black's INK blend bottom housing contributes to a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide unique sound experiences for users.
One major distinction between the two switches lies in the material used for their top housings. While the EMO's polycarbonate top housing offers a clearer and resonant sound profile, the Silent Ink Black's INK blend top housing delivers a satisfying clacky sound that is characterized as thin and higher-pitched. This contrast showcases how different materials can impact the overall sound produced by a switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the auditory experience of the EMO switch, whereas the Silent Ink Black focuses more on the tactile and auditory feedback of its proprietary housing blend.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly influence the typing experience for users. The EMO and the Silent Ink Black both demonstrate how various plastics can impact the sound profile of a switch, with polycarbonate providing a sharper sound in the EMO and the INK blend offering a unique clacky sound in the Silent Ink Black. Additionally, the differences between the nylon and INK blend bottom housings further emphasize how material selection can affect the overall sound and feel of a switch. Ultimately, the decision between these switches may come down to individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is clear that there are significant differences between the two. The EMO switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch requires a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, offering a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the EMO switch, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Silent Ink Black switch for a more pronounced typing experience. Despite the variations in force, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will achieve similar results regardless of their preference for a lighter or heavier touch.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, which is shorter than the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch's 4mm travel distance. The EMO switch offers a quicker response time compared to the Silent Ink Black due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers who favor speedy reactions may prefer the EMO switch. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a slightly deeper key press with its longer travel distance, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more substantial feeling when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 known for its lively and clacky sound, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a muted typing experience. The EMO switch will provide a more pronounced and traditional mechanical keyboard sound, whereas the Silent Ink Black switch will significantly reduce the noise level, making it suitable for quieter environments. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the HMX EMO linear switch offers a bouncy and feather-light typing experience with a 46g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provides a silky and polished feel, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The EMO switch will give you a more tactile and responsive feel, while the Silent Ink Black switch focuses on delivering a comfortable and cushioned typing sensation with minimal resistance.
In conclusion, if you prefer a more traditional mechanical keyboard sound and enjoy a lively and clacky typing experience, the HMX EMO linear switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing environment and prefer a smooth, cushioned feel with minimal resistance, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch would be the way to go. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities, and the choice between them will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX EMO linear switch or the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and needs. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a lively, clacky typing experience, the EMO switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you require a switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a quieter typing experience, the Silent Ink Black switch could be more suitable. Keep in mind the sound and feel descriptions of each switch to help guide your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so consider what aspects are most important to you when making your choice.
Mentioned in this article
