HMX EMO vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch can significantly impact how you feel while working or gaming. The HMX EMO switch is a linear switch best known for its lively, clacky feel and feather-light 46g bottom-out force, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience that many find addictive. Ideal for those who prefer to minimize resistance and enjoy a bouncy sensation, the EMO is perfect for speed typists or gamers looking for rapid keypress action. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is a tactile switch that stands out for its unique blend of a deep "thock" sound and a sharp tactile bump. This switch provides a quiet yet satisfying feel, making it a fantastic choice for anyone who appreciates a more luxurious typing experience with feedback. While the EMO caters to the fast-paced user, the U4Tx appeals to those who cherish the art of typing through a tactile sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX EMO Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches, distinct differences emerge that directly influence their sound profiles and overall performance. The HMX EMO features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality is advantageous, particularly for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. Moreover, the polycarbonate’s translucency makes it a superb option for RGB lighting, allowing vibrant illumination effects to penetrate the housing. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB utilizes a proprietary blend of plastics, often dubbed "boba plastic," in its top housing. This material is softer and yields a richer, deeper sound, resulting in a more rounded auditory experience that contrasts with the clarity produced by polycarbonate.

Examining the bottom housings further illustrates the contrast between these switches. The HMX EMO employs nylon, a well-regarded classic in the mechanical switch community. This material's softer properties tend to absorb sound, contributing to a fuller and deeper sound profile, affecting the bottom-out feel during key presses. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB also utilizes the Gazzew blend for its bottom housing, which is consistent with its top housing, reinforcing that plush sound profile. Both switches, therefore, have a similar approach to sound absorption in their bottom housings, setting a foundation for their respective acoustic characteristics.

Ultimately, even as the HMX EMO and Gazzew U4Tx RGB incorporate different materials in their top housings, the use of nylon and Gazzew's proprietary blend for the bottom housings creates a commonality in the deep, resonant sound profiles found in both switches. Users will experience a clearer distinction between typing feedback based on the construction of the top housing, while the softer bottom materials provide a smoother bottom-out experience. If users are seeking a balance between clarity and depth, they can potentially achieve similar acoustic results from the two switches, depending on their preferences for sound characteristics and aesthetic considerations, particularly in relation to RGB lighting effects.

Weight

When comparing the HMX EMO linear switch to the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The EMO features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer prolonged typing sessions without excessive strain. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB has an unspecified actuation force but a significantly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, which suggests a more solid and substantial feel when pressed. This heavier bottom out force may appeal to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Overall, the HMX EMO is lighter than the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, catering to typists seeking a softer touch, while the U4Tx is better suited for someone who values a more robust feedback during keypresses.

Travel distance

The HMX EMO linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch exhibit slight differences in their travel distances, with the EMO measuring 3.5 mm and the U4Tx RGB at 3.6 mm. This means that the U4Tx RGB has a marginally longer travel distance than the EMO. For users who prioritize responsiveness and quicker key presses, the EMO might be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, for those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their key presses, the U4Tx RGB offers a more pronounced feel with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches provide a compelling option depending on personal preferences, but in this comparison, the EMO is the shorter switch while the U4Tx RGB is the longer one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX EMO linear switch is characterized by a lively and clacky tone, making it ideal for those who appreciate an auditory feedback that enhances their typing experience. This is a stark contrast to the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, whose sound is defined by a deep "thock" when bottoming out, complemented by a much quieter sound when topping out. This unique combination creates a refined auditory experience, perfect for users who prefer a more subdued but still satisfying sound while typing.

When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO delivers a bouncy and smooth typing experience with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, allowing for effortless keystrokes. Users will typically enjoy the satisfaction of a responsive switch without the strain that heavier switches can bring. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB provides a sharp tactile bump that many users find luxurious, giving an immediate sense of engagement with each keystroke. This tactile feedback allows typists to discern clearly when the switch is engaged, contributing to a comfortable typing experience that some might prefer over the EMO's linear feel.

In conclusion, while both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, the HMX EMO linear switch focuses on a clacky and lively sound with a smooth and bouncy feel, making it perfect for those who enjoy a lighter typing experience. Meanwhile, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB provides a deep, thocky sound with a pronounced tactile bump, appealing to users who appreciate a subtler yet luxurious auditory and tactile experience. Ultimately, both switches provide enjoyable typing with their unique sound and feel, allowing newcomers to choose based on their personal preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, your choice should revolve around your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you favor a light and bouncy feel with a satisfying clacky sound, the EMO switch is ideal for you, especially if you find that fatigue sets in during long typing sessions. Its 46-gram bottom-out force ensures that you won't have to press down too hard, making it suitable for fast-paced typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more deliberate typing experience with a noticeable tactile bump and a deep, rich "thock" sound, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is your go-to switch. With a medium-heavy 65-gram bottom-out force, it provides a satisfying resistance that many typists find preferable for precision. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you prioritize a lightweight and smooth action or a tactile response with a stronger actuation force. By considering these factors, you can select the switch that best aligns with your typing style and sound preferences, enhancing your overall keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX EMO Linear

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more