HMX EMO vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and the Jerrzi Violet stand out as popular options to consider. The HMX EMO is a linear switch that offers a lively, clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. Its factory-lubed design ensures an effortless and bouncy typing experience that is both satisfying and smooth. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet is a tactile switch known for its gentle tactility and smooth actuation, providing a pleasingly poppy feeling. With a neutral sound signature, the Violet switches offer a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Jerrzi Violet, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the EMO features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Violet also uses nylon for its bottom housing, highlighting the classic switch material's ability to enhance the typing experience with its unique sound profile.
Although both the HMX EMO and Jerrzi Violet share the same polycarbonate top housing, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The EMO's nylon bottom housing provides a distinct typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Violet's nylon bottom housing emphasizes a similar typing feel with its absorbing qualities. The split between the top and bottom housing materials showcases how each component impacts the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound upon key release.
Overall, the housing materials of the HMX EMO and Jerrzi Violet contribute to their unique sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the differences in their bottom housing materials showcase how nylon can alter the sound and feel of typing. Whether opting for the sharper and crisper sound of EMO's polycarbonate and nylon combination or the fuller and deeper sound profile of the Violet's nylon housing, users can expect a unique typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the EMO requires 46 grams, while the Violet's bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the EMO would be the better option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, if someone prefers a bit more resistance while typing, the Violet switch with its higher actuation force might be preferred. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Violet switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the EMO switch. The EMO switch is better suited for those who prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Violet switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press with a bit more depth. Both switches offer a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance, making them suitable for those seeking a more compact and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press feel and responsiveness.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 switch offers a lively and clacky typing experience, while the Jerrzi Violet switch provides a neutral sound signature that is suitable for various typing intents and purposes. The sound of a switch can vary based on factors such as the keyboard they are mounted on and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the HMX EMO switch delivers a bouncy and smooth typing experience with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, while the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a stepped tactile feel with a pleasingly poppy tactility. Stepped switches like the Violet provide a more mild tactile experience compared to hyper-tactile switches.
Overall, the HMX EMO linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The EMO provides a clacky sound and a bouncy feel, while the Violet offers a neutral sound and a stepped tactile feel. Depending on your preferences, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience. It's important to consider the different characteristics of each switch and how they align with your typing style and preferences to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a light bottom-out force and a lively, bouncy typing experience, the HMX EMO linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile switch with smooth actuation and a pleasing poppy tactility, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of bottom-out force, sound, and feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you in a keyboard switch.
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