HMX EMO vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch both stand out for different reasons. The HMX EMO offers a lively and clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless and bouncy typing experience that is both satisfying and smooth. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switches are loved for their intoxicating feel, offering a pillowy light typing sensation and a deep, rich sound profile. The EMO is categorized as linear, while the Wine Red is categorized as bassy and low-pitched. Both switches have their unique characteristics that may appeal to different preferences. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
44g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX EMO and the KTT Wine Red utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to be more prominent in the switches. However, the EMO features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softness and sound-absorbing properties. On the other hand, the Wine Red utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a similar sound profile to the top housing with a sharper and crisper tone.
While both switches share the same top housing material of polycarbonate, the EMO and Wine Red diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. The EMO's nylon bottom housing provides a different typing experience compared to the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer properties of nylon create a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the Wine Red results in a clearer and more resonant sound. This difference showcases how the choice of bottom housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, the housing materials used in the HMX EMO and the KTT Wine Red play crucial roles in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. While both switches offer a sharp, higher-pitched sound due to the polycarbonate top housing, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound depth and texture. Whether it be the softer nylon bottom housing of the EMO or the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Wine Red, each material brings its own unique qualities to the typing experience. Ultimately, the combination of these materials contributes to the overall feel and sound of each switch, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, we can see that the EMO is lighter in both categories. The EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Wine Red has an actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The EMO provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a smoother keystroke. On the other hand, the Wine Red offers a slightly heavier feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a good balance between actuation force and bottom out force, ensuring that users will get a satisfying typing experience regardless of their preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX EMO linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The EMO offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Wine Red, which may appeal to users looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Wine Red may provide a more satisfying and deliberate keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the EMO being on the shallower side and the Wine Red being closer to the average. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key 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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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
The HMX EMO linear switch is known for its lively and clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch offers a pillowy light type feel, along with a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile during key presses. The EMO switch may be more satisfying for those seeking a more tactile typing experience, while the Wine Red switch may appeal to those looking for a smoother and softer feel.
When it comes to sound, the EMO switch does not have a specific descriptor provided, whereas the Wine Red switch is described as bassy and low-pitched. This means that the Wine Red switch will offer a deeper and richer sound profile with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the EMO switch. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the specific qualities of the EMO and Wine Red switches are not provided in the information given. However, based on the descriptions, the EMO switch likely provides a more tactile and responsive typing experience due to its clacky and bouncy feel, while the Wine Red switch may offer a smoother and softer typing experience with its pillowy light feel.
In conclusion, the HMX EMO linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of feel and sound. While the EMO switch provides a lively and clacky typing experience, the Wine Red switch offers a smoother and more pillowy feel along with a deep and rich sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and sound characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a bouncy, clacky feel, then the EMO switch with its 46g force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a pillowy light typing feel with a deep and rich sound profile, then the Wine Red switch with its 55g force could be more up your alley. Consider how the sound and feel of each switch align with your typing preferences to make an informed decision on which switch will best suit your mechanical keyboard needs.
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