HMX EMO vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and the PH Studio Yoel both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX EMO is known for its lively, clacky feel and feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch by BSUN offers a chewy typing sensation and a bright, clacky sound profile that resonates satisfyingly upon bottoming out. While the EMO is best suited for those who enjoy a smooth and satisfying typing experience, the Yoel is ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced and resonant sound with each press. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and the PH Studio Yoel both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This material is ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant colors to shine through. On the other hand, the Yoel's POM bottom housing brings a deeper and more muted sound profile compared to the EMO's nylon bottom housing, which elicits a fuller and rounder sound. Each housing material plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switch.
While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, the EMO and Yoel utilize different materials for their bottom housing, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The EMO's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Yoel's POM bottom housing creates a more unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper side. This difference highlights how the choice of housing material can impact the overall typing experience, as softer plastics like nylon absorb more sound, creating a duller sound, while materials like POM produce a more resonant sound.
In terms of feel and sound, the top and bottom housing materials of a switch play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. The qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. As such, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the EMO and POM in the Yoel showcase how different housing materials can create distinct sound profiles and tactile responses, offering users a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams. Similarly, the EMO has a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Yoel has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the EMO make it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, whether for work or gaming. In contrast, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Yoel provide a more substantial typing feel, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. Choosing between the two depends on personal preference - if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Yoel switch may be the better option. However, if you enjoy a deeper and more substantial key press, the EMO switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance and will provide comparable results for users.
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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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 profile, providing a satisfyingly crisp and bright sound with each press. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a chewy typing experience with a pronounced and resonant sound at the bottom-out point. While both switches deliver a pleasant auditory experience, the EMO leans towards a sharper and snappier sound, whereas the Yoel offers a more enveloping and resonant tone.
In terms of feel, the HMX EMO switch is recognized for its feather-light 46g bottom-out force, factory-lubed for an effortless and bouncy typing experience. The PH Studio Yoel linear switch, on the other hand, provides a creamy and polished feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to enhance typing comfort through different tactile approaches, with the EMO focusing on a light and bouncy feel, and the Yoel prioritizing a silky and refined typing experience.
Overall, the HMX EMO and PH Studio Yoel linear switches both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the EMO provides a more clacky and feather-light typing experience, the Yoel delivers a chewy and polished sensation. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with effortless typing or a resonant feel with smooth key travel, both switches can accommodate your preferences for a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on your personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, you should consider your preferred bottom-out force and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter touch with a bouncy and smooth typing feel, the EMO with its 46g bottom-out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier touch with a chewy and pronounced typing experience, the Yoel with its 60g bottom-out force may suit your preferences better. Additionally, if you enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile, the Yoel may be more appealing to you, whereas if you prefer a more resonant and clacky sound, the EMO could be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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