KTT Ash Gray vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX EMO mechanical keyboard switches, you're faced with a decision between tactility and linearity. The Ash Gray switch offers a tactile response that is light yet noticeable, providing a satisfying feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the EMO switch delivers a smooth and bouncy typing experience with a lively and clacky feel. While the Ash Gray switch is easy-to-press and neutral, the EMO switch remains uncategorized. 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
38g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX EMO are quite similar, as both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches where a clear and resonant sound is desired. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a great choice for switches with RGB lighting. While both switches share this top housing material, they also both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite their similarities in housing materials, the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX EMO may produce slightly different sound profiles due to the combination of their top and bottom housing materials. The bottom housing, made of nylon in both switches, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing, constructed of polycarbonate in both switches, has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. While both switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate for a clear and resonant sound, and nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, the specific combination of these materials may lead to slight variations in the overall typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, whether using the KTT Ash Gray or the HMX EMO, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with a focus on sound clarity and resonance. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper and crisper sound profile, as well as nylon bottom housings for a deeper and fuller sound. The differences in sound profiles between the two switches are likely to be subtle, with the combination of their housing materials providing a well-rounded typing experience that caters to different preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX EMO may come down to personal preference for specific sound characteristics or aesthetic considerations.
Weight
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the HMX EMO linear switch's 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ash Gray requires 53 grams while the EMO only needs 46 grams. In terms of weight, the Ash Gray is slightly heavier overall. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces. The Ash Gray provides a medium-light feel, making it suitable for extended typing sessions, while the EMO offers a lighter touch, which may be preferred by those looking for a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX EMO linear switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect to feel a similar amount of key travel when using either of these switches. The travel distance of a switch can impact the typing experience, with shorter travel distances often providing a quicker, more responsive feel, while longer travel distances can offer more tactile feedback and a more satisfying key press. In the case of the Ash Gray and EMO switches, both offer the same travel distance, ensuring that users will get consistent results in terms of key feel and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The HMX EMO comes in at $3.49 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Ash Gray switch is known for its neutral profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the HMX EMO switch's sound profile is not specified, so it's unclear how it compares in terms of sound. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Ash Gray switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for key activation. This results in a comfortable typing experience that is gentle on the fingertips and reduces fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the switch is described as mild, offering a balanced typing experience that should appeal to a wide range of users. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the HMX EMO switch is not provided, so it's hard to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray switch offers a tactile response that strikes a fine balance between a light touch and crisp actuation, providing a satisfying typing experience with a subdued tactile feedback. The switch's sound profile is described as neutral, making it versatile for various users and settings. On the other hand, information on the HMX EMO switch's sound and feel qualities is lacking, making it difficult to fully assess how it compares to the Ash Gray switch. If the EMO switch shares similar attributes with the Ash Gray switch, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch or the HMX EMO linear switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom-out force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force and a tactile feedback that is both noticeable yet not overwhelming, the Ash Gray switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a bouncy, clacky typing experience, the EMO switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which typing experience aligns most with your personal preferences and needs.
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