HMX EMO vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX EMO and the Gateron Ink Red mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, each offers a unique typing experience catered to different preferences. The HMX EMO switch is renowned for its lively and clacky feel, paired with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. The factory-lubed EMO delivers a bouncy and satisfying typing experience that is exceptionally smooth. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red features a lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. Known for its smoothness, crisp and clacky sound profile, and effortless typing, the Ink Red is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Silky', 'Chirpy', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. 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
60g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Gateron Ink Red, it is evident that they both utilize unique materials to achieve distinct sound profiles. The EMO features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Ink Red incorporates a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched, yet not overly sharp, sound profile. While both materials contribute to a satisfying typing experience, the polycarbonate in the EMO offers a clear and resonant sound, while the INK blend in the Ink Red provides a clacky and thinner sound.
Additionally, the housing materials extend to the bottom housing of both switches. The EMO utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing that mirrors the pointed and high-pitched sound profile of its top housing. Despite this, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the qualities of their respective bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing of the EMO contributes to a duller and rounder sound, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Red maintains a satisfying clacky sound.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the HMX EMO and Gateron Ink Red differ, they each play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switches. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches offer a distinct and enjoyable typing experience, with the EMO's polycarbonate housing providing a clear and resonant sound, and the Ink Red's INK blend housing delivering a clacky and thin sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it is evident that the EMO is lighter overall. The EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Ink Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The EMO is lighter in both categories, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Ink Red provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier forces, appealing to individuals who prefer a stronger push when typing. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to the preferences of different users.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Ink Red linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The EMO switch would be preferred by gamers looking for a faster response time due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Ink Red switch would be better suited for those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX EMO switch offers a clacky and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, with a slight chirpiness that sets it apart. Both switches provide satisfying typing feedback, but the EMO may offer a more distinctive and lively typing sound compared to the Ink Red.
When it comes to feel, the EMO switch is known for its bouncy and clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing an effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red switch is described as silky, mild, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing feel with reduced friction and a refined finish. While the EMO switch may offer a more pronounced and bouncy typing experience, the Ink Red switch provides a smoother and more gentle typing feel.
Overall, both the HMX EMO linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The EMO switch provides a lively and clacky typing experience with a light bottom-out force, while the Ink Red switch offers a smooth and silky typing feel with a moderate actuation force. Depending on whether you prefer a more distinctive typing sound or a smoother typing experience, both switches can provide satisfying results that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the HMX EMO linear switch or the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a lighter, bouncy typing experience with a lower bottom-out force, the HMX EMO switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom-out force and a smoother, chirpy sound profile, the Gateron Ink Red switch could be more suited to your preferences. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a polished, silky feel, the Ink Red may be the better option, while the EMO provides a lively, clacky feel. Overall, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you in a keyboard switch before making a decision.
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