HMX EMO vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and SP-Star Meteor White both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX EMO is a linear switch that provides a lively and clacky feel, with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. It offers an effortless and bouncy typing experience that is satisfying and smooth. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White is also a linear switch, known for its subdued nature and gentle typing experience. With an easy-to-push actuation and a soft pitter-patter sound profile, the Meteor White switch provides a more neutral and polished feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the SP-Star Meteor White, one key difference is in their top housing materials. The EMO features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Meteor White utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon. While the EMO's top housing gives a clear and resonant sound, the Meteor White's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, creating a rounder tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the EMO and the Meteor White make use of nylon material. This classic switch housing material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound due to its softer nature. As a result, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of sound when it comes to their bottom housing materials. The dull and round sound created by nylon is consistent in both switches, emphasizing a similar tactile feel and sound profile when typing.
In summary, while the HMX EMO and the SP-Star Meteor White differ in their top housing materials, utilizing polycarbonate and nylon respectively, they share a common ground when it comes to their nylon bottom housing. This material choice results in a similar deep and full sound profile that is absorbed by the softer nature of nylon. When considering the overall typing experience, the differences in top housing materials may influence the initial impact of pressing a key, while the shared bottom housing material will contribute to the overall sound and feel when typing on either switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it is evident that the EMO is lighter in both aspects. The EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams, which is lighter than the Meteor White's unknown actuation force. Similarly, the EMO's bottom out force of 46 grams is lighter than the Meteor White's 57 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the EMO switch, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. Conversely, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Meteor White switch due to its heavier bottom out force. In terms of actuation force, the results would be similar for both switches as the EMO is the lighter option and the Meteor White is the heavier option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The EMO offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Meteor White, which means it may result in faster response times, making it a preferred choice for gamers. On the other hand, the Meteor White's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and deeper keystroke for those who prefer a more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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 lively and clacky typing experience with a feather-light bottom-out force. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch provides a gentle and pitter-patter sound profile, resulting in a more subdued typing experience. While the EMO switch delivers a more energetic and distinct sound, the Meteor White switch offers a softer and more muted sound that may be more suitable for quieter environments. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired sound profile for your typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO switch is known for its bouncy and satisfying tactile feel, thanks to its factory-lubed design and 46g bottom-out force. In contrast, the SP-Star Meteor White switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a more gentle and refined keypress feel. The EMO switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a more pronounced and lively typing experience, while the Meteor White switch is geared towards those looking for a smoother and softer keypress feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress feel.
Overall, the HMX EMO linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offer distinct sound profiles and typing feels that cater to different preferences. While the EMO switch provides a more lively and clacky typing experience, the Meteor White switch offers a softer and more subdued typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities that may appeal to different users, so it's important to consider your personal preferences when choosing between them. Ultimately, regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that meets your specific needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a lively, clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force and a bouncy typing experience, then the EMO switch is the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a subdued and gentle typing experience with a 57g bottom-out force and a soft sound profile, then the Meteor White switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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