HMX EMO vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the HMX EMO and KTT Orange mechanical keyboard switches, both linear options offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The HMX EMO switch stands out for its lively, clacky feel and feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing a satisfying and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Orange Switches offer a bouncy feel with a 22mm long spring and a low-pitched sound profile, ideal for those seeking a slick and frictionless typing experience. While the EMO switch is known for its effortless and bouncy feel, the Orange switch excels in providing a refined and fluid key travel. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX EMO and the KTT Orange both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is useful for switches with RGB lighting. However, the EMO's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. The KTT Orange, on the other hand, features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the sharper and crisper sound profile created by the top housing.
The differences in housing materials between the EMO and Orange switches contribute to varying sound profiles. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings affect the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction showcases how the choice of housing material can have a direct impact on the overall typing experience and sound feedback of a mechanical switch.
Overall, both the HMX EMO and KTT Orange switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, providing a consistent sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the EMO incorporates a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, the Orange maintains a clear and resonant sound with its polycarbonate bottom housing. The choice of housing materials in mechanical switches is crucial in shaping the sound and feel of key presses, highlighting the importance of material selection for a desired typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is evident that the EMO is lighter in both aspects. The EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Orange has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. The EMO provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch during extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Orange offers a slightly heavier feel, which can appeal to users seeking a more substantial keystroke feedback. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on individual preferences, with the EMO being lighter overall compared to the Orange.
Travel distance
Both the HMX EMO linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. These switches provide a consistent typing experience in terms of how far the key travels when pressed, allowing for efficient typing and comfortable use for users who prefer a linear switch. Whether you choose the HMX EMO or the KTT Orange, you can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 HMX EMO switch is known for its quiet and satisfying typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more mellow and bass-heavy tone that may appeal to users who enjoy a deeper sound experience. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is subjective and can vary depending on individual preferences, as well as the keyboard and keycap combination used.
In terms of feel, the HMX EMO switch is characterized by its lively and clacky feedback, coupled with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force that delivers a bouncy typing experience. The factory-lubed EMO switch ensures a smooth and effortless key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel. Conversely, the KTT Orange switch features a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, thanks to its long spring, polycarbonate top housing, POM stem, and orange nylon bottom housing. These features contribute to a slick and responsive typing feel that minimizes resistance and maximizes smoothness.
Overall, both the HMX EMO and KTT Orange switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the EMO switch provides a quiet and clacky typing experience with a light bottom-out force, the Orange switch offers a low-pitched sound profile and a bouncy, frictionless feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you prefer a similar typing experience, you can expect to achieve satisfying results with either switch, as both are designed to provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, consider your preference for key feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a feather-light 46g bottom-out force with a lively, clacky feel, opt for the HMX EMO switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light 53g bottom-out force with a bouncy, spring-like feel and a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference for typing experience and sound.
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