HMX EMO vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the HMX EMO and the Outemu Yellow Silver mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX EMO switch stands out for its lively and clacky feel, thanks to its feather-light 46g bottom-out force. Factory-lubed for smoothness, the EMO provides a bouncy typing experience that is both satisfying and effortless. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it ideal for gamers and typists seeking speediness and responsiveness. While the EMO offers a more tactile typing experience, the Yellow Silver provides a quieter option for those who prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the HMX EMO and the Outemu Yellow Silver use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. While both switches share this top housing material, the difference in their bottom housing material provides a distinction in the overall sound profile. The EMO utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics.
Despite the shared polycarbonate top housing, the EMO and Yellow Silver differ in their bottom housing material, with the former using nylon and the latter likely using a different material. The use of nylon in the EMO's bottom housing contributes to a deeper and rounder sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Yellow Silver's bottom housing, though not explicitly specified, would likely have a different impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch. This difference in bottom housing material showcases how various materials can influence the typing experience and sound of mechanical switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of typing. While both the EMO and Yellow Silver share polycarbonate top housing, the differentiation in their bottom housing materials leads to distinct sound profiles. The EMO's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Yellow Silver's bottom housing material, though not specified, is likely to have its own unique impact on sound. Understanding how different materials interact within a switch can help enthusiasts tailor their typing experience to their preferences and find the perfect match for their setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver 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 Yellow Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the EMO ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, as it requires less force to both actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, so regardless of the slight difference in force, users can expect similar results in terms of typing comfort and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference for a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX EMO linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Yellow Silver has a longer travel distance compared to the HMX EMO. A traditional travel distance is about 4.0 mm, making the Yellow Silver closer to the standard, while the EMO falls slightly shorter. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, which would make the EMO more appealing in that aspect. However, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may prefer the longer travel distance of the Yellow Silver. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the EMO providing a slightly faster response time and the Yellow Silver offering a bit more depth to each keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the HMX EMO comes in at $3.49, whereas the Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40.
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
The HMX EMO linear switch is known for offering a lively and clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, creating a bouncy and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch features a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, ideal for those who prioritize speediness and responsiveness in their typing or gaming sessions. While the sound profile of the EMO is not specifically described, the Yellow Silver switch is noted as having a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. When it comes to the tactile feel, the subjective qualities of both switches are not provided, but both are likely to offer smooth keystrokes and a consistent typing experience.
In conclusion, the HMX EMO and Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The EMO switch provides a bouncy and satisfying typing experience with a light bottom-out force, while the Yellow Silver switch prioritizes speediness and responsiveness with a lighter actuation force. The sound profiles of both switches may vary based on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Overall, users can expect a smooth and consistent typing experience from both switches, but the decision between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of feel and sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider the bottom out force and the typing experience you prefer. If you appreciate a lighter touch with a bottom out force of 46 grams and enjoy a bouncy typing experience, the HMX EMO switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more tactile feel with a bottom out force of 55 grams and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch would be a great option, especially for gamers and typists looking for speediness and responsiveness. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in bottom out force and typing experience.
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