Huano Acacia vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the distinctions between options can significantly impact your typing experience. The Huano Acacia, a popular linear switch, is renowned for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, offering an exceptional typing experience straight out of the box. This makes it ideal for users seeking a pleasant and reliable feel without extensive customization. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, caters to enthusiasts who prioritize a silky smooth typing experience coupled with a bright sound profile. While both switches share the linear characteristic, potentially minimizing tactile feedback and actuation noise, their unique qualities cater to different preferences: the Acacia for those who desire an immediate and comfortable setup, and the Macchiato for users aiming for a distinct auditory experience alongside a smooth action. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
POM
Stem material
POK
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-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and HMX Macchiato switches present a fascinating study in contrast, particularly with regard to their tops. The Acacia utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness that contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This characteristic makes polycarbonate an ideal choice for users who appreciate a crisper audio response, especially when illuminated by RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and more absorbent of sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller audio experience. This fundamental difference in material affects the overall typing sound; while the Acacia may favor clarity and brightness, the Macchiato leans toward a warmer and rounder auditory sensation.
Moving to the lower housings, both the Acacia and Macchiato make use of nylon, which provides a consistent auditory experience for the bottom section of each switch. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller sound profile that resonates less harshly, which is beneficial for users who prefer a more muted keypress feedback. Since both switches share this same nylon material on the bottom, they exhibit similar qualities in terms of sound absorption, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to what is produced by their respective top housings. This similarity allows both switches to cater to those who appreciate a rich, softer keystroke while still enabling a diverse sound experience when considering the effect of the distinct top materials.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches creates unique sound profiles that appeal to various preferences. The differing top housings exhibit contrasting characteristics—polycarbonate resulting in a sharper sound compared to the softer nylon of the Macchiato. However, the nylon bottom housing standardizes the deeper tonal quality across both models. When typing on these switches, users experience a blend of conflicting effects: the Acacia's top lends clarity to the initial keystroke, while the nylon bottom retains that fuller sound profile; likewise, the Macchiato's nylon top homogenizes this experience, smoothing out the edges for a rounder auditory impression. Therefore, while offering different top-end auditory characteristics, both switches can be appreciated by those seeking an effective balance of spiritual clarity and sonic depth.
Weight
The Huano Acacia and HMX Macchiato linear switches present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Acacia switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which classifies it as medium-light, offering a balanced typing experience for those who enjoy a bit of resistance. In comparison, the Macchiato switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more suitable option for those who prefer a softer touch and increased comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. As a result, users who lean towards lighter switches would likely find the Macchiato more appealing, while those who appreciate a stronger feedback may prefer the Acacia for its slightly heavier feel. Overall, while both switches provide a different tactile experience, the Macchiato stands out as the lighter option, whereas the Acacia leans towards the heavier side, ideal for users seeking a more substantial push feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch measures 3.5 mm, while the HMX Macchiato linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on the Acacia switch, it travels a shorter distance compared to the Macchiato switch. The 3.5 mm distance of the Acacia may appeal to gamers who favor quicker response times due to its shorter travel, enabling rapid key presses. In contrast, the 4 mm distance of the Macchiato may provide a more satisfying and deeper feel for those who appreciate a more pronounced actuation. Ultimately, the shorter travel distance of the Acacia could lead to a more responsive experience, while the longer travel distance of the Macchiato may cater to preferences for a fuller keystroke sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato for $2.99.
The Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 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 Huano Acacia linear switch delivers a subtle, muted sound profile that enhances quiet environments, making it a solid choice for office settings where minimal noise is preferred. The factory lubrication aids in reducing any potential rattling, contributing to an overall pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato linear switch boasts a bright sound profile that stands out among linear switches, creating a more pronounced acoustic feedback that is invigorating during use. While both switches are linear, the Macchiato’s brighter character contrasts pleasantly with the Acacia's more understated tone, providing users with distinctly different auditory experiences.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch offers a medium-light weight that strikes a balance between resistance and ease of actuation, catering well to typists who appreciate a smooth, direct touch. The generous factory lubrication significantly enhances the glide of the switch, resulting in a comfortable and satisfying typing experience right from the start. Conversely, the HMX Macchiato linear switch emphasizes a silky smooth feel throughout its travel, ensuring that users experience an exceptionally fluid keystroke with minimal friction. Both switches excel in providing a satisfying tactile experience, but the Macchiato leans towards a more refined and seamless sensation.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and HMX Macchiato linear switches cater to different preferences, particularly in sound and feel. The Acacia offers a subdued auditory experience paired with a balanced typing feel, making it suitable for quieter settings and those who prioritize comfort. Meanwhile, the Macchiato stands out with its bright sound profile and exceptionally smooth keystrokes, appealing to users who enjoy an engaging typing interaction. Ultimately, your choice will depend on personal preference, whether you seek a quieter environment or a more vibrant auditory experience, but both switches promise satisfying results in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a bottom-out force of 55 grams, the Acacia is an excellent option. Its medium-light weight paired with generous factory lubrication offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience, making it ideal for those who type extensively and value a stable feel with minimal wobble. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch, the Macchiato's 50-gram actuation force caters to your desire for effortless key presses and a silky smooth experience, which is perfect for rapid typing or gaming. Additionally, the Macchiato boasts a bright sound profile, ideal for users who enjoy an audible feedback during their typing sessions. While the Acacia offers a robust and consistent experience, the Macchiato unlocks a lighter, more fluid typing sensation. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style and sound preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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