Gateron Aliaz vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the HMX Macchiato stand out for their distinct characteristics and user experiences. The Aliaz switches, known for their tactile feedback, are ideal for quiet environments like offices, offering a medium-heavy weight that delivers a substantial feel with every keystroke, perfect for users who desire a pronounced typing experience without the distracting noise. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato, developed by YG Studio, caters to those who favor a linear switch, providing a silky smooth typing feel with a bright sound profile that enhances the auditory experience of typing. While the Aliaz offers a more subdued and refined touch, the Macchiato delights with its seamless responsiveness and lively sound. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences; choosing between them depends on whether you prioritize silence and feedback or smoothness and sound. 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
60g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and HMX Macchiato switches each feature distinct housing materials that greatly influence their auditory characteristics and tactile experiences. The Gateron Aliaz utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. This choice leads to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile, which is a result of polycarbonate's relative stiffness compared to other materials. The transparent nature of polycarbonate also allows for an enhanced visual effect when paired with RGB lighting, making it particularly appealing for gamers and those who enjoy illuminated keyboards. This material's clarity not only provides a resonant sound but also contributes to an aesthetically pleasing setup.
In contrast, the HMX Macchiato incorporates nylon for its top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, the Macchiato's auditory feedback when typing can be characterized as duller and rounder, providing a different tactile feel compared to the sharper responses of the Aliaz. The use of nylon offers a more muted acoustic experience, which may appeal to users seeking a quieter and softer key press. The significance of the material choice in the Macchiato becomes evident in its ability to create a type of feedback that differs markedly from the Aliaz switches.
Despite these differences, both switches still offer their respective advantages based on their housing materials. For users who prioritize sound clarity and responsiveness, the Gateron Aliaz's polycarbonate housing is ideal, particularly in setups where aesthetics and lighting are vital. Conversely, the HMX Macchiato caters to those desiring a softer and more rounded sound experience with a consistent feel throughout their typing. While the housing materials impart different acoustic qualities, users can achieve optimal typing results tailored to their preferences by considering the specific characteristics their housing materials bring to the keyboard. This nuanced engagement allows both switch types to shine in their intended contexts, even as they diverge in sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch with a significantly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams to the HMX Macchiato linear switch, which features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, the differences in typing experience are notable. The Aliaz’s heavier forces offer a more substantial feel, which may appeal to users who prefer stronger tactile feedback and a robust typing experience. In contrast, the Macchiato’s lighter forces are ideal for those who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions or gaming, allowing for less strain on the fingers. Ultimately, while both switches effectively activate keystrokes and bottom out, the Aliaz's heavier weights cater to a particular typing style, whereas the Macchiato serves those seeking a more agile and effortless keystroke.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience the same amount of travel from top to bottom for both switches, resulting in a similar feel and response when typing or gaming. Since their travel distances are identical, users can expect consistent actuation distance and tactile feedback across both switch types, making them comparable in terms of key travel experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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.
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 sound profile of the Gateron Aliaz switches is distinctly muted, making them an excellent choice for users in quieter environments like offices. Their design minimizes the common noise associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a more subdued auditory experience. In contrast, while the HMX Macchiato switches are noted for their bright sound profile, specific details regarding their sound characteristics remain undefined. However, it’s important to note that sound can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction, including the choice of board and keycaps, so the Macchiato may still contribute a level of delightful auditory engagement despite the lack of detailed information.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Aliaz switches offer a medium-heavy tactile response that combines a silky smoothness with a polished finish. Users can expect minimal resistance and a smooth key travel due to the refined materials and potential factory lubing, enhancing the overall typing experience. These switches allow for a substantial confident feedback without being overly harsh. Unfortunately, the HMX Macchiato switch lacks detailed descriptions of its tactile characteristics, leaving us without a direct comparison in terms of the smoothness or overall feel.
In summary, the Gateron Aliaz switches excel in providing a muted sound profile and a refined feel, making them suitable for those who prefer a quiet yet tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato offers a contrasting bright sound, with information regarding its tactile properties remaining elusive. If you're aiming for a quiet keyboard experience, the Aliaz would be the go-to choice. However, if you value a smooth travel with a lively auditory experience, you may find the Macchiato appealing, even with the lack of specifics on its feel. Overall, both switches cater to different preferences, but the Aliaz is definitely the safer option for silent environments, while Macchiato potentially brings a pleasant acoustic layer without clear tactile insight.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and the environments in which you typically use your keyboard. If you find yourself in quieter settings like an office and prefer a key feel that delivers pronounced feedback, the Aliaz is an excellent fit. With its heavier actuation force of 75 grams, it provides a substantial typing experience while remaining muted, ensuring minimal disruption to those around you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter, smoother typing experience and appreciate the auditory feedback of a bright sound profile, the HMX Macchiato linear switch would be more suitable for you, thanks to its lower actuation force of 50 grams. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize silence and tactile feedback in a professional environment or a smooth, expressive typing experience that enhances your enjoyment in more casual settings.
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