KTT Ash Gray vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX Macchiato offer distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The KTT Ash Gray is celebrated for its tactile feedback that strikes a balance between a noticeable response and a subtle touch, enabling typists to enjoy a pleasant engagement without feeling overwhelmed—ideal for those who appreciate a mild, neutral feel during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato offers a sleek, linear design that promises an exceptionally smooth keystroke paired with a crisp auditory feedback that satisfies those who prefer a quiet yet immersive typing experience. While the Ash Gray caters to users seeking a tactile sensation that enhances their typing precision, the Macchiato appeals to those who relish a fluid, uninterrupted flow. 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
38g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and HMX Macchiato switches present an interesting contrast in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their overall sound profiles. The Ash Gray utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, more resonant sound profile. This material's translucency makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting applications, as it can enhance the visual effect of backlighting. In contrast, the Macchiato's top housing is crafted from nylon, a classic material that contributes to a duller and fuller sound profile due to its inherent softness. Nylon's ability to absorb more sound results in a more muted auditory experience when compared to the crispness provided by polycarbonate. Thus, the key difference in the top housings lies in their sound outputs, with the polycarbonate offering clarity while the nylon delivers richness.
The bottom housing of both switches, however, is made from nylon, providing a consistency in sound characteristics when the switches are pressed. Both the Ash Gray and Macchiato exhibit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the nylon material at the bottom, as it absorbs sound and contributes to a rounder bottom-out feel. This shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that the tactile experience remains similar across both switch types when it comes to the sound during pressing. Consequently, when comparing the two, it is evident that while the top housings lead to distinctly different auditory experiences, the bottom housings provide a common ground that unifies their sound profiles during keypresses.
Ultimately, the combined use of polycarbonate for the Ash Gray's top housing and nylon for both switches' bottoms leads to a unique audio experience depending on which switch is engaged. The Ash Gray's clearer top adds brightness to the sound as the keys are released, while the nylon bottom ensures a consistent and rich output upon pressing down. In contrast, the Macchiato offers a solely deeper sound profile influenced by nylon on both ends. As a result, users may favor one switch over the other based on their preferred auditory experience, be it crisp and sharp or full and rounded—remembering that the bottom housing's nylon contributes to a familiar consistency in tactile feedback across both models.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varied typing preferences. The Ash Gray has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Macchiato features a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams but a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Macchiato requires a bit more effort to initiate a keystroke, it requires less force to fully depress than the Ash Gray. Consequently, the Ash Gray, with its lower actuation force, may be favored by those seeking a lighter typing experience for extended sessions. On the other hand, users who appreciate a firmer feel might prefer the slightly heftier actuation of the Macchiato. Thus, while both switches offer unique benefits, the Ash Gray is the lighter option for actuation, and the Macchiato is the heavier for actuation but lighter at bottom out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, it becomes clear that they cater to different preferences in key feel and responsiveness. The KTT Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Macchiato offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Ash Gray the shorter of the two options, which may be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker actuation and faster response times. Conversely, the Macchiato, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more measured and deliberate keystroke, providing a sturdier depth. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for a balance between speed and depth in tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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 KTT Ash Gray switch is characterized as neutral, producing a moderate sound that neither dominates the space nor gets lost in the shuffle. This balanced acoustic signature makes it suitable for various environments, whether that be a quiet office or a bustling home, meeting the needs of both beginners and seasoned users. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato linear switch boasts a bright sound profile, though specifics about its overall volume and tone are not provided. This indicates that while it may offer a more pronounced sound, the precise acoustics could greatly depend on the keyboard setup and keycap choices used alongside it.
When it comes to the tactile experience, the Ash Gray switch delivers a delightful combination of an easy-to-press feel and mild feedback, ensuring that the typing experience is smooth and approachable. This gentle resistance requires minimal force, easing finger fatigue and making long typing sessions more enjoyable. In contrast, the characteristics of the Macchiato switch remain unspecified, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, since it is designed for a silky smooth typing experience, one might infer that it offers a pleasurable touch which fans of linear switches would appreciate.
Overall, both the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX Macchiato switches cater to different user preferences that are heavily influenced by their tactile and sound qualities. The Ash Gray switch is perfect for those who appreciate a balanced and mild typing experience combined with a neutral sound, while the Macchiato targets users who favor a bright auditory experience with a smooth feel. If you seek a tactile switch with a well-rounded performance, the Ash Gray would be an ideal choice, while the Macchiato is undoubtedly suited for those who prioritize smoothness and sound, even if details are less clear.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch largely hinges on your personal preferences for tactile feedback and typing experience. If you value a balance between tactile sensation and a gentle actuation, the Ash Gray switch is an excellent option. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams provides a satisfying tactile response without being overwhelming, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned typists alike. This switch’s neutral sound profile also ensures that it can comfortably fit into a variety of environments, whether you’re typing away at a desk in a quiet office or at home. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, smoother typing experience with minimal resistance, the HMX Macchiato linear switch, with its 50 grams of actuation force, may be your go-to choice. This switch is designed for those who appreciate a fluid typing motion and a more vibrant sound profile, making it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you want to engage with your keyboard, whether that’s through the delightful tactile feedback of the Ash Gray or the silky smoothness of the Macchiato.
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