Everglide Bamboo Green vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Macchiato highlight the diverse preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Bamboo Green switch is renowned for its clacky sound signature and crisp, sparkling tactility, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a pronounced feedback when typing. With its stepped and high-pitched characteristics, the Bamboo Green provides a stimulating auditory and tactile experience that can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato, designed by YG Studio, offers a silky smooth typing experience paired with a bright sound profile, catering to users who prefer a quieter, more fluid keystroke without the tactile bump. This switch can be especially appealing for gamers aiming for speed and efficiency. Both switches cater to distinct preferences—whether you favor the auditory and tactile engagement of the Bamboo Green or the smoothness of the Macchiato—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
43g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Macchiato, notable differences emerge that influence their respective auditory profiles. The Bamboo Green features PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) as both its top and bottom housing materials. PBT is known for its relatively neutral sound characteristics, contributing to a balanced typing experience that is not overly crisp or dull. This uniformity in material allows the Bamboo Green switches to deliver a consistent sound profile, making it suitable for users who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback during typing.
On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato employs nylon for its top and bottom housings. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more efficiently than PBT, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This sound absorption gives the Macchiato switches a more rounded auditory experience that stands in contrast to the neutral output of the Bamboo Green. When typing on Macchiato switches, users may notice that the overall sound feels enriched, adding a layer of warmth to the keystrokes that is distinct from the Bamboo Green's characteristics.
While both switches have their unique traits due to their housed materials, typing experiences can be influenced heterogeneously based on their compositions. Since the Bamboo Green's PBT housing offers a balanced sound profile while the Macchiato's nylon provides a deeper resonance, users might gravitate towards one or the other based on personal preferences. If you are looking for a more nuanced and rich auditory feedback, the Macchiato may satisfy that need, whereas the Bamboo Green would appeal to those favoring a more straightforward sound experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two will depend on what aspects of the typing experience are most important to the user.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, we see some notable differences in both their actuation force and bottom out force. The Bamboo Green features an actuation force of 43 grams, slightly heavier than the Macchiato’s actuation force of 42 grams, making it the lighter option overall. However, the Bamboo Green also has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the Macchiato’s 50 grams. This means that the Bamboo Green provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer the tactile feedback of a firmer switch, while the Macchiato is better suited for users seeking a softer touch that allows for extended typing or gaming sessions with less fatigue. Ultimately, if users prefer a lighter switch, they would likely gravitate towards the HMX Macchiato due to its lower weights at both the actuation and bottom out stages.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, you will experience an identical distance from the top to the bottom, resulting in similar tactile feedback and responsiveness. As they share the same travel distance, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of key press depth, making both switches suitable for those who prefer a consistent feel while typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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 Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is characterized by a high-pitched, clacky resonance that produces a sharp and crisp auditory experience. This sound is particularly appealing to those who prefer a cleaner and more vibrant noise when typing, which can create an immersive atmosphere as each key is pressed. The sharpness of the Bamboo Green’s sound might be a stark contrast to switches that favor deeper, bassier tones. The HMX Macchiato, while its precise sound characteristics aren't specified, is noted for its bright sound profile, suggesting that it also leans towards a lighter, clearer auditory experience. Both of these switches imply that a less muffled and more varied acoustic output could be expected, depending on the keyboard build and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green exhibits a well-defined tactile experience identified by a stepped design, which provides a distinct yet not overwhelming feedback with each keypress. The tactility strikes a balance, with its medium yet prominent tactile sensation ensuring that typists can enjoy clarity without feeling overwhelmed. The switch also presents sharp tactile feedback, where each bump can be distinctly felt, enhancing typing precision and satisfaction. The level of tactility is complemented by a polished finish, contributing to a smooth overall experience. The HMX Macchiato, however, does not have established descriptors in the provided information to compare directly; it is suggested, though, that it offers a silky smooth feel, diverging from the tactile feedback experience of the Bamboo Green.
When considering both switches, the Everglide Bamboo Green clearly excels in sound and tactile feedback, catering to those who enjoy lively auditory and tactile experiences. While the HMX Macchiato also aims to provide a bright auditory profile and smooth operation, its lack of detailed descriptors makes it harder to quantify its specific feel and sound. If one leans towards a lively typing experience with crisp feedback, the Bamboo Green is an excellent choice, while the Macchiato might appeal to those who prioritize smoothness and perhaps a less tactile engagement. Both switches offer unique qualities, making them compelling options depending on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, your choice will ultimately hinge on your typing preferences and desired sound profile. If you enjoy a more tactile sensation while typing, with a pronounced tactile bump and a higher-pitched, resonant sound, the Bamboo Green will be your ideal companion. It's particularly suited for those who appreciate feedback in the form of a distinct intermediate step during key presses, making it great for typing enthusiasts who value auditory and tactile engagement. Conversely, if you prefer a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience with minimal resistance, the HMX Macchiato is a better choice. Its lighter actuation force and silky feel allow for quick typing with a subtler acoustic footprint, making it ideal for fast-paced work or gaming without the distraction of pronounced feedback. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound (Bamboo Green) or a smooth, quiet experience (Macchiato).
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