Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Macchiato can significantly impact your typing experience, especially for those who favor linear switches. The CAP Anniversary stands out with its innovative CAP structure, which not only enhances the smoothness of keystrokes but also incorporates aerodynamic design elements to minimize resistance through tiny air-release holes. This thoughtful engineering results in a typing experience that is described as snappy, creamy, and polished, making it a go-to option for users seeking a superior tactile feel. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, prioritizes a silky smooth typing experience coupled with a bright sound profile, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Together, these switches offer distinct advantages, but the best choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and HMX Macchiato switches present a distinctive contrast, particularly in their top housing. The CAP Anniversary employs a polycarbonate top, a material noted for its stiffness and translucency. This stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances the clarity and resonance of each keystroke, making it particularly advantageous for users who prefer a pronounced auditory feedback. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic appeal that many typists appreciate. By comparison, the Macchiato utilizes nylon for its top housing, which invokes a softer and rounder sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience that caters to those who prefer a muted and more subdued typing sound.
When examining the bottom housings, both the CAP Anniversary and Macchiato utilize nylon, which reflects a shared understanding of its audio effects. Since nylon is a classic material in keyboard switches, it creates a deeper and fuller sound by mitigating vibrations during typing. The sound-absorbing qualities of nylon ensure that the bottom housing significantly influences the "bottom-out" feel and noise when a key is fully pressed down. Despite their differing top materials, this commonality in bottom housing suggests that both switches may deliver a more resonant and cohesive auditory experience during key presses, as the properties of nylon help unify the sound created by the different top materials.
In essence, while the CAP Anniversary and HMX Macchiato switches diverge in their top housing construction, they converge in the bottom housing's impact on sound. The interplay between polycarbonate's sharper profile and nylon's fuller tone illustrates how the soundscape of each switch will resonate differently. The varying impact of the top and bottom materials means that typists might experience unique acoustic signatures depending on their preferred switch. Understanding these differences allows users to select a switch that aligns with their desired typing experience, whether they seek the clarity of polycarbonate or the warmth of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces can be observed. The CAP Anniversary switch requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Macchiato switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for those seeking a gentler typing experience. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions will find the Macchiato more appealing, while those favoring a firmer push might opt for the CAP Anniversary. Overall, individuals looking to minimize finger fatigue during prolonged use would benefit from the lighter Macchiato, whereas those desiring greater resistance for a substantial feel should lean towards the heavier CAP Anniversary switch.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience the same keypress distance when engaging either switch. This similarity suggests that both switches can provide a uniform typing experience in terms of how far the key travels from the top to the bottom, ensuring consistent feedback across the two options. Thus, those looking for a linear switch with a specific travel distance can choose between the CAP Anniversary and the Macchiato without concern for variance in performance based solely on travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
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 CAP Anniversary switch is notable for its clarity and the lack of intrusive noise, thanks to the innovative design that includes air release holes which help to moderate the sound while typing. This results in a typing experience that is pleasant and unobtrusive, making it suitable for both casual and professional environments. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato linear switch is characterized by a brighter sound profile, which can provide a more engaging auditory experience. The sound production and acoustics are contingent on various factors including the overall keyboard construction and the choice of keycaps, so users might find their experience can vary significantly based on these other components.
When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary switch is remarkably responsive, described as snappy, and offers a creamy sensation during key presses, allowing for a smooth and effortless typing experience. The unique construction of the switch promotes a polished feel, preventing friction and ensuring that each keystroke is fluid. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato's feel is unknown at this moment, leaving an opportunity for exploration regarding its responsiveness, smoothness, and overall tactile experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Macchiato linear switches have their unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. While the CAP Anniversary distinctly excels in providing a smooth, snappy, and polished feel along with a clear sound profile, the Macchiato presents a potentially brighter sound experience. Users are likely to enjoy similar delightful typing sensations from both switches if they prioritize smooth keystrokes, although the audio experience might differ. The choice ultimately hinges on personal preference regarding sound and the undisclosed qualities of the Macchiato, making it worthwhile to test both options for a comprehensive understanding of their performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switches and HMX Macchiato linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy tactile response that feels snappy and creamy, enhancing your typing experience with remarkably smooth keystrokes, the CAP Anniversary is an excellent choice. Its unique design, which utilizes aerodynamic principles and an enlarged stem post, offers stability and minimal wobble, making it ideal for those who appreciate precision in their keystrokes or who engage in heavy typing tasks. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter feel with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, the HMX Macchiato caters to your desire for a silky smooth typing experience accompanied by a bright sound profile. This switch is perfect for users who favor a leisurely typing experience or are seeking a quieter solution for office environments. Ultimately, both switches have their merits; it comes down to whether you want a bit more resistance and a snappy feel with the CAP Anniversary or a lighter, more fluid touch with the Macchiato.
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