Jerrzi Coral vs. HMX Macchiato

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often seek the perfect balance of feel, sound, and performance to enhance their typing experience. The Jerrzi Coral and HMX Macchiato, both linear switches, offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences. The Coral switch is celebrated for its distinctively crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, delivering an exquisite blend of nuanced sophistication and stellar performance with every keystroke. Its silky texture provides a smooth yet controlled typing experience that many users find appealing. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is designed for those who relish a silky smooth typing experience but with a brighter sound profile, appealing to users who enjoy auditory feedback while maintaining a seamless key action. While both switches share the linear category, their characteristics can influence your typing experience significantly. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.

By the numbers

Jerrzi Coral Linear

HMX Macchiato Linear

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The comparison between the housing materials of the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Macchiato reveals significant differences in their construction and auditory characteristics. The Coral features a polycarbonate top housing that is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material's translucency also enhances its aesthetic appeal, especially when paired with RGB lighting, allowing light to pass through and create vibrant effects. In contrast, the Macchiato uses a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in materials directly impacts the user experience, with Coral prioritizing clarity and brightness and Macchiato focusing on depth and richness.

Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a shared auditory characteristic. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Coral and Macchiato reinforces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's sound-absorbing properties. This uniformity means that when users press down on either switch, they will experience a similar bottom-out feel—one that emphasizes a softer and more muted sound. Consequently, the bottom housing’s shared material choice ultimately contributes to a consistent tactile sensation, ensuring that users will enjoy a reliable and familiar response when keystrokes are made.

In summary, while the Jerrzi Coral and HMX Macchiato share a commonality with their nylon bottom housings, their differing top housing materials create distinct sound profiles. The Coral's polycarbonate top enhances clarity and brightness, ideal for users who enjoy a sharper response, especially with RGB lighting integration. In contrast, the Macchiato's nylon top enables a rounder, more subdued sound experience, appealing to those who prefer a deeper auditory feedback. Together, these materials provide a composite effect for each switch, where the characteristics of sound and feel are shaped distinctly by their individual constructions but also harmoniously coexist in terms of user experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, we observe notable differences. The Coral switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions, especially for those who prefer less resistance. In contrast, the Macchiato switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, which can provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a firmer push. The Coral's bottom out force is reportedly unavailable, making it difficult to assess its bottoming behavior directly. Thus, while both switches are linear, the Macchiato is the heavier option overall, which may appeal to users who appreciate tactile feedback during typing. For those who favor lighter switches, the Coral may be the better choice, especially without concrete data on its bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The Coral features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Macchiato has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Coral will provide a quicker actuation point, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Macchiato's longer travel distance may be preferable for those who appreciate a deeper, more substantial feel when typing or gaming, offering a more pronounced tactile experience. Therefore, if responsiveness is your top priority, the Coral's shorter travel distance could be the better choice, while the Macchiato caters to those who enjoy a more traditional key feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched resonance, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is often considered more pleasant and refined. This low pitch can produce a calmer auditory environment conducive to focused typing, especially when compared to higher-pitched switches that might sound sharper or more pronounced. On the other hand, although the HMX Macchiato linear switch is noted for its bright sound profile, specific details about its pitch or tonal qualities are not provided. Thus, while both switches deliver a distinctive auditory experience, the Coral's low-pitched resonance sets it apart with a more subdued and sophisticated sound.

In terms of feel, the Coral switch excels with its silky typing experience, which is crafted to minimize resistance during keystrokes. This results in an exceptionally smooth interaction that facilitates fast and effortless typing. The emphasis on smoothness in the Coral switch enhances overall comfort and usability, making long typing sessions less fatiguing. The HMX Macchiato's tactile qualities have not been disclosed, leaving an unknown that might impact the user's overall typing experience. If it aligns closely with a silky feel, users can anticipate a similarly smooth typing experience, but clarity on its specific characteristics is ultimately absent.

In conclusion, both the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Macchiato linear switches offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences. The Coral provides a distinctively mellow sound and a silky smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a refined typing experience. While the Macchiato promises a bright auditory profile, the specifics of its feel remain unclear. Ultimately, while each switch has its strengths, choosing between them may come down to personal preference for sound and tactile feedback. If you find yourself leaning towards a particular auditory or tactile quality, you may achieve similar satisfaction with either switch depending on your typing style and the typing environment you desire.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, your choice should ultimately reflect your personal preferences for both typing feel and sound characteristics. If you value a distinctively crisp typing experience coupled with a low-pitched sound profile that offers a bass-heavy resonance, then the Coral switch will likely be your go-to option. Its silky smooth feel ensures that each keystroke is an enjoyable interaction, making it perfect for those who engage in extensive typing tasks or gaming sessions where precision is paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a somewhat lighter switch with a smooth experience and a brighter sound profile, the HMX Macchiato might be more in line with your tastes. With its slightly softer bottom out force of 50 grams, the Macchiato provides a delightful typing experience that minimizes fatigue during long use. In summary, consider the specific attributes of each switch in relation to your typing style and auditory preferences to find the perfect match for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Jerrzi Coral Linear

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn more

HMX Macchiato Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more