KTT Glimp vs. HMX Macchiato

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the KTT Glimp and the HMX Macchiato, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Glimp switch is celebrated for its medium-light actuation force, which strikes a harmonious balance ideal for users who crave a satisfying yet manageable typing experience without excessive resistance. Its tactile feedback combined with a moderately clacky sound profile elevates the auditory pleasure of typing, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a bit of noise during their sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato, developed by YG Studio, offers a different sensation, featuring a silky smooth actuation that ensures a fluid typing experience, complemented by a bright sound that's distinctively pleasing. While the Glimp captures the essence of a responsive and engaging typing feel, the Macchiato focuses on delivering smoothness and a delightful auditory signature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Glimp Linear

HMX Macchiato Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Glimp and HMX Macchiato switches present a fascinating study of contrasting housing materials that ultimately affect their acoustic profiles. The Glimp features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer and clearer sound qualities, promoting a sharper and more resonant audio experience. This translucency in polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetics of RGB lighting, allowing it to shine through vividly. In contrast, the Macchiato sports a nylon top housing, a material recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience that stands in stark contrast to the Glimp's crisper outputs. Thus, while the Glimp may cater to users seeking clarity and brightness in their keypress sounds, the Macchiato would appeal to those who prefer an enveloping and subdued auditory sensation.

Both the Glimp and Macchiato share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is made from nylon. This design choice bonds them in terms of sound profile because nylon's properties elevate the fullness and depth of the tones produced when keys bottom out. Regardless of the contrasting top housings, the use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes consistently to a softer typing experience across both models. Users can expect to experience a cohesive and rich sound with each keystroke, as the bottom housing's characteristics significantly influence the tactile feel and acoustics of the switch. Hence, while the top housings differentiate the auditory profile during actuation and release, the bottom hinge's reliance on nylon harmoniously merges the sound experience.

Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials of the Glimp and Macchiato switch lead to distinct auditory personalities when typing. While the polycarbonate top of the Glimp emphasizes brightness and clarity, the nylon top of the Macchiato softens the overall sound, creating different atmospheres for users. However, the shared nylon bottom housing means that both switches will evoke a similar, rich, and full auditory experience when keys are pressed down. This duality of materials showcases how the overall sound profile of a switch can be diversified through the deliberate selection of top and bottom housing materials, allowing enthusiasts to choose the switch that best suits their personal preferences.

Weight

The KTT Glimp and HMX Macchiato linear switches both offer an engaging typing experience, but they differ slightly in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Glimp requires an actuation force of 43 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Macchiato's 42 grams. This marginal difference may make the Glimp feel a bit more substantial during typing. In contrast, the Macchiato has a bottom out force of 50 grams, lighter than the Glimp’s 53 grams, indicating that the Glimp has a firmer endpoint when fully pressed down. Therefore, while both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, those who prefer a more robust feel during key presses may opt for the Glimp, whereas users looking for a smoother and lighter touch may favor the Macchiato. Overall, the Glimp is the heavier option due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The travel distance of both the KTT Glimp linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch is identical, measuring 4 mm each. This similarity in travel distance means that users can expect comparable tactile feedback and keypress depth when using either switch. Both switches will provide a consistent experience in terms of how far the key travels from the top to the bottom, allowing for a uniform typing experience. As such, those who appreciate a 4 mm travel distance will find similar performance in both the Glimp and the Macchiato.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Glimp switch stands out with a fairly clacky sound profile that produces a sharp and snappy noise when pressed, contributing to an engaging auditory experience during typing sessions. This clackiness, often eliciting a bright and percussive response, makes it an exciting option for users who enjoy pronounced auditory feedback. In contrast, the sound profile of the HMX Macchiato switch remains unspecified, making it difficult to directly compare sound qualities. However, it is emphasized that the Macchiato is designed to have a bright sound, which suggests that while it may not be clacky, it could still provide a satisfying auditory experience, especially when paired with particular keycaps and a well-chosen keyboard frame.

In terms of feel, the KTT Glimp switch offers a creamy typing experience characterized by smooth and buttery keystrokes. This delightful sensation allows typists to glide their fingers effortlessly across the keys, akin to a silky interaction where each keystroke feels fluid and integrated. Additionally, the Glimp switch is noted for its mildness, which presents a gentle touch that is accessible for both beginners and seasoned typists alike. Unfortunately, details regarding the tactile feel of the HMX Macchiato switch are unknown, leaving a gap in comparing how these two switches provide a distinctive typing experience.

In summary, while the KTT Glimp switch is appreciated for its clacky sound and creamy, mild feel, the HMX Macchiato's auditory and tactile characteristics remain less defined. Users looking for sound dynamics and smoothness can expect the Glimp to shine brightly in these areas based on existing descriptions. The lack of information on the Macchiato’s feel and sound means potential users may need to seek out further details to assess how it may stack up against the Glimp. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may hinge on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, but the Glimp offers a clearer profile for those evaluating their options.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the KTT Glimp and HMX Macchiato linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you desire. If you appreciate a balance of feedback and sound, the KTT Glimp, with its medium-light actuation force and clacky sound profile, may be the right fit for you. This switch is ideal for users who want a more substantial typing feel without too much resistance, making it a great choice for both casual and focused work environments. On the other hand, if you're looking for a light, silky smooth typing experience with a bright sound, the HMX Macchiato should be your go-to. Its lighter bottom-out force caters to those who prefer a less tactile and more effortless keypress, which can enhance your typing speed and comfort. Thus, weigh these factors carefully based on how you type and what environment you’ll be using your keyboard in, and you’ll find the perfect switch to elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Glimp Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

Learn more

HMX Macchiato Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more