Gateron Glory Yellow vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of various options, and two notable contenders in the linear switch category are the Gateron Glory Yellow and the HMX Macchiato. The Glory Yellow switch is celebrated for its heavier feel within the Glory lineup, providing a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance that many typists appreciate, making it a preferred choice for those seeking both feedback and comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato, developed by YG Studio, caters to individuals who prioritize a silky smooth typing experience complemented by a bright sound profile, creating an engaging auditory sensation with each keystroke. While both switches feature linear action, their unique characteristics make them appealing to different types of users; the Glory Yellow is ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial touch, while the Macchiato excels in delivering a refined acoustic and tactile experience. 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
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Yellow and HMX Macchiato both feature nylon for their top and bottom switch housings, making them fundamentally similar in terms of construction material. Nylon is widely recognized as a classic choice in the manufacturing of switch housings due to its favorable acoustic properties. With both switches utilizing nylon, users can expect a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile during typing sessions, as the material’s inherent softness allows it to absorb sound effectively. This absorption quality results in a duller and rounder sound signature, enriching the typing experience for those who favor a more muted auditory feedback.
While both switches rely on identical materials, the impact of those materials varies slightly based on the design of each switch. The top housing primarily influences the sound produced when a key is released, while the bottom housing contributes significantly to the sound and feel upon bottoming out. Since both the Glory Yellow and Macchiato utilize nylon exclusively, users will experience a harmonious sound profile across the entire keystroke, fostering a cohesive tactile experience. However, because each model may possess unique design features or internal components, the overall feel and sound signature might slightly differ despite the shared material.
In essence, the similar housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and HMX Macchiato ensure that enthusiasts will enjoy comparable acoustic performances. Both switches utilize nylon to enhance sound absorption, creating a softer auditory profile that caters to those who appreciate a rounded typing experience. While the nuances in design might lend subtle variances in key feel and sound, the foundation of both models in nylon signifies that similar results in sound quality and key response are achievable, appealing to users who prioritize acoustic and tactile satisfaction in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch to the HMX Macchiato linear switch, there's a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Glory Yellow requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Macchiato is lighter at 42 grams. This means that the Macchiato is better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, making it ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Gateron Glory Yellow is unknown, whereas the Macchiato's bottom out force is 50 grams. This makes the Macchiato the heavier switch overall due to its known bottoming out force. In summary, if you prioritize a lighter actuation and a more sensitive feel, the Macchiato is the better choice, while those who prefer a sturdier response might lean towards the Glory Yellow, assuming its bottom out force aligns with their preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the HMX Macchiato linear switches feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This similarity means that users will experience comparable keypress feedback and depth with either switch, providing a uniform feel when typing or gaming. Since the travel distance is the same, switching between the two should yield consistent results in terms of key actuation and responsiveness. Ultimately, both switches deliver an equal experience in this regard, ensuring that users looking for a smooth linear travel won’t face any differences in distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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 Gateron Glory Yellow switch is characterized by a subdued and purring tone, which makes for a less intrusive typing experience, ideal for shared spaces or quiet environments. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato switch boasts a brighter, more resonant sound, providing a lively auditory feedback that can be quite engaging. Both switches, however, can exhibit variations in sound based on the keyboard they are housed in and the choice of keycaps, which means you might find similarities or notable differences depending on your overall setup.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch presents a heavier actuation, resulting in a satisfactory resistance during typing that some users may find offers more tactile feedback, enhancing their overall experience. Meanwhile, the HMX Macchiato emphasizes a silky smooth keystroke that those who prefer a lighter touch might appreciate. This difference in feel can significantly influence typing speed and comfort, making the choice between the two personal to individual preference.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Glory Yellow provides a more subdued sound and a heavier feel, the HMX Macchiato offers a brighter sound profile and a silky smooth typing experience. Depending on your preferences for audio feedback and actuation force, either switch could yield a delightful typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user tastes, so personal testing may be the best way to determine which aligns with your typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth keystroke with an exceptionally enjoyable travel distance, the Glory Yellow is an excellent choice, particularly if you prefer a lighter overall typing experience without the added tactile feedback or noise from other switch types. It’s a great option if you plan to do a lot of typing or gaming, where quick, undistracted keystrokes are essential. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly firmer feel with a bottom-out force of 50 grams and appreciate a bright sound profile, the Macchiato may be more to your liking. It's designed for those who value not only the smoothness of the switch but also the overall auditory experience while typing. Ultimately, both switches excel in delivering a satisfying linear feel, so consider what aspects matter most to you—lightness and travel vs. audible feedback and slightly more resistance—before making your final decision.
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