TTC Gold Silver vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your typing style, the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Macchiato present distinct yet appealing options, particularly for fans of linear switches. The TTC Gold Silver stands out for its remarkable rapid responsiveness, thanks to its shortened travel distance that delivers a decisive and satisfying bottom-out with every keystroke. This switch is characterized by a polished and low-pitched sound signature that harmonizes with its smooth keypress, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and precision in their gaming or typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, caters to individuals who seek a more vibrant and bouncy feel. With its clacky yet silky typing experience, the Macchiato is perfect for users who enjoy a bright sound profile that adds a playful touch to their keystrokes. Both switches offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences—whether you crave a fluid and rapid response or a lively and engaging typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Macchiato differ significantly in their top housing materials, which in turn influences the sound profile of each switch. The Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is crisper and more resonant, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting applications due to its clear casing. In contrast, the Macchiato opts for a nylon top housing, a classic material that yields a deeper, fuller sound. The softer properties of nylon further contribute to a duller and rounder auditory experience, absorbing more sound compared to the more rigid polycarbonate. This fundamental difference in materials means that while both switches can deliver excellent performance, the tonal characteristics will be noticeably distinct when typing.
Interestingly, both switches share the same bottom housing material, which is nylon. This similarity leads to a comparable tactile and audible experience when the key is pressed down. The nylon bottom housing in both the Gold Silver and the Macchiato absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile upon bottoming out. Given that the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out feel and sound, users can expect that both switches will produce a rich auditory signature during this phase. Therefore, while the two switches may differ in the nuances of their sound profiles—due to the contrasting top housing—they still offer a consistent underlying auditory experience owing to their shared nylon bottoms.
In summary, the differences in top housing materials create distinct sound profiles for the TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Macchiato, while their common use of nylon in the bottom housing helps harmonize the overall tactile feedback and bottom-out sound. The polycarbonate of the Gold Silver delivers a clear and crisp auditory experience, perfect for situations where RGB lighting is a feature. In contrast, the nylon top of the Macchiato encourages a warmer, rounder sound, appealing to users who favor a fuller typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two options will depend on personal preferences regarding the sound profile and aesthetic considerations, as both configurations promise satisfying tactile feedback through their nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, there are notable differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Silver switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Macchiato's 42 grams. This means that the Macchiato switch may feel lighter and easier to press, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions where less effort is desirable. Additionally, while the bottom out force for the Gold Silver switch remains unknown, the Macchiato has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating it provides a firmer feel when fully pressed down. Consequently, users who prefer a substantial typing experience may lean towards the Macchiato, while those looking for a lighter touch for prolonged use may favor the Gold Silver, given its known lighter actuation force, despite the lack of information regarding its bottom out force. Overall, those who enjoy a heavier feel when typing should opt for the Macchiato, while those seeking ease of keystroke at the actuation level may find the Gold Silver more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, it's clear that the Gold Silver offers a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Macchiato has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference caters to various preferences among users. The Gold Silver, with its shorter distance, may appeal to gamers or those seeking faster response times, as it allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, the Macchiato, with its 4 mm travel, could be more suitable for individuals who enjoy the tactile experience of a deeper keypress. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Gold Silver is the better choice, whereas the Macchiato offers a more traditional and hearty typing experience due to its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Silver switch produces a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is both familiar and versatile. This sound is understated yet resonant, suitable for a wide range of environments, whether at home or in a shared workspace. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato switch delivers a much brighter and clacky sound that is sharp and percussive, enhancing the auditory feedback during typing. The clacky nature of the Macchiato creates an engaging auditory experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy the pronounced sound of keystrokes that captures attention as you type.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is celebrated for its polished and silky typing experience, characterized by a smooth key travel that reduces friction. The switch is designed to provide mild and subtle resistance, making it approachable for users of all experience levels while promoting a sleek typing feel. In comparison, the HMX Macchiato offers a silky feel as well, but it also introduces a bouncy element that provides a lively and elastic feedback sensation. The feathery nature of the Macchiato allows for light pressing with minimal exertion, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use, broadly appealing to users who prioritize comfort and ease of typing.
Considering the overall qualities, the TTC Gold Silver and HMX Macchiato linear switches each cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel. The personalized auditory experience differs significantly, with the Gold Silver favoring a low-pitched and neutral sound while the Macchiato provides a more vibrant and clacky feedback. Meanwhile, both switches deliver a silky typing experience, though the Gold Silver emphasizes smoothness and subtlety, whereas the Macchiato combines that smoothness with a bouncy and feathery touch. Ultimately, these differences will guide newcomers to find the switch that best aligns with their typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch should ultimately depend on your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you value rapid responsiveness and a more decisive tactile experience with a low-pitched, resonant sound, the TTC Gold Silver is an excellent option. Its smooth and polished finish ensures fluid typing, making it ideal for fast-paced typing activities or gaming where every keystroke counts. On the other hand, if you're in search of a luxurious, silky typing experience paired with a bright, clacky sound profile, the HMX Macchiato is likely to meet your needs. The light 50-gram bottom-out force and bouncy feel minimize finger fatigue, making it a superb choice for prolonged typing tasks, whether for work or leisurely writing. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you—whether it's speed and decisiveness or smoothness and comfort—to make an informed decision between these two engaging switches.
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