Huano Grape Orange vs. HMX Macchiato

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Macchiato stand out, both offering distinct experiences despite being categorized as linear switches. The Grape Orange is revered for its incredibly light 40g actuation force, making it an excellent choice for users who spend long hours typing and seek an effortless, fatigue-free experience. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, caters to those who value a smooth typing feel paired with a bright auditory feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a more tactile and engaging engagement with their keyboard. While both switches offer unique benefits—effortless actuation versus a tactile sound experience—it's essential to consider your personal preferences and typing habits. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

HMX Macchiato Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Macchiato switches, a key distinction lies in the composition of their top housings. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This material produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it particularly advantageous for users who prefer a more pronounced audio feedback when typing. In contrast, the Macchiato is equipped with a nylon top housing that is softer, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both materials contribute significantly to the acoustic characteristics of their respective switches, the polycarbonate top of the Grape Orange is designed to enhance clarity, particularly when paired with RGB lighting, allowing for an aesthetically pleasing visual experience alongside its audio clarity.

However, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, bringing a consistent element to their auditory performance. The nylon utilized in the bottom housing of both the Grape Orange and Macchiato leads to a subdued and rounded sound profile. Its softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a deeper auditory experience that may appeal to users looking for a more mellow typing feel. As a result, while the top housings differ in material composition and sound characteristics—polycarbonate offering clarity versus nylon providing depth—the bottom housings ensure that both switches maintain similar acoustic properties when bottomed out.

Ultimately, the combined effect of the differing top and similar bottom housings means that the overall typing experience will be influenced by the unique contributions of each material. The Grape Orange, with its polycarbonate top, offers a bright and resonant experience that turns to the consistent fuller sound provided by its nylon base during bottoming out. Meanwhile, the Macchiato’s nylon top gives it a relatively warmer and rounder overall sound that also relies on the shared nylon bottom for depth. In essence, while the Grape Orange and HMX Macchiato exhibit contrasting profiles through their top housings, the common use of nylon in the bottoms allows them to achieve a level of acoustic warmth that enhances the typing sensation for users across both models.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, but with slight differences in their actuation requirements. The Grape Orange has an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Macchiato requires a slightly heavier 42 grams to register a keystroke. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, meaning they bottom out at the same level once fully pressed down. Consequently, typists may find that the Grape Orange offers a lighter touch, conducive for extended typing sessions and gaming, whereas the Macchiato, with its marginally heavier actuation force, provides a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer. Overall, both switches are classified as light, but the Grape Orange is the lighter option when considering actuation force.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the HMX Macchiato linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Macchiato offers a longer travel distance compared to the Grape Orange. For those who appreciate quick responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Grape Orange may be preferable, as it allows for faster actuation, making it suitable for gamers. In contrast, the Macchiato's longer travel distance can provide a more substantial feel, which might appeal to users who enjoy a deeper and more tactile experience. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences, they distinctly contrast in their travel distances, with the Grape Orange being the shorter option and the Macchiato offering a more traditional, longer travel experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Grape Orange switches are often appreciated for their subdued acoustic profile, which contributes to a quieter typing experience. This makes them an excellent choice for environments where noise is a concern, as their sound is less pronounced compared to other switches. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato switches stand out with a bright sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. Their distinct sound can add a layer of satisfaction to the typing experience, particularly for users who enjoy the auditory cues that accompany each keystroke. The overall sound experience for both switches can vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, but generally, the Grape Orange focuses on a quieter vibe while the Macchiato provides a lively auditory engagement.

In terms of feel, the Grape Orange switch is celebrated for its exceptionally light and effortless typing experience. With an ultra-low actuation force of just 40g, these switches require minimal effort to actuate, making them ideal for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. This can lead to a smoother, more fluid typing rhythm for those who value speed and ease. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato switches are designed to deliver a silky smooth typing experience that emphasizes glide and comfort. While both switches promise a pleasant feel, the Grape Orange excites typists with its light actuation, whereas the Macchiato focuses on providing a consistently smooth keystroke, which can also enhance typing speed and comfort.

Overall, both the Huano Grape Orange and HMX Macchiato linear switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Grape Orange offers a quiet, light touch that's ideal for those who spend long hours typing, making it a great choice for office environments or shared spaces. In contrast, the Macchiato triumphs in providing a satisfactory clicky sound sensation alongside a smooth feel, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate a dynamic auditory experience. Depending on what a typist prioritizes—whether it's a serene environment with light travel or an engaging sound profile with smooth keystrokes—either switch can deliver an enjoyable typing experience, but in notably different ways.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience for extended sessions, the Grape Orange switch with its ultra-low 40g actuation force will likely serve you well. It’s designed for those who seek a fatigue-free experience, making it ideal for writers, programmers, or anyone who spends long hours typing. However, if you prefer a silkier feel paired with bright auditory feedback, the Macchiato is the better option. Its smooth actuation and satisfying sound profile can enhance your typing enjoyment, especially for casual use or gaming. In short, if you enjoy an easy, breezy typing experience, go for the Grape Orange; but if you value smoothness and sound, the Macchiato is where you should steer your ship.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

HMX Macchiato Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more