Bsun Hutt vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, two options that stand out are the Bsun Hutt and the HMX Macchiato. The Bsun Hutt, a tactile switch, is renowned for its medium-heavy spring and prominent tactile bump, which delivers a snappy and invigorating experience that many typists find both enjoyable and satisfying. Its balanced sound profile makes it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a touch of acoustic feedback with each keystroke, enhancing both typing accuracy and pleasure. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato, a linear switch developed by YG Studio, offers a silky smooth typing experience characterized by its bright sound profile. This makes the Macchiato an ideal choice for users who prefer fluid motion without the interruption of tactile feedback, allowing for rapid typing and gaming without distraction. Both switches cater to different preferences in the typing experience, making them appealing in their unique ways. 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
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
49g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POK
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Bsun Hutt and HMX Macchiato switches exhibit some notable contrasts, particularly in their top housings. The Bsun Hutt utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is largely due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. The translucency of the polycarbonate housing also provides an aesthetically pleasing effect, especially when combined with RGB lighting, making it an appealing choice for visually-driven setups. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato opts for a nylon top housing, characterized by a softer plastic composition that yields a deeper, fuller sound. This material choice results in a more subdued auditory experience, dampening higher frequencies and thus delivering a rounder, warmer sound that many typists may find satisfying.
When it comes to the bottom housings of both switches, they share a common ground as both the Bsun Hutt and HMX Macchiato are constructed with nylon. The properties of nylon contribute a consistent sound profile that favors depth and warmth, ensuring that both switches provide a more muted, less piercing auditory response. Since both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, this aspect ensures that users can expect a similar bottom-out sound and overall typing sensation. The softer plastic absorbs sound more effectively, which further complements the overall auditory experience by promoting a rounder sound profile, regardless of the differences present in the top housings.
Ultimately, the juxtaposition of the top housing materials creates a distinctive feel and sound between the two switches. The Bsun Hutt's polycarbonate top enhances the overall sharpness and clarity, making it a potentially better option for users who appreciate a crisper acoustic response when releasing a key. Conversely, the HMX Macchiato's nylon top contributes to a deeper tonal quality, providing a more full-bodied auditory experience more in line with heavier, more muted typing sounds. Thus, while both switches share the same bottom housing material, their differing top housings lead to unique acoustic performances, allowing users to choose based on personal preference for sound profiles in their switching experience.
Weight
The Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch offer slightly different actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varied preferences among typists and gamers. The Hutt switch has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 49 grams, while the Macchiato features a marginally higher actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches are considered light in terms of their overall force requirements, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons, as neither will impose excessive strain on the fingers. However, users seeking a softer touch might prefer the Hutt switch for its lighter feel, while those who lean towards a bit more resistance may favor the Macchiato for its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will hinge on personal preference for a lighter or slightly more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, the differences are clear. The Hutt tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Macchiato linear switch boasts a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Bsun Hutt the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quick response times, as shorter travel distances can enhance performance in fast-paced scenarios. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile feel, which some users prefer for its satisfying depth. Thus, choosing between the two will largely depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus comfort.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
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 Bsun Hutt tactile switch is characterized by its resonant quality, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience. This higher-pitched sound enhances the typing interaction, making each keystroke feel pronounced and adding an immersive element to the overall experience. On the other hand, while the HMX Macchiato linear switch is designed for a brighter sound profile, specific descriptors of its acoustic qualities are not provided. However, the combination of a linear switch's inherent smoothness typically results in a quieter operation compared to tactile or clicky switches, possibly aligning with the smooth actuation anticipated from this model.
When it comes to feel, the Hutt switch is tailored for an engaging typing experience with its medium-heavy spring and significant tactile bump. Descriptors like "snappy," "invigorating," "sharp," and "accented" highlight its responsiveness and the pronounced feedback delivered with each keypress. This creates a dynamic sensation that encourages a lively and active typing style. In contrast, the feel of the HMX Macchiato remains unspecified, leaving it uncertain how it compares on this front. Generally, linear switches are less tactile compared to the Hutt, which could result in a smoother experience, albeit possibly less engaging.
In summary, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch offers a resonant sound and a highly interactive feel that caters to enthusiasts of tactile feedback. While the HMX Macchiato is intended for those who appreciate a smoother experience, its acoustic qualities remain uncategorized. If you're looking for pronounced feedback and a lively sound, the Hutt excels, while the Macchiato would likely provide a subtler auditory experience. Choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference for tactile interaction and sound dynamics, though each can yield enjoyable results under the right conditions.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile feedback and a more resonant sound profile, the Hutt switch is a fantastic option, particularly with its prominent bump and snappy response. This switch is well-suited for typists who appreciate a lively, invigorating experience while benefiting from a clean and sharp auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you favor a smooth and silky typing experience without any tactile bump getting in your way, the HMX Macchiato is the way to go. With its balanced bottom-out force, this switch caters to those who prefer a subtle sound and a seamless keystroke. In summary, if you thrive on tactile sensations and the feedback they provide, opt for the Hutt; if you lean towards a smoother, quieter experience, you’ll find satisfaction with the Macchiato.
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