KTT Hyacinth vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Macchiato both offer unique advantages for different types of users, despite being categorized as linear switches. The KTT Hyacinth is renowned for its 3.5mm travel distance, which minimizes the jarring sensation often associated with bottoming out, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a comfortable and user-friendly typing experience. Its use of a single-stage elongated spring provides a more consistent force curve, enhancing tactile feedback while maintaining a smooth keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, stands out with its silky-smooth actuation and a bright sound profile, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate both auditory and tactile sensations while typing. The choice between these two switches ultimately hinges on personal preference: whether you value a more subtle, cushioned feel or a lively, responsive experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POM
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
22mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Macchiato, we see a fascinating contrast in their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Hyacinth utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition, leading to a sharper and more resonant sound. This material choice is particularly advantageous for users who prioritize clarity in their auditory experience, especially when RGB lighting is in play, allowing for a visually striking and acoustically dynamic performance. On the other hand, the Macchiato opts for a nylon top housing, which yields a fuller, deeper sound profile due to its softer and sound-absorbing nature. Therefore, while both switches may have appealing auditory characteristics, they cater to different preferences—one for brightness and clarity, and the other for warmth and depth.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, which is nylon in both cases. This similarity conveys how the bottom housing contributes to the overall sound experience, producing a deeper, fuller sound profile regardless of the top housing differences. The nylon’s inherent properties absorb sound effectively, creating a more rounded auditory feedback upon keypresses, which could be seen as a unifying characteristic between the two switch types. In this way, both the Hyacinth and Macchiato can produce a rich and satisfying typing experience, grounded in the qualities that nylon provides.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in both switches highlights the nuanced approach to sound design in mechanical switches. While the Hyacinth’s polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper, brighter sound that stands out when releasing keys, the Macchiato's nylon top encourages a more subdued, rounded auditory experience. However, the shared nylon bottom housing acts as a common thread, ensuring that tapping on either switch produces a satisfying auditory response. Thus, while users might favor one switch over the other for specific sound qualities, they can reasonably anticipate a similar depth of sound attributable to the nylon materials that dominate both designs.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Hyacinth features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch that provides a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Macchiato is lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch during typing or gaming sessions. This lighter feel can enhance comfort during extended use. While the Hyacinth provides a more substantial feedback with its slightly higher forces, the Macchiato offers a gentler experience overall. Therefore, if you prioritize longer typing durations or a lighter overall switch feel, the Macchiato would be the better choice, whereas the Hyacinth might appeal to those who favor a more pronounced push sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, there is a distinct difference: the Hyacinth has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Macchiato measures 4 mm. This makes the Hyacinth the shorter option between the two, catering to users who prefer a more responsive feel during their typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the slightly longer 4 mm travel distance of the Macchiato may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced key press, providing a deeper feedback that can enhance typing comfort. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Hyacinth being ideal for quick actions and the Macchiato favoring a more substantial response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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 KTT Hyacinth switch delivers a neutral profile, characterized by a balanced auditory experience that suits a wide range of environments, from casual to professional. This moderate sound level allows it to blend well whether you're at home or in a shared workspace, appealing to both newcomers and experienced users alike. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato linear switch is known for its bright sound profile, though specific details about its sound characteristics are less defined. However, it's important to note that both switches' sound can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction and the chosen keycaps, meaning users who prioritize sound will have a unique experience based on their overall setup.
In terms of feel, the Hyacinth stands out with its silky touch, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistive drag when pressing and releasing keys. This enhanced smoothness is coupled with a subtle resistance, offering a pleasant light typing experience that won’t cause excessive fatigue during extended sessions. The switch's design choices ensure a comforting interaction without causing the clunky, hard bottoming-out feeling common in many switches. Information on the Macchiato’s feel isn't available, but given its emphasis on a silky smooth typing experience, one might expect it to provide similar qualities in terms of smoothness.
Overall, both the KTT Hyacinth and HMX Macchiato switches cater to users seeking a fluid typing experience, albeit with some nuances in sound profiles. The Hyacinth’s neutral sound and silky feel may appeal to those who prioritize versatility and comfort, while the Macchiato's bright sound profile makes it attractive to users craving a distinct auditory flair. Given the potential for both switches to deliver similarly smooth typing experiences, users can select according to their sound preferences while still enjoying an advanced tactile quality from either switch.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Macchiato linear switches, you'll want to consider both your typing preferences and your environment. The KTT Hyacinth is a great choice if you appreciate a balanced design that ensures a comfortable typing experience without the jarring feel of bottoming out. Its medium-light actuation force and commitment to a consistent force curve make it suitable for both everyday tasks and more extensive typing sessions, especially if you're inclined toward a more neutral sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force for a quick and effortless typing experience, the HMX Macchiato is ideal for you. Its silky smooth feel, combined with a bright sound profile, will enhance your typing pleasure, particularly in more relaxed home settings or for those who enjoy a lively auditory feedback while they type. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prioritize a slightly heavier feel and a more neutral sound or if you prefer the light touch and enjoyable sound experience that the Macchiato provides.
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