Gateron Ink Yellow vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Macchiato offer distinct experiences catering to different preferences. The Gateron Ink Yellow is celebrated for its shorter travel distance, making it an excellent choice for users looking for a typing feel that strikes a balance between a laptop keyboard and a traditional mechanical board. Its smoothness combined with a pleasantly clacky sound profile adds to the typing enjoyment, appealing to those who appreciate tactile feedback without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is tailored for enthusiasts who prioritize a silky smooth typing experience coupled with a bright auditory profile, making it an inviting option for individuals who enjoy a more refined sound with each keystroke. Both switches offer unique attributes that cater to different user preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Macchiato switches, it's clear that they utilize different compositions that lead to distinct auditory profiles. The Gateron Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is known for producing a pointed and high-pitched sound. This creates a clacky auditory result that many users find satisfying. On the contrary, the Macchiato uses nylon for its top housing, a material recognized as a classic in switch design. Typing on nylon switches typically generates a deeper, fuller sound, one that resonates with a duller and rounder quality due to the nature of nylon absorbing sound more effectively than harder plastics.
Looking at the bottom housings, we find a similar divergence in materials. The Gateron Ink Yellow again utilizes its proprietary INK blend, ensuring that the sound profile remains consistent with the top housing—characterized by its high-pitched and clacky output. On the other hand, the Macchiato's bottom housing, made of nylon, contributes to a sound that is more muted and rounded. The characteristics of the bottom housing play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, thus leading to contrasting experiences when typing on these two switches. The nylon’s softer nature absorbs sound, thereby altering the auditory output and tactile feedback in a distinctly different way compared to the Gateron INK blend.
Despite these differences, it’s possible to achieve a similar overall typing experience depending on the user’s preference for sound. If a user prefers the higher-pitched sound associated with the Ink Yellow, they may slightly modify their typing technique to enhance the audible feedback from a switch built with nylon, like the Macchiato. Conversely, for those who like the deep and fuller sound of the Macchiato, switching to the Ink Yellow may still yield satisfying results by adjusting the way they engage with the key switches. However, the intrinsic properties of the housing materials will remain evident, ensuring that each switch retains its unique sound profile, allowing enthusiasts to choose based on their auditory preferences and typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, significant differences in both actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Gateron Ink Yellow has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato is lighter, featuring an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference means that the Ink Yellow will provide a more substantial typing experience, which some users appreciate for a firm feel, whereas the Macchiato allows for effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. Overall, if you prefer a lighter switch, the Macchiato is the better choice, while those who enjoy a stronger push might find the Ink Yellow more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, the two exhibits notable differences. The Ink Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Macchiato's travel distance is slightly longer at 4 mm. This means that the Ink Yellow offers a shorter travel distance, catering to those who enjoy a more responsive feel during key presses, advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Macchiato provides a longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial depth in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth, with the Ink Yellow being the shorter and more responsive option, while the Macchiato offers a more pronounced feel with its greater travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a neutral tone combined with a distinct clackiness. Its balanced sound profile makes it versatile for various settings, appealing to both beginners and advanced users alike. The clacky sound adds an engaging and dynamic auditory experience, reminiscent of traditional mechanical keyboards, which some users find satisfying. On the other hand, details about the HMX Macchiato's sound profile are currently unknown, but its design is crafted for users who enjoy a bright auditory experience. It's important to remember that the overall sound can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, which means that even if the Macchiato has a different inherent sound profile, pairing it with the right components could lead to complimenting characteristics similar to the Ink Yellow.
In terms of feel, the Ink Yellow linear switch strikes a balance between mildness and polished smoothness. It offers a gentle typing experience that doesn’t overwhelm the user while also providing that refined touch that makes extended typing sessions comfortable. The finish minimizes friction, which enhances the overall smoothness of the key travel. In contrast, the feel characteristics of the HMX Macchiato are currently unknown. However, given that it targets those who appreciate a silky smooth typing experience, it's likely that the Macchiato would provide a similarly enjoyable tactile sensation, albeit potentially different in its overall execution.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and HMX Macchiato linear switches seem to cater to users looking for a refined typing experience with their distinct audio and tactile qualities. The Ink Yellow excels with its clacky and neutral sound, combined with a mild yet polished feel, making it an all-around switch suitable for various environments. While the specifics of the Macchiato's sound and feel remain unclear, its design suggests an intent to deliver a smooth and pleasing experience as well. Depending on personal preferences, either switch could be a great addition to a mechanical keyboard setup, offering satisfactory results in distinct yet complementary ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, your personal preferences and typing habits are key factors to consider. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a bottom-out force of 67 grams, which allows for a typing experience that balances the feel of a laptop and a traditional mechanical keyboard, the Ink Yellow is your best bet. Its unique combination of smoothness and a clacky sound profile makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more vibrant auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, if you're looking for something lighter and prioritize a silky smooth experience with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, the Macchiato is the way to go. Designed for those who seek a quieter yet enjoyable typing sound, the Macchiato excels in providing a polished feel that minimizes friction. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style, whether you lean towards a more tactile and resonant experience like that of the Ink Yellow or seek the gentle touch and refined sound profile of the Macchiato.
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