Jerrzi Orange vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Orange and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Jerrzi Orange and HMX Macchiato offer distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts seeking a unique typing experience. The Jerrzi Orange switches are celebrated for their lightweight construction and clacky feedback, engendering a lively and responsive feel with each keystroke—a great fit for those who enjoy a more vibrant and tactile approach to typing. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, caters to users who prioritize a silky smooth performance complemented by a bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for long typing sessions where comfort and fluidity are paramount. While the Orange excels in delivering an energetic experience, the Macchiato promises an elegant touch to each keystroke. 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
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Orange and the HMX Macchiato, one can observe both similarities and differences that significantly influence their acoustic performance. The Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, known for imparting a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This results in a crisper auditory experience, making it particularly appealing for users who appreciate clarity in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Macchiato utilizes a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon contributes to its ability to absorb sound more effectively, creating a rounder audio signature. Consequently, the choice of housing material fundamentally alters the character of the typing experience for each switch.
Both the Jerrzi Orange and the HMX Macchiato share a commonality in their bottom housing — both are constructed using nylon. This uniformity means that users will experience a similar depth in sound when bottoming out the switches, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and deliver a more muted auditory feedback. As a result, both switches provide a fuller, rounder sound characteristic at the point of full actuation. This aspect of their designs suggests that while the top housings influence the sound's distinctiveness during key release, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain an analogous auditory baseline when pressed down.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials lead to distinct typing experiences between the Jerrzi Orange and the HMX Macchiato. While the Orange’s polycarbonate top creates a brighter and more resonant sound when the keys are released, the Macchiato’s nylon top results in softer, warmer auditory feedback. However, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing provides a fascinating counterbalance, allowing both switches to deliver similar results in terms of sound depth and fullness during key presses. Therefore, each switch brings unique attributes that cater to varying preferences, making them appealing options for keyboard enthusiasts looking for diverse acoustic experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Orange is unknown. The Orange switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions, whereas the Macchiato requires a heavier actuation force of 42 grams, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. In terms of bottom out force, the Macchiato has a specified bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a definite tactile feedback when pressing down completely. Since the Orange's bottom out force is not provided, we cannot compare this aspect directly. However, the known actuation forces suggest that the Jerrzi Orange is the lighter option, ideal for users who prioritize a quicker response with less effort, while the HMX Macchiato offers a heftier, more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, we find a noticeable difference, with the Orange switch featuring a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Macchiato switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This distinction means that users who prefer a more responsive feel might gravitate towards the Orange switch due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker key presses—a trait favored by gamers. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial keypress and a deeper feel may find the Macchiato switch more to their liking, as its longer travel distance can provide a more pronounced typing experience. Thus, the choice between these two switches ultimately hinges on the user's preference for either speed and responsiveness or depth and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
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 Jerrzi Orange switch is known for its clacky quality, producing a sharp, snappy, and percussive sound with each keystroke. This makes it an ideal choice for users who enjoy a lively and engaging auditory experience while typing or gaming. The sound is crisp and bright, contributing to a more dynamic atmosphere. The Orange’s sound profile is complemented by a subdued aspect as well, ensuring that even while it is noticeable, it doesn’t overwhelm the auditory senses. On the other hand, the sound profile of the HMX Macchiato remains unknown, which leaves room for speculation on how it fits within the broader spectrum of linear switches.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Orange switch excels with its lightweight and feathery touch, requiring little exertion from the fingers, which greatly reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Its easy-to-press nature ensures that actuation feels effortless, allowing for a comfortable and responsive experience that can be beneficial for gamers, students, and professionals alike. Unfortunately, the feel of the HMX Macchiato switch is also unspecified, leaving a gap in direct comparison for this quality as well.
In summary, the Jerrzi Orange switch presents a vibrant auditory and tactile experience characterized by its clacky sound and lightweight feel. This makes it particularly appealing for those who favor a dynamic and engaging typing experience. However, without concrete information on the sound and feel of the HMX Macchiato switch, a clear comparison is challenging. If both switches maintain certain quality characteristics, users might expect a distinct but enjoyable typing experience, with the Orange catering to those leaning towards a lively sound and light touch.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer an engaging and lively typing experience, the Jerrzi Orange switches are an excellent fit. Their clacky nature and feathery feel make them ideal for those who enjoy audible feedback while typing, whether for gaming or extended writing sessions, as the lightweight design minimizes finger fatigue. Conversely, if you're leaning toward a more refined and smooth typing experience, the HMX Macchiato may be your go-to. With a relatively light bottom-out force of 50 grams, it combines silky smooth actuation with a bright sound profile, catering to users who appreciate a quieter yet still enjoyable keystroke without sacrificing feedback. Ultimately, consider whether you value the energetic feedback of the Jerrzi Orange or the silky smoothness of the HMX Macchiato to enhance your keyboard experience.
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