Gateron Jupiter Red vs. HMX Macchiato

Overview

When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, two popular linear options stand out: the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX Macchiato. The Jupiter Reds are celebrated for their smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes and a medium-heavy actuation, thanks to their single-stage spring design. Users often appreciate the high-precision molds that contribute to a polished feel, as well as the softer backlight effects that enhance aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, emphasizes a silky smooth typing experience paired with a bright sound profile, catering to those who value auditory feedback alongside tactile pleasure. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can influence your typing experience, whether you lean towards the Jupiter Red’s creamy and neutral feel or the Macchiato's engaging auditory cues. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

HMX Macchiato Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX Macchiato switches both feature switches built from distinct housing materials that significantly influence their auditory characteristics. The Jupiter Red employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This material enhances clarity and resonance, making it particularly effective for showcasing RGB lighting thanks to its translucent quality. In contrast, the Macchiato utilizes a nylon top housing, which imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile because of the material's softer texture. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder, more muted auditory experience.

While both switches possess nylon bottom housings, their top housing materials set them apart. The nylon bottom end of both the Jupiter Red and the Macchiato provides a cohesive foundation for sound, emphasizing a deeper, more substantial auditory presence when a key is pressed. This consistency in bottom housing contributes to a uniform tactile experience across both switches, allowing users to enjoy a round and satisfying bottom-out sound regardless of the upper housing choice. However, it is the differing top materials that bring diverse characteristics into play, affecting the tonal quality of the sound when keys are released.

Ultimately, while the Jupiter Red and Macchiato switches embrace different top housing materials—polycarbonate for a brighter profile and nylon for a fuller tone—they do converge in their bottom housing design. The similarities in their nylon bottom housings mean that both switches deliver a unified sound experience during the keypress action. When utilizing both switches in a keyboard, users can enjoy complementary auditory feedback: the sharper sound from the Jupiter Red when releasing a key and the deeper sensation from the Macchiato during key presses. Thus, the nuanced differences in top housing material create distinct sound profiles, while retaining a sense of cohesion in the bottom feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Jupiter Red features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Macchiato has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Macchiato more suitable for users seeking a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, reducing fatigue over time. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red's heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, while both switches allow for effective performance, the Jupiter Red provides a firmer response, whereas the Macchiato offers a gentler touch.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch both share the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning users will experience a consistent key feel when pressing down on either switch. This equal travel distance allows for similar tactile feedback and response during typing or gaming, ultimately resulting in a comparable experience for those who prefer linear switches. Since both switches travel the same distance from the top to the bottom, users can expect a uniform performance whether they opt for the Jupiter Red or the Macchiato.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Red offers a neutral profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement and sound level. This quality makes it an adaptable choice for various environments, whether you're typing quietly at home or need something reliable in an office setting. The key characteristics of the Jupiter Red make it suitable for both beginners and more experienced users. In contrast, the sound profile of the HMX Macchiato remains unspecified, so it's unclear how it compares in terms of volume or tonal quality. However, it's essential to consider that sound can also be influenced by your keyboard’s construction and the keycaps used, meaning that the end result may vary regardless of switch choice.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Jupiter Red excels with a polished, creamy, silky, and mild typing experience. The smoothness is attributed to high-quality materials and potentially factory lubrication, resulting in reduced friction during key presses and a sensation akin to gliding your fingers across the keys. Each keystroke feels refined and effortless, providing an enjoyable typing experience. Unfortunately, the feel characteristics of the HMX Macchiato linear switch are not detailed, leaving an uncertainty in how it compares in this regard. It is possible that the Macchiato could achieve a similarly smooth typing sensation, but without specific descriptors, we cannot make a direct comparison.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Red and HMX Macchiato linear switches emphasize a smooth typing experience, but the specific feel and sound qualities of the Macchiato are unknown. The Jupiter Red’s neutral sound profile makes it versatile for different settings, while its polished and creamy feel contributes to an enjoyable typing experience. While the Jupiter Red seems to offer a well-rounded performance across both sound and feel, the Macchiato's characteristics remain to be evaluated fully. If you're seeking a reliable switch with a known reputation, the Jupiter Red could be the better option, while the Macchiato would require further exploration to assess its overall qualities effectively.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX Macchiato linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use case. If you appreciate a medium-weight switch that offers a polished, creamy, and silky typing experience, the Jupiter Red is likely your best bet. Its 60-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying balance of resistance, making it ideal for both office environments and home use, especially if you prefer a neutral sound profile that won’t disturb those around you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter tactile feel, the Macchiato, with its 50-gram actuation force, can offer a softer typing experience. It’s an excellent choice for those who favor a bright sound profile and a more delicate touch. If you find yourself typing for long periods and prioritize comfort, the smoothness and lighter actuation force of the Macchiato could enhance your experience. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard, and whether you prefer a firmer or softer feel when making your choice.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

HMX Macchiato Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more