Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options worth considering are the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Macchiato, both of which are linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3, produced by Haimu, is celebrated for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, delivering a distinct auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. Its unique light diffuser feature enhances RGB illumination, adding a vibrant flair to any keyboard setup, making it an appealing choice for gamers and aesthetic enthusiasts alike. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato, designed by YG Studio, is tailored for those who prioritize a silky smooth and quiet typing experience, without sacrificing a bright sound profile. This switch offers a subdued yet satisfying feedback that is ideal for extended typing sessions in quieter environments. Both switches provide a seamless typing experience, yet they cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. 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
48g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and HMX Macchiato differ fundamentally, which significantly influences the overall sound profile and tactile experience of each switch. The Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The rigidity of polycarbonate makes it adept at producing a clear and resonant sound profile, especially beneficial when the switch is used in setups with RGB lighting. Its translucency enhances the visual appeal, allowing for vivid lighting effects that pair well with the accentuated sound characteristics. This material choice creates a performance-oriented switch that emphasizes clarity and brightness in auditory feedback.
In contrast, the HMX Macchiato employs nylon for both its top and bottom housing. Nylon is renowned for its ability to absorb sound rather than amplify it, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile that many typists appreciate. The softer nature of nylon allows for a more muted auditory experience, leading to a distinct, rounder sound that some may find more comfortable during long typing sessions. While this difference in material and the auditory experience might seem significant, the Macchiato maintains a classic quality characteristic of traditional switch housings, offering a smooth typing experience while delivering a warmer sound signature.
Though the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and HMX Macchiato utilize different materials, some similarities in user experience can arise from the distinct qualities of their housings. Both the polycarbonate and nylon materials contribute to the overall tactile feel when typing, albeit in divergent manners. The Lightning Silver V3’s crisp sound profile can lend a sense of precision in typing, while the Macchiato offers a more comforting, less intrusive sound environment. Ultimately, while the results might differ in sound clarity and tonal quality, users can achieve satisfying performance from both switches, depending on personal preference for auditory feedback and typing feedback.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch present distinct actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option that offers a more pronounced tactile experience for users who appreciate a stronger push feel. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato linear switch is lighter, featuring an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter setup is ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly beneficial for long sessions at work or gaming. While both switches deliver their respective actuation and bottom out forces, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out as the heavier option, making it a more substantial choice for those who value a firmer keypress, whereas the Macchiato appeals to users seeking a more delicate touch.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Macchiato linear switch has a greater travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Lightning Silver V3 the shorter option, appealing to those who favor a snappier response during key presses, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quick actions. In contrast, the Macchiato’s longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying tactile feedback for users who prefer a deeper, more pronounced keystroke. Consequently, if you value speed and responsiveness, the Lightning Silver V3 would be the preferable choice, whereas the Macchiato would be better suited for individuals who enjoy a fuller typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 characteristics of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch are noteworthy, as they produce a clacky and high-pitched audio profile. This means that when you type, each keypress delivers a sharp and snappy sound, which is crisp and bright—ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback from their keyboard. The Macchiato switch, while focusing on a smooth typing experience, is noted for having a bright sound profile. Although specific descriptors for the Macchiato's sound are not provided, it can be inferred that it may not offer the same level of clackiness as the Lightning Silver V3 given its emphasis on brightness, suggesting a cleaner and possibly more subtle sound.
When it comes to feel, both switches provide a silky typing experience. The Lightning Silver V3 is explicitly described as silky, contributing to an exceptionally smooth keypress that minimizes resistance when fingers glide over the keys. This seamless motion is advantageous for both typists and gamers looking for fast and fluid actions. The Macchiato also promises a similarly silky experience, although no further details are given. Consequently, users can expect a comparable smoothness from both switches, making either a good choice for someone who prioritizes feel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and HMX Macchiato linear switches each cater to users who appreciate smoothness in their typing experience. While the Lightning Silver V3 stands out with its clacky and high-pitched sound, the Macchiato's sound profile remains undefined but leans towards brightness. Both switches offer a silky feel, ensuring that users will enjoy a seamless typing experience regardless of their choice. Ultimately, choosing between the two may come down to a preference for sound characteristics, as both seem poised to deliver an exceptional tactile sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Macchiato linear switches should hinge on your personal preferences for force, sound, and overall typing experience. If you prefer a slightly firmer feel and enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing or gaming, the Lightning Silver V3 is your best bet, especially with its clacky and high-pitched sound profile that adds excitement to your workspace. Additionally, the light diffuser feature enhances RGB effects, making it an excellent choice for setups that emphasize visual aesthetics. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter bottom-out force and prefer a more subdued environment with a smooth typing sensation, you’ll find the HMX Macchiato more suited to your needs. Its brighter sound profile and silky feel can provide you with a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, ideal for long hours of writing or coding without the distraction of a pronounced clicky sound. Ultimately, consider your typing style and environment as you make your decision between these two appealing switch options.
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