HMX Macchiato vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Macchiato and the Gateron Melodic represent two distinct philosophies in switch design. The HMX Macchiato, developed by YG Studio, is a linear switch celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience and bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted keystroke while maintaining a satisfying feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic reinvigorates the clicky switch category by combining timeless clicky feedback with modern advancements like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems. This results in a buttery, resonant experience that provides the classic tactile and auditory satisfaction many typists crave. If you're looking for an effortless, smooth typing experience, the Macchiato may be your go-to, whereas those who appreciate an invigorating and crisp sound might prefer the Melodic. 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
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Macchiato and the Gateron Melodic switches, the most notable distinction lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Macchiato features a nylon top housing, while the Melodic is crafted from polycarbonate. Nylon, known for its softer properties, results in a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound, leading to a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer composition, which contributes to a more resonant tone when typing. If someone prefers a quieter, more muted keystroke, the Macchiato with its nylon top may be the better choice, while the Melodic would appeal to those seeking a clearer and more pronounced sound.
The bottom housing of both switches, however, shares a commonality as they both utilize nylon material. This similarity suggests that the typing experience in terms of key bottoming out will be comparable in terms of sound and feel. Both switches will elicit that deeper and fuller sound profile upon bottoming out, reinforcing a consistent auditory feedback when the keys are pressed down. As such, users of either switch can expect a similar tactile response at the bottom, making both switches versatile for various typing styles despite their differences in the top housing.
Overall, the differing top housing materials of the HMX Macchiato and the Gateron Melodic create distinct sound profiles while their similar nylon bottom housings ensure that their bottoming out sensations align closely. Consequently, the overall typing experience is influenced by the interaction of the two housings, with the top housing primarily affecting the release sound and the bottom housing shaping the keystroke feedback. Thus, while the aesthetic and acoustic qualities differ, users can still enjoy a familiar, rich tactile experience on both switches thanks to the shared nylon in their bottoms.
Weight
The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch present a clear contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Macchiato features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who seek ease during extended typing sessions, such as in a work environment or for prolonged gaming. In comparison, the Gateron Melodic lacks a specified actuation force, which makes it difficult to assess its responsiveness; however, it does have a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight option. Consequently, the Melodic switch is heavier overall than the Macchiato switch. Users who prefer a lighter switch for comfort during long periods of use would gravitate toward the Macchiato, while those desiring a firmer feel might appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that the keypress feel is essentially the same when transitioning from the top to the bottom of each switch. This equality in travel distance ensures that typists and gamers will experience similar results in terms of key responsiveness and actuation depth across both switches. Thus, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other; instead, they provide a consistent key travel experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 HMX Macchiato switch offers a bright auditory profile that caters to those who enjoy a lively typing experience. However, the exact sound characteristics were not detailed, leaving some curiosity about its specific acoustic traits. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic switch stands out with its resonant and crunchy audio qualities. This switch delivers a higher-pitched, clean tone paired with a delightful crunch that resembles walking over crisp autumn leaves, making it an engaging auditory experience for clicky switch enthusiasts.
In terms of feel, the Macchiato switch is characterized by its silky smoothness that promises an effortless typing experience, though precise descriptions of its tactile sensations are not provided. Meanwhile, the Melodic switch offers a delightful contrast with its buttery keystroke, ensuring a fluid and seamless typing process. Additionally, it presents an invigorating tactile feedback that enhances the engagement with each stroke, characterized by a moderate to firm actuation force, making it snappy and responsive.
In summary, both the HMX Macchiato and Gateron Melodic switches cater to distinct preferences in the typing experience. While the Macchiato focuses on smoothness and a bright sound, the Melodic excels in delivering a resonant, crunchy auditory experience along with a buttery yet invigorating feel. Depending on your personal preferences—whether you prioritize a silky typing experience or a classic clicky feedback—both switches offer unique benefits that can lead to satisfaction in your mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a softer typing experience with a light bottom-out force of 50 grams, the Macchiato is an excellent choice. Its silky smooth action and bright sound profile make it perfect for prolonged typing sessions, particularly if you seek tranquility without the noise of clicking mechanisms. This switch is especially suitable for work environments or reading-focused tasks where you might prefer a less intrusive auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you enjoy the classic tactile and audible feedback that clicky switches offer, the Gateron Melodic is worth considering. With a firmer bottom-out force of 60 grams, it provides a satisfying "crunchy" and "resonant" sound that can enhance your typing experience, making it lively and engaging. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a more interactive feel and want their keystrokes to have a clear auditory signature, which can be particularly enjoyable for gaming or typing enthusiasts who thrive on the feedback of their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your desire for either smoothness and quietness with the Macchiato or the invigorating feedback of the Melodic.
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