HMX Macchiato vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, two compelling linear switches stand out: the HMX Macchiato and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3). The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience and bright sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users who value both tactile comfort and acoustic clarity. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switches are designed to offer an exceptional yet budget-friendly typing experience, known for their buttery smooth keystrokes and low-pitched "thock" sound that many typists find satisfying. While the Macchiato excels in delivering a more pronounced sound and silky feel, the Milky Red Pro shines as a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing smoothness. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the HMX Macchiato and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) are notably similar, as both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This classic material choice in both switches results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's relatively softer composition. The ability of nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics contributes to the switches' muted tonal characteristics, yielding a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, both the Macchiato and the Milky Red Pro will deliver akin auditory experiences when typed upon, emphasizing the benefits of using nylon in keyboard switch design.
In addition to their shared sound output qualities, the similarities in housing material also extend to the tactile feedback experienced by users. With both switches featuring nylon top and bottom housings, the typing experience will be homogenized to a certain extent. Specifically, as users press down on either switch, the characteristics of the nylon bottom housing provide a consistent bottom-out feel. Meanwhile, the nylon top housing influences the acoustic resonance produced when a key is released, ensuring that both switch types evoke comparable sensations during use. This synthesis of materials underscores the cohesive performance achieved through the utilization of nylon.
However, if there were variations in the housing materials between the two switches, it would lead to distinct differences in the overall typing experience. The interplay between the top and bottom housings would potentially alter the acoustics, tactile feedback, and sound profile generated during use. In the case of the Macchiato and Milky Red Pro, the consistency across their nylon constructions helps users achieve a similarly satisfying key press, allowing for a uniform typing experience characterized by sound absorption and muted resonance, regardless of which switch is engaged.
Weight
The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer similar experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces while also highlighting some differences. The Macchiato features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option and ideal for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This distinction makes the Gateron switch feel more substantial when typing, catering to users who appreciate a stronger push feel. Overall, while both switches are relatively light, the Macchiato is lighter than the Milky Red Pro, providing a different experience for users depending on their personal preferences for typing and gaming.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, which means that they provide the same keypress experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This equivalence ensures that users will have similar results regarding key actuation and tactile feedback when using either switch. Since both switches have identical travel distances, users can expect a consistent feel and performance, making the choice between them more about other factors such as feel, sound, or brand preference rather than travel distance.
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 Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 HMX Macchiato switch is known for delivering a bright sound profile, which suits users who prefer a more vibrant auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a low-pitched, thocky sound that is characterized by its deeper resonant qualities. The bassy and thocky nature of the Milky Red Pro results in a satisfactory auditory feedback that has been described as rich and fulfilling. This difference in sound quality means that while both switches are pleasing in their own ways, users looking for that invigorating auditory response may lean towards the Macchiato, whereas those preferring a more muted, bass-driven sound will appreciate the Milky Red Pro.
When considering feel, the Macchiato is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience, drawing in users who value a seamless connection with their keystrokes. The Gateron Milky Red Pro, on the other hand, has been noted for its buttery feel, providing a fluid and effortless typing experience that allows each keystroke to feel almost weightless. Both switches offer an enjoyable tactile sensation, but the Macchiato leans slightly more towards a silky smoothness while the Milky Red Pro emphasizes a uniform and smooth keystroke, making both excellent choices for users seeking linear switches—albeit with different subjective feels.
In conclusion, the HMX Macchiato and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches are tailored for enthusiasts looking for different auditory and tactile experiences. The Macchiato excels with its bright sound and silky typing feel, appealing to those who prefer a lively auditory stimulation and smooth transition, while the Milky Red Pro offers a satisfying thocky sound and buttery keystrokes for a more mellow and rich typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide a high level of satisfaction in their respective qualities, ensuring that users can find a match that resonates with their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Macchiato and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switches, consider your personal typing style and sound preference. If you value a silky smooth typing experience paired with a bright sound profile, the HMX Macchiato is the better choice, especially with its lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer less resistance while typing. This switch is perfect for individuals who enjoy a more responsive feel and a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option that still delivers a smooth keystroke with a low-pitched, thocky sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) could be the way to go. Its slightly heavier bottom out force of 52 grams provides a bit more substance in each key press and the satisfying bassy sound profile offers a pleasant auditory feedback that many users find enjoyable. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a lighter, brighter, and smoother experience or seek a deeper, more resonant sound with a bit more tactile feedback.
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