HMX Macchiato vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches tailored for a smooth typing experience, the HMX Macchiato and KTT Mint stand out as two compelling options, each appealing to different preferences among users. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is renowned for its silky smoothness and bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the KTT Mint offers a more satisfyingly smooth linear experience, characterized by its long pole stem that delivers a poppy thockiness combined with a light, fleeting touch. While both switches are linear and promote fluid keystrokes, the Macchiato leans towards a brighter acoustic profile, whereas the Mint is celebrated for its polished, low-pitched feedback. Understanding the distinctions between these switches can significantly influence your typing experience; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Macchiato and the KTT Mint, a significant distinction arises in the top housing. The Macchiato features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer texture, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This quality lends itself to a rounded auditory experience that many users appreciate for its warmth. In contrast, the KTT Mint employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its rigidity and translucency. This material is adept at producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, resulting in a more vibrant and crisper auditory response. As such, while both switches utilize different materials for the upper housing, they each bring their unique sound characteristics to the typing experience.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both the Macchiato and Mint switches shares a commonality in the use of nylon. This similarity means that regardless of the contrasting materials used in their tops, the typing experience on both switches will have a consistent base in terms of sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, which enhances the overall performance of both switches. This unified bottom housing helps create a more cohesive auditory experience, enabling users to enjoy a satisfying actuation regardless of the top housing's distinct qualities.
Ultimately, the interplay of the top and bottom housings defines the overall typing experience for each switch. The nylon bottom housing serves as the foundation for both switches, providing a consistent sound characteristic that balances the differences introduced by the top materials. Therefore, while the HMX Macchiato delivers a warmer sound profile from its nylon top, the KTT Mint offers an audible clarity from polycarbonate, both benefiting from nylon's contributions below. Thus, users can expect a blend of auditory experiences with each switch, illustrative of their distinctive top materials while remaining grounded by their shared nylon bottom housings.
Weight
The HMX Macchiato and KTT Mint linear switches present a subtle contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in typing feel. The Macchiato features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In comparison, the Mint requires a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, positioning it in the medium-light category. While both switches provide a smooth keystroke experience, the Macchiato's lower actuation and bottom out forces suggest it may be more suitable for users looking for a lighter feel, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, the KTT Mint offers a bit more resistance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while both switches could achieve similar results in terms of responsiveness, the Macchiato is recommended for those who prioritize lightness, while the Mint caters to individuals seeking a slightly heavier touch.
Travel distance
The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that they have identical distances from the top of the switch to the bottom when pressed. This similarity ensures that users will experience a comparable key feel and engagement point with both switches, resulting in similar performance during typing or gaming. Since their travel distances match, users looking for either switch can expect a consistent performance regarding key actuation depth and travel, making either choice equally suitable based on personal preference for other switch characteristics.
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 KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 per 10 switches.
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 linear switch is known for its bright audio profile, which likely contributes to a crisp and engaging experience while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch features a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow in comparison. This produces a neutral tone that provides a balanced auditory experience. The Macchiato's brighter tone may offer an invigorating feedback that some users appreciate, while the Mint’s sound profile is calming and versatile, making it suitable for various environments, particularly if you're working in quieter spaces.
In terms of feel, the HMX Macchiato switch is designed for a silky smooth typing experience, allowing for fluid keystrokes that make long typing sessions comfortable. This characteristic enhances the overall enjoyment of using the keyboard. Conversely, the KTT Mint switch is characterized by a mild and polished feel. The mild aspect ensures a gentle typing experience that is accessible to a wider range of users, while the polished quality reduces friction, offering a refined touch and smooth travel. Both switches promise a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, though they cater to slightly different preferences when it comes to tactile sensation.
In conclusion, both the HMX Macchiato and the KTT Mint linear switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, but they each embody distinct auditory and tactile qualities. The Macchiato's bright sound adds an energetic dimension, while the Mint's low-pitched neutrality creates a calming atmosphere. On the feel front, both switches promise smoothness, but the Macchiato focuses on a silky touch, whereas the Mint provides a mild yet polished typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a more vibrant sound and tactile sensation or a calm and refined experience while typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a silky smooth typing experience with a bright sound profile, the Macchiato is an excellent choice, especially for those who enjoy a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams. This switch can enhance a more relaxed typing experience and is likely to appeal to users who enjoy a crisp, energetic sound when typing. On the other hand, if you are looking for a slightly firmer typing feel with a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, the KTT Mint offers a satisfying poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem. The Mint's low-pitched sound and polished feel might serve you better if you value a balanced typing experience that is gentle yet refined, making it suitable for extensive use at home or in the office. Ultimately, consider your comfort, typing style, and acoustic preferences to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.
Mentioned in this article
