HMX Macchiato vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Macchiato and Gateron Mountain Top both offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, delivers a silky smooth typing experience accompanied by a bright sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback during use. In contrast, Gateron's Mountain Top switches are specifically designed for office environments, prioritizing discretion with a subtle sound signature that allows for quiet typing without sacrificing a light actuation force. While the Macchiato excels in providing an engaging and vibrant sound experience, the Mountain Top stands out for its unobtrusive nature, perfect for continuous typing in professional settings. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Macchiato and the Gateron Mountain Top both feature nylon as their housing material for both the top and bottom components. This commonality means that, in both cases, users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing. The use of nylon, known for being a softer plastic, allows these switches to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively absorbing sound waves and reducing noise. As a result, both switches produce a more muted and rounded auditory feedback, catering to users who prefer a quieter typing experience that minimizes sharp sounds.
While the specific designs and engineering of the Macchiato and Mountain Top switches may differ, their identical use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings means that their acoustic properties remain consistent. When pressing these switches, users can expect that the sound produced upon bottoming out and releasing keys will have that distinctive rounded character stemming from the nylon composition. Thus, although the overall design might lead to variations in tactile feedback or actuation force, the fundamental sound quality remains largely similar due to the material characteristics.
In any case where the top and bottom housings are different, the distinct attributes each housing brings will influence the overall typing experience in a nuanced manner. However, since both the HMX Macchiato and Gateron Mountain Top utilize nylon in both sections, users can confidently predict a cohesive sound profile across their typing experiences. The synergy in the materials ensures that users will enjoy a consistently deeper sound and smoother auditory transition, making both switches attractive options for those prioritizing acoustic performance with tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces that cater to typists and gamers looking for a gentle touch. The Macchiato features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Mountain Top is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams, yet shares the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that users of both switches will experience a similar bottoming out sensation, as the bottom out forces are equal. However, the Mountain Top is the lighter option overall, making it potentially more suitable for prolonged use without fatigue, while the Macchiato provides a slightly firmer actuation. Ultimately, both switches cater to users who prefer lighter forces, making them both ideal choices for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, the Macchiato stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Mountain Top offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference in distance means that users of the Macchiato will experience a deeper key press, which some may prefer for a more substantial tactile feedback. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top caters to gamers and those seeking quicker actuation times, which can enhance performance in fast-paced scenarios. Therefore, if you prioritize rapid responsiveness, the Mountain Top might be the better choice, whereas the Macchiato could be favored by those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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
The HMX Macchiato switch is lauded for its bright sound profile, offering a lively auditory experience that enhances typing sessions. This brightness can add a certain charm to the typing sound, making it appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is engineered for discretion, featuring a neutral sound that is moderate and unobtrusive, tailored specifically for professional environments where noise levels must be subdued. This balance means that while the Macchiato can create a more vibrant sound, the Mountain Top maintains a quieter presence, making both switches cater to different auditory preferences and use cases.
In terms of feel, the Macchiato provides a silky smooth typing experience that likely delivers a pleasant tactile sensation with every keystroke. This luxurious feel can make typing an enjoyable affair, ideal for those who appreciate soft and fluid movements. Conversely, the Mountain Top switches are characterized by their bouncy, easy-to-press nature. They encourage a responsive feel, which can make typing both effortless and comfortable, particularly during long writing sessions. With their mild resistance and snappy feedback, these switches offer a gentle yet lively typing character, appealing to users looking for an inviting and responsive feel.
When considering both the HMX Macchiato and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switches, it becomes clear that they cater to different desires in the mechanical keyboard world. The Macchiato excels with its bright sound and silky smoothness, ideal for those who prioritize an engaging typing atmosphere. In contrast, the Mountain Top provides an office-friendly quiet experience, combining easy actuation with a bouncy responsiveness. While they differ in several qualities, both switches ultimately aim to enhance the typing experience, each in their unique way, ensuring that regardless of your choice, you'll be enjoying a distinct typist's delight.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the HMX Macchiato and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switches will largely depend on your typing needs and environment. If you value a silky smooth typing experience paired with a bright sound profile, the HMX Macchiato might be the better fit for you. It’s designed for those who appreciate a tactile yet fluid sensation while typing, making it great for personal use, especially if you enjoy a lively auditory feedback during your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you work in an office or shared space where discretion is key, the Gateron Mountain Top switches come into play. Their bouncy feel coupled with a mild sound profile allows for an unobtrusive typing experience, making them suitable for long hours of work without disturbing your colleagues. With both switches featuring a light bottom-out force of 50 grams, your decision will really hinge on whether you prefer a more vibrant and expressive typing experience or a subtle and professional approach. In the end, consider how and where you'll be using your keyboard to best match it to your chosen switch.
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