HMX Macchiato vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly alter your typing experience, and two intriguing options to consider are the HMX Macchiato and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade). The HMX Macchiato, designed by YG Studio, is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and bright sound profile, appealing to those who favor a fluid and bouncy typing experience that feels almost feather-light. Conversely, the Everglide Moyu Black switches are known for their pronounced tactile feedback, delivering a hyber-tactile sensation with a strong downstroke bump and an even sharper upstroke, garnering praise for their snappy and resonant acoustics. While the Macchiato is perfect for users seeking a seamless typing experience suitable for extended work sessions or gaming, the Moyu Black offers a more tactile-driven engagement for those who appreciate the sensation and sound of each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The HMX Macchiato and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) differ significantly in their housing materials, impacting their auditory and tactile experiences. The Macchiato features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is classically known for delivering a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, dampens sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This characteristic enhances the tactile feedback during typing, as the material absorbs vibrations effectively, making each keystroke feel more muted yet satisfying. Thus, users can expect a smooth and warm typing sound when interacting with the Macchiato.
Conversely, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) employs PBT for both its top and bottom housing, which leads to a different sound profile altogether. PBT is recognized for its neutrality—offering neither pronounced sharpness nor excessive dullness. As such, while the typing sound remains non-intrusive, it provides a more balanced auditory experience. The material’s enhanced durability contrasts with the softness of nylon, leading to a different feel when typing. While the sound may lack the fullness associated with the Macchiato, users may appreciate the slightly sharper feedback that results from PBT’s inherently firmer characteristics, culminating in an experience that is both stable and pleasantly predictable.
When considering the sound and feel derived from each housing material, it’s important to note how they harmonize differently depending on whether they are utilized for the top or bottom housing. The Macchiato’s nylon contributes to both the bottom-out sound and the auditory feedback when the key is released, providing a cohesive, warm sound. In contrast, the separation between PBT’s neutral top housing and its bottom housing results in distinct sound profiles based on keypress dynamics. Users looking for a richer auditory experience may favor the Macchiato's nylon, while those who prefer a more restrained yet clear feedback may gravitate towards the Moyu Black. Despite these differences, both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience by effectively channeling the respective qualities of their materials, catering to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varied typing preferences. The Macchiato features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, such as for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, thus providing a more substantial feel during use. This heavier configuration appeals to those who favor a stronger push for a more tactile feedback. Overall, the Macchiato switch offers a lighter and more forgiving typing experience, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is better suited for users who appreciate a firmer response and feel.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making their travel distances equal. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel and responsive feedback when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. Since the travel distance is the same, those who prefer one switch over the other will likely experience similar results in terms of keypress feedback and actuation depth. Thus, both switches provide a consistent typing experience, contributing to user satisfaction based on personal preference for linear versus tactile feedback.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 offers a clacky auditory profile, producing a crisp and bright sound that is sharp and percussive upon keypress. This brightness adds an engaging dimension to the typing experience, making each stroke feel lively and energetic. In contrast, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch delivers a resonant sound that is also clean and sharp, albeit with a focus on an immersive auditory experience. While both switches stand out for their unique sound signatures, the Macchiato leans towards a more percussive sound, whereas the Moyu Black provides a higher-pitched resonance, making them appealing to different auditory preferences.
In terms of feel, the HMX Macchiato excels with its silky and bouncy characteristics, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance. The combination of a feathery touch and lively rebound makes it comfortable for extended typing, making it an excellent choice for long sessions. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) presents a sharply accentuated tactile feedback, featuring distinct downstroke and upstroke bumps that create a hypertactile sensation. While the Moyu Black is characterized by its medium tactile intensity that delivers a strong feedback without being overwhelming, the Macchiato's bounce and light touch cater to users looking for a softer, more fluid typing experience.
Overall, both switches offer unique tactile and auditory experiences, appealing to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The HMX Macchiato is perfect for those who value a silky smooth, lively feel paired with a bright clacky sound, ideal for typing enjoyment, while the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) caters to users who appreciate sharp tactile feedback and a resonant auditory profile, creating a more pronounced sensation with each keystroke. Depending on the user's priorities, both switches can deliver satisfying outcomes, whether they seek a smooth or tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a lightweight, silky smooth experience with a clacky sound profile, and you anticipate lengthy typing sessions or gaming marathons, the Macchiato is likely your best option. Its 50-gram bottom-out force and feathery feel minimize finger fatigue, making it ideal for sustained use. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback with a heavier actuation force and a sharper, resonant sound, you should opt for the Moyu Black (Dark Jade). With a bottom-out force of 67 grams, its hypertactile sensation and crisp sound cater well to users who enjoy an impactful typing experience. Choose the Macchiato for that effortless, smooth glide, or the Moyu Black if you're drawn to a more tactile, engaging feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits and the sensations you find most satisfying.
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