HMX Macchiato vs. Cherry MX Orange

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options are the HMX Macchiato and the Cherry MX Orange. The HMX Macchiato, developed by YG Studio, offers a silky smooth typing experience complemented by a bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize both comfort and auditory feedback during their typing sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switches are a modern revival of the classic MX Orange, incorporating enhancements from the MX2A generation to cater to enthusiasts searching for a dependable and refined tactile feel. While both switches are linear, catering to those who prefer a smooth keypress without tactile bumps or clicks, their unique attributes cater to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches often comes down to personal preference in sound and feedback, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Macchiato Linear

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the HMX Macchiato and the Cherry MX Orange are identical, as both switches feature a nylon top and bottom housing. Nylon serves as a classic switch housing material, prized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This characteristic arises from nylon's relatively soft plastic qualities, which absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, both switches generate a distinctively duller and rounder sound. For users, this means that whether they opt for the HMX Macchiato or the Cherry MX Orange, they can expect a similarly gratifying auditory experience that is both warm and inviting.

Despite the similarity in materials, the sound profiles of the HMX Macchiato and Cherry MX Orange may feel nuanced differently based on individual preferences and the context of use. The nylon top housing predominantly influences the sound produced when releasing a key, while the bottom housing plays a more critical role in the sound and feel of the switch when bottoming out. Therefore, even though both switches utilize the same nylon composition, the user's tactile feedback will be shaped by the combined impact of both housing components. This means users may still perceive unique sensations according to their typing style and preferences.

In summary, both the HMX Macchiato and Cherry MX Orange share nylon as their common housing material, which leads to similar auditory and tactile results in typing performance. Since the nylon properties create a soft and sound-absorbing experience, both switches will offer a familiar sound profile and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to user preference regarding other switch characteristics, such as actuation force or key travel distance, but in terms of housing material alone, they deliver an equivalent typing experience due to their shared nylon composition.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch to the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in terms of actuation force. The Macchiato boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons due to the reduced strain on the fingers. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial tactile response while typing. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange is unknown, which leaves a gap in understanding its overall feel when bottomed out. Additionally, the Macchiato has a bottom out force of 50 grams, maintaining its light weight throughout the keystroke experience. Ultimately, if you favor a lighter feel, the Macchiato is the way to go, while those who appreciate a firmer push should consider the Cherry MX Orange.

Travel distance

The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that the distance they travel from the top to the bottom when pressed is identical. This congruence in travel distance suggests that users can expect similar actuation dynamics and feedback when using either switch. Consequently, whether typing or gaming, the experience in terms of key travel should feel consistent if one were to switch between the two. Overall, both switches provide the same travel distance, allowing for similar results in performance and feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Macchiato linear switch is recognized for its bright sound profile, which tends to provide a pleasant auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience. While the specific sound characteristics of the MX Orange switch are not detailed, it is important to note that sound perception is often influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used. Therefore, while the Macchiato's bright sound may be a distinguishing feature, the MX Orange might offer a more subdued or nuanced sound based on its design heritage, creating a potential for a different auditory experience altogether.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Macchiato is designed for a silky smooth typing experience, appealing to those who appreciate a seamless key press without any interruptions. In contrast, the MX Orange switches, being reissued from the original Cherry design, are likely to carry that same smoothness inherent to Cherry's quality control. Both switches could provide an excellent typing feel, making them equally suitable for extended typing sessions; the differentiation would largely revolve around personal preference, or how each switch reacts in conjunction with various keyboards and users' individual typing styles.

In conclusion, while the HMX Macchiato linear switch excels in offering a bright sound profile and a silky smooth feel, the MX Orange switches, rooted in a legacy of quality and craftsmanship, promise a similar smoothness with undetermined sound characteristics. Ultimately, both switches cater to different user preferences and experiences, and choosing between them may come down to individual acoustic tastes and tactile comfort rather than significant discrepancies in performance.

Conclusion

To conclude, when selecting between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, your personal preferences and typing style will guide your choice. If you value a light touch with a silky smooth feel and enjoy a brighter sound profile, the HMX Macchiato is likely the better option for you. Its 50-gram bottom-out force allows for quick key presses, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who benefit from a responsive switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more robust feel and appreciate the nostalgic touch of the MX Orange with its renowned heritage, you might find that this switch, although lacking in specific bottom-out force details, offers a satisfying tactile feedback that some users adore. Ultimately, choose the Macchiato for a lightweight, smooth typing experience or the MX Orange if you seek a balance of nostalgia and feedback in your keystrokes.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Macchiato Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more