HMX Macchiato vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Macchiato and the Cherry MX Silent Red stand out as top contenders, each catering to distinct typing preferences. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and a bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy an expressive typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red maintains the characteristics of its predecessor, the traditional MX Red, but it introduces a muted sound profile that caters to users in noise-sensitive environments while still delivering a satisfying heft and tactile feedback. While the Macchiato offers an engaging acoustic aspect alongside its smooth operation, the Silent Red prioritizes discretion without sacrificing the pleasure of typing. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Cherry MX Silent Red switches share a significant similarity, as both utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings. This common choice in material contributes to a distinctly fuller and deeper sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics allows it to absorb sound waves more effectively, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory feedback. Therefore, users of either switch can expect a comparable acoustical experience characterized by a satisfying sound signature, which is particularly appealing to those who prioritize a quieter typing environment.
In addition to their acoustic benefits, the nylon materials in both the HMX Macchiato and Cherry MX Silent Red contribute to overall durability and performance stability. The robust characteristics of nylon provide resistance to wear and tear over time, ensuring that the switches maintain their tactile and auditory qualities despite prolonged use. Since both switches feature nylon for their complete housing design, they share this advantage, allowing users to enjoy longevity in their keyboard investment without significant deterioration in sound or feel.
While the Macchiato and Silent Red switches both capitalize on the same nylon housing materials, the individual nuances in feel and sound predominantly depend on their internal mechanisms and characteristics. For instance, the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and tactile feel during a keypress, while the top housing influences the initial sound when the key is released. Even though the materials are identical, the overall experience may differ based on how these factors interplay in each specific switch design, ultimately shaping the user's tactile and auditory feedback in unique ways.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch to the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, the actuation forces reveal a subtle difference in typing experience. The Macchiato switch has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it the lighter option, while the Cherry MX Silent Red requires a slightly stronger 45 grams to actuate, appealing more to those who prefer a firmer feel. In terms of bottom out force, the Macchiato switch reaches a bottom out force of 50 grams, which means it provides a tactile response when fully pressed, enhancing the typing experience for some users. Conversely, the bottom out force for the MX Silent Red is not specified, leaving a gap in this comparison. Overall, users who favor lighter switches may find the Macchiato more suitable for extended use, whereas those who appreciate a heftier feel may lean towards the Silent Red.
Travel distance
The HMX Macchiato linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference means that the Macchiato offers a more traditional and deeper key press experience, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more tactile and deliberate typing feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red, with its shorter travel distance, caters more towards users who demand quicker response times, such as gamers who benefit from the swifter actuation. Ultimately, the Macchiato switch is the longer option, while the Silent Red provides a shorter actuation distance that can enhance speed but may feel abrupt for some users.
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 Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 sound profile of the HMX Macchiato switch is characterized by a bright tone that adds a lively dimension to your typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch offers a significantly-muted sound, designed specifically for quieter operation. While the Macchiato is likely to produce a more pronounced "thock" or "thud" sound when actuated, the Silent Red keeps noises to a minimum, providing a low-pitched and more subdued acoustic output. This makes the Silent Red particularly suited for noise-sensitive environments, while the Macchiato appeals to those who appreciate a fuller sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Macchiato switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness, allowing for effortless keypresses, which creates a pleasant typing experience. By contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red is noted for its textured feedback, introducing some friction that may or may not appeal to all users. This texture can enhance the tactile sensations during typing but might not provide the same level of smoothness that the Macchiato offers. As a result, while both switches aim for a satisfying feel, they cater to different preferences—one leaning towards a seamless experience and the other offering a more textured sensation.
Overall, the HMX Macchiato and Cherry MX Silent Red switches present divergent qualities that cater to different user tastes. The Macchiato shines with its bright sound and silky smoothness, perfect for those who favor an articulate auditory feedback coupled with a luxurious feel. On the other hand, the Silent Red excels in environments where quietness is paramount, providing a muted yet satisfying typing experience with a textured touch. Each switch delivers its own unique charms, making the choice between them largely dependent on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a silky smooth typing experience paired with a brighter sound profile, the Macchiato switch—with its lighter bottom-out force—might be your ideal choice, especially if you appreciate a bit of auditory feedback while typing. This switch is perfect for those who want a lively sound while maintaining ease of actuation. On the other hand, if you work in a noise-sensitive setting, the Cherry MX Silent Red is the better option. It provides a satisfying typing experience without the clicky noise, allowing you to work quietly without drawing attention. The Silent Red’s slightly heftier feel can also offer a more substantial feedback for those who prefer a little resistance while typing. Therefore, choose the Macchiato for an engaging and expressive experience and opt for the Silent Red for a more subdued and professional typing atmosphere.
Mentioned in this article
