HMX Macchiato vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Macchiato and Haimu Neo White linear switches present intriguing options that cater to specific typing preferences. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is celebrated for offering a silky smooth typing experience accompanied by a bright sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile yet unobtrusive click while typing. Conversely, the Haimu Neo White switches are characterized by their medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a distinctive typing feel that many users find comfortable for long sessions. The use of a unique Ly stem in the Neo White contributes to a remarkably smooth actuation with each keystroke, resulting in an overall satisfying typing experience. Both switches have their merits, whether you prioritize the bright sound and smoothness of the Macchiato or the balanced feel and actuation of the Neo White. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Macchiato and the Haimu Neo White present distinct contrasts in their top housing materials, influencing the overall sound profiles of the switches. The Macchiato utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for its softer composition that absorbs sound waves, resulting in a deeper and fuller audio experience when typing. This characteristic not only provides a quieter and less pronounced sound but also generates a warm tactile feedback during each keystroke. In contrast, the Neo White opts for polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, clearer sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows it to resonate more, producing a high-pitched and crisp audio that appeals to users seeking a more pronounced tactile response and auditory feedback.
When examining the bottom housing of both keyboards, we find a commonality that bridges the gap between their respective unique sound profiles. Both the Macchiato and Neo White feature nylon for their bottom housing, which means they share the same absorbing qualities that enhance typing comfort through a warm sound. This nylon base significantly influences the bottom-out feel and sound, creating a rounded audio experience upon keystrokes. Thus, while the top housing materials create inherently different acoustic signatures, the nylon bottom housing contributes a similar depth to both switches, allowing for a harmonious typing experience that balances the characteristics of each keyboard's design.
The combined effect of these materials leads to a nuanced typing experience that caters to different user preferences. The HMX Macchiato, with its nylon top, presents users with a softer tone, ideal for those who prefer less noise in their environment. Meanwhile, the Haimu Neo White, due to its polycarbonate top, caters to users who enjoy an auditory signal that is sharp and clear, which is particularly illuminated by RGB lighting due to the transparent nature of polycarbonate. Despite these differences, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both options retain a level of comfort and sound fullness that typists can appreciate, illustrating how varied materials can lead to diverse yet compatible outcomes in functionality and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, distinct differences emerge that may influence user preference. The Macchiato features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for those who prioritize ease of typing and longer use without fatigue. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White has an unknown actuation force but boasts a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, suggesting a firmer feel that may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback during keystrokes. Overall, the Macchiato is the lighter switch due to its specified actuation and bottom out forces, while the Neo White is the heavier option, particularly highlighted by its higher bottom out force. Users should consider these weight differences in relation to their typing style and comfort preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, we find that the Macchiato boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Neo White offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Macchiato switch provides a more pronounced keypress experience, appealing to those who favor a deeper feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Neo White's shorter travel distance might cater more to gamers and users who prioritize quick response times, as the reduced distance allows for faster actuation. Consequently, if you lean towards a switch that feels more abrupt and responsive, the Haimu Neo White would be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a more traditional and hearty typing experience, the HMX Macchiato would suit you more. Overall, the shorter Neo White switch offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the more responsive option in this comparison.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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 linear switch is celebrated for its bright sound profile, ideal for those who appreciate an engaging auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switch features a more neutral sound that strikes a balance between moderate actuation force and sound level, making it versatile for various environments, from home offices to casual gaming setups. While the Macchiato delivers a distinctive sound signature, the overall auditory experience can differ based on your specific keyboard and keycap choices.
When it comes to feel, the Macchiato is known for providing a silky smooth typing experience, which makes each keystroke feel effortless and fluid. The Haimu Neo White, on the other hand, offers a mild typing feel with a medium weight and slightly reduced travel, appealing to users who seek a gentle yet responsive typing experience. While both switches prioritize a smooth actuation, the Macchiato leans more towards providing a buttery experience, whereas the Neo White maintains a balanced, approachable feel that caters to a wider audience.
In conclusion, while the HMX Macchiato and Haimu Neo White switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both strive for a smooth typing experience. The Macchiato focuses on a brighter auditory profile and a silky smooth action, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound, while the Neo White provides a balanced, mild experience with a neutral sound that fits comfortably into diverse settings. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying results, catering to varying preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using them. If you value a light touch with a silky smooth typing experience and enjoy a brighter sound profile, the Macchiato is an excellent choice, particularly for casual typing and gaming sessions where speed is key and repetitive motions are comfortable. The 50-gram actuation force means less effort for prolonged typing, ideal for those who want to easily glide from one key to another without strain. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer touch with a unique yet neutral sound, the Haimu Neo White switch caters well to a broader audience. Its medium actuation force of 58 grams offers a balanced feel that is neither too heavy nor too light, making it versatile for various tasks, whether at home or in an office setting. The nuanced typing experience provided by its Ly stem may appeal to someone who appreciates a balance of smoothness and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the right choice depends on how you prioritize sound, feel, and actuation force in your keyboard experience.
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