HMX Macchiato vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Macchiato and KTT Orange offer distinct yet appealing characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience and bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches stand out with their bouncy feel and frictionless operation, thanks to a 22mm long spring and a thoughtful design that combines a polycarbonate milky top housing with a vivid orange nylon bottom. Its low-pitched sound profile, coupled with exceptional factory-lubing, ensures a refined and smooth key travel, appealing to users who value stealth and subtlety in their typing. Ultimately, while both switches are linear and designed to provide a delightful typing experience, their unique characteristics cater to different user preferences. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Macchiato and the KTT Orange switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences due to their differing housing materials. The Macchiato employs a nylon top and bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The soft nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience that many typists appreciate for its warm character. In contrast, the KTT Orange utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer, more resonant nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity of the sound produced, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing.
The aesthetic qualities of the housings further differentiate these two switches, particularly regarding compatibility with RGB lighting. The KTT Orange's polycarbonate housing is translucent, allowing for vibrant lighting effects that can enhance the overall keyboard experience. This translucency makes it an appealing choice for modders and enthusiasts who often seek eye-catching configurations. Conversely, the Macchiato's nylon housings possess a more subdued aesthetic. While they can also support lighting, their solid color typically does not provide the same glow seen with polycarbonate. Hence, if styling and visual effects from lighting are a priority, the KTT Orange may offer a more fulfilling experience.
Both switches, despite their material differences, ultimately produce distinct sound profiles that are reflective of their construction. The nylon in the Macchiato's housings results in a richer tonal quality, primarily affecting the sound during key release, while the polycarbonate of the KTT Orange offers a brighter sound that prevails during both key presses and releases. If you were to combine housings of different materials in each switch, you would notice a blending effect; the nylon would soften the higher tones due to its sound absorption properties, while the polycarbonate would lend a clearer resonance to the overall sound profile. Thus, the individual characteristics of the materials significantly influence both the auditory experience and the overall design appeal of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force that cater to distinct typing preferences. The Macchiato features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a softer typing experience, which is ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the KTT Orange switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, positioning it as a medium-light option, which provides a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Thus, while the Macchiato is the lighter switch, the Orange offers a bit more resistance, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer push. Ultimately, users looking for a lighter switch for prolonged use will find the Macchiato more suitable, while those seeking a balance with a medium-light force may gravitate toward the KTT Orange.
Travel distance
The HMX Macchiato linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of 0.5 mm may seem minor, but it can significantly impact the feel and responsiveness of each switch when typing or gaming. The Macchiato, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial tactile response, which some users may find more satisfying and suitable for typing. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Orange switch caters to gamers seeking quicker response times, as less distance can facilitate faster key presses. Therefore, if you're looking for a traditional feel, the Macchiato is the better choice, while the Orange provides a more modern, responsive experience.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Macchiato switch is notable for its bright sound profile, which typically delivers a more pronounced and sharper acoustic response. This brightness can enhance the auditory feedback during typing, making each keystroke feel more impactful. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch has a low-pitched sound profile, characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This deep and subdued sound may provide an entirely different auditory experience, creating a quieter typing atmosphere that some users find satisfying. Since the overall sound of any switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, users considering either switch should take into account how these variables might interact.
In terms of feel, the HMX Macchiato is designed for a silky smooth typing experience, which suggests a seamless key travel without any noticeable bumps or resistance throughout the actuation. This smoothness can make extended typing sessions feel effortless and enjoyable. Conversely, the KTT Orange switches are described as bouncy and frictionless, offering a lively and elastic feedback sensation upon keypress. The added bounce gives the user a responsive feel, while the frictionless design enhances the fluidity of each keystroke, making it one of the smoothest experiences available. Both switches focus on delivering an enjoyable typing experience but with different nuances; the Macchiato emphasizes smoothness, whereas the Orange highlights bounce and fluidity.
In conclusion, if you're looking at either the HMX Macchiato or KTT Orange switches, you'll find distinct attributes worth considering. The Macchiato provides a bright sound and a silky smooth feel, perfect for those who enjoy an agile and lively typing experience. The KTT Orange, while offering a low-pitched sound, focuses on a bouncy and frictionless typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, providing quality options for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard scene.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Macchiato and the KTT Orange linear switches ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the experience you desire. If you lean towards a lighter typing feel and appreciate a silky smooth experience paired with a brighter sound profile, the HMX Macchiato would be a great choice for you. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for prolonged typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more substantial feel along with a bouncy and fluid typing experience, the KTT Orange switch would suit you well. With its 53-gram bottom-out force and excellent factory-lubing, you'll enjoy a low-pitched sound profile and an enjoyable rebound sensation with each keystroke. Therefore, if you prioritize an elastic feedback and a frictionless experience, the KTT Orange is the way to go. Ultimately, deciding between the two switches boils down to whether you value a lighter, smoother experience or a more tactile, energetic typing feel.
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