HMX Macchiato vs. Outemu Black

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of different options, and two noteworthy linear switches are the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Black. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience and bright sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users who value both comfort and audible feedback while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Black is a more straightforward option, favored for its durability and consistent linear performance, which can be appealing for gamers seeking responsiveness in fast-paced situations. While both switches cater to those who prefer a linear feel, the Macchiato's premium sound and smooth actuation differentiate it from the more utilitarian approach of the Outemu Black. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Macchiato Linear

Outemu Black Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Black, the differences in their top housings are particularly striking. The Macchiato features a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture that absorbs sound and contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic is indicative of nylon's ability to produce a rounder tone, making it well-suited for users who appreciate a muted auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Black employs a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness and translucency. This material enhances the switch's acoustic properties, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that resonates more crisply. The choice of top housing significantly influences the perceived sound and feel of each switch, aligning nylon with a softer auditory presence and polycarbonate with a more vivid and bright one.

When we look at the bottom housings, a notable similarity emerges. Both the HMX Macchiato and Outemu Black utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which produces a consistent auditory experience characterized by deep tones. Since nylon effectively absorbs sound, users of both switches will notice a similar, cohesive bottom-out sound and feel. This shared nylon characteristic ensures that regardless of the differences above, both switches maintain a uniform touch response, allowing for smooth actuation and a comfortable typing experience. Therefore, the influence of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper and rounder sound profile for both switches, effectively bridging some of the gaps created by the divergent top materials.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch creates a unique typing dynamic, while simultaneously reflecting the users' preferences in sound and feel. The Macchiato's nylon top and bottom housing result in a mellow auditory profile, ideal for those desiring a softer typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Black, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, offers a vibrant auditory contrast that appeals to those who prefer clarity and resonance in their keystrokes. Despite some differences, the shared nylon bottom housing assures a consistent tactile response across both switches, making them viable options for diverse typing preferences while allowing users to explore distinct sound profiles based on their chosen top housing material.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, there is a significant difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Macchiato features a notably lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Consequently, if comfort during prolonged use is a priority, the Macchiato is the preferable choice, while the Outemu Black caters to users who appreciate a firmer push. Thus, the Macchiato is categorized as the lighter switch and the Outemu Black as the heavier one, providing distinct experiences based on users' preferences in actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

Both the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on either switch. Since both switches share the same travel measurement, they will provide comparable feedback and actuation characteristics, making them suitable for users who enjoy a consistent feel in their typing experience. With this uniform travel distance, those choosing between the two can feel assured of achieving similar results in terms of keypress depth and overall performance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Macchiato linear switch is known for its bright sound profile, which contributes to a lively auditory experience during typing. This quality makes it particularly appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback without the harshness typically associated with clicky switches. In contrast, the Outemu Black linear switch does not have a well-documented sound signature. However, linear switches generally tend to be quieter than tactile and clicky switches, suggesting that the Black might offer a more subdued sound experience, although specific acoustic qualities remain largely unknown.

Regarding the feel of the switches, the HMX Macchiato is celebrated for providing a silky smooth typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a continuous and frictionless keystroke, which can enhance both typing speed and comfort during extended use. On the other hand, the Outemu Black linear switch does not have a thoroughly characterized feel, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares to the Macchiato. Given that linear switches typically share similarities in feel, it's reasonable to expect that the Outemu Black may also provide a smooth typing experience, though specifics on this could vary.

In summary, while the HMX Macchiato linear switch distinctly offers a bright sound profile and a silky-smooth feel, the Outemu Black linear switch lacks detailed descriptions in both categories. If you're looking for a lively auditory experience complemented by a very smooth keystroke, the Macchiato stands out as the clear choice. However, if you prefer a quieter function and simpler performance, the Outemu Black may still suit your needs. Ultimately, both switches could deliver satisfying results in their respective contexts, especially considering that sound and feel can be further influenced by the keyboard build and keycaps you choose.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a smooth, tactile experience with a brighter sound profile, the HMX Macchiato is the way to go. Its bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it ideal for long typing sessions, especially if you find that heavier switches fatigue your fingers. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial feel and require greater resistance, the Outemu Black's heavier bottom-out force of 82 grams might be more suited to you. While it lacks the distinct characteristics of the Macchiato, its solid build can provide a satisfying typing experience for those who appreciate a firmer response. In essence, both switches have their merits: choose the Macchiato for a lighter, more pleasant auditory experience and consider the Outemu Black for a firmer sensation during use.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Macchiato Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Black Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more