HMX Macchiato vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Macchiato and Outemu Blue each cater to different preferences and typing styles. The HMX Macchiato, developed by YG Studio, is a linear switch celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience, making it ideal for gamers and typists who favor swift, uninterrupted keystrokes without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue is a clicky switch that provides audible feedback with each keystroke, appealing to those who enjoy a more traditional typing feel and want to experience a satisfying click that enhances their engagement with the keyboard. While the Macchiato's bright sound profile is designed for a quieter operation, perfect for shared workspaces, the tactile and audible characteristics of the Blue can help users feel more connected to their typing, adding a layer of joy to the process. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Blue key switches, a pronounced difference arises in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles during use. The Macchiato features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This softness allows the nylon to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a more muted and round auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Blue is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing that provides a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile, making the auditory feedback of key presses crisper and more pronounced. This fundamental difference in material choice results in contrasting sound characteristics, with the Macchiato appealing to users who prefer a softer acoustic ambiance, while the Blue leans towards a more overt and vibrant sound.
Interestingly, both the Macchiato and the Outemu Blue share a commonality in their choice of bottom housing material, as both utilize nylon. This similarity means that irrespective of the differences in their top housing, both switches deliver a deeper and fuller sound at the bottom out moment thanks to the nylon's effective sound absorption properties. Consequently, when pressing either of these switches down, the experience remains somewhat consistent, echoing the characteristics attributed to the nylon material. This might suggest that users who enjoy the bottoming out feel from the Macchiato may still appreciate the Blue's tactile feedback due to the shared nylon bottom housing.
In summary, while the top housing materials distinctively shape the sound profiles of the HMX Macchiato and Outemu Blue, their nylon bottoms create a unified auditory experience during the bottom-out phase. This duality allows users to find a balance in terms of acoustics and tactile responsiveness between the two switches. For those seeking a combination of softer sound absorption with a potential sharper top sound, using either switch could yield satisfactory results, making them both suitable options depending on personal preferences in sound and typing feel. The blend of nylon and polycarbonate effectively showcases how material selection dramatically influences the characteristics of mechanical key switches, allowing for a variety of user experiences in typing and deliberate key engagement.
Weight
The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch present different actuation and bottom out force characteristics that cater to varying user preferences. The Macchiato switch features a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who appreciate a softer typing experience, ideal for long work sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires a stronger push to register a keystroke, while the bottom out force remains unknown. This suggests that the Macchiato is the lighter option overall, providing less resistance during typing. Users who favor a firm and more tactile feel may prefer the Outemu Blue switch, but the lack of bottom out force data makes a complete comparison challenging. Therefore, while both switches have distinct characteristics, the Macchiato is designed for easier, prolonged use, whereas the Blue offers a sturdier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that the distance the keys travel from the top to the bottom is identical for both switches. As a result, users can expect a similar feel and feedback when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. This equal travel distance allows for a comparable typing experience, making both switches suitable for users who prioritize a balanced keystroke depth.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Macchiato linear switch is known for its bright sound profile, which offers a clean and pleasant auditory experience. This switch’s acoustics can be further enhanced or modified depending on the type of keyboard case and keycaps used, allowing for some customization to achieve the desired sound. In contrast, the Outemu Blue clicky switch produces a characteristic and pronounced click sound with every keystroke, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy audible feedback. The sharp auditory response creates a distinct rhythm while typing, making each action feel more decisive. Ultimately, while both switches deliver unique sound experiences, they cater to different preferences—those who prefer a quieter environment may lean towards the Macchiato, while those who enjoy distinct clicks will appreciate the Blue.
In terms of feel, the HMX Macchiato is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience, making each key press feel effortless and fluid. This is ideal for long typing sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue and promotes a comfortable feel throughout. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch features a tactile bump that provides clear feedback upon actuation. This tactile element is particularly satisfying for users who want to feel when a key has registered. The physical sensation of the click combined with the tactile bump can enhance typing precision and speed for some users, making it a preferred choice for gamers and fast typists alike. Therefore, while the Macchiato focuses on smoothness, the Blue offers a more textured and responsive feel.
In summary, the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch present distinct auditory and physical experiences tailored to varying preferences. The Macchiato’s bright sound and silky feel offer a refined typing experience that leans towards smoothness and quietness, whereas the Blue’s clicky sound and tactile feedback cater to those who thrive on audible acknowledgment and physical sensation. Your choice between these switches should ultimately align with your typing style and sound preferences, as they promise different but enjoyable user experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, your choice should reflect your personal typing style and preferences. If you value a smooth and effortless typing experience along with a relatively light actuation force of 50 grams, the Macchiato is your best bet. Its elegant design caters to those who enjoy a quieter and more subdued sound profile, making it ideal for environments like offices or shared spaces where noise can be a concern. On the other hand, if you appreciate the classic tactile feedback and satisfying click sound associated with mechanical keyboards, the Outemu Blue clicky switch is likely the better option for you. While specifics about its bottom-out force aren’t available, the Blue switches are traditionally known for providing robust auditory and tactile feedback, which can enhance your typing experience, especially if you enjoy the audible confirmation of each keypress and are less concerned about noise. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you seek a serene typing experience or a prominent, satisfying click that can energize your work or gaming sessions.
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