HMX Macchiato vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the smooth precision of the HMX Macchiato and the tactile feedback offered by the Outemu Brown. The HMX Macchiato, designed by YG Studio, is celebrated for providing a silky smooth typing experience coupled with a bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a noise-free yet satisfying keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Brown switch caters to those who enjoy tactile feedback without the loud click that some other switches provide—ideal for typists who want to feel each keypress while maintaining a hushed environment. Each switch brings its own unique benefits to the table; thus, understanding how they align with your typing preferences is essential. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials in the HMX Macchiato and Outemu Brown switches feature both similarities and notable differences that significantly influence their acoustic and tactile performance. The Macchiato's top housing is constructed from nylon, a material known for its softer and more sound-absorbing properties, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Brown incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness that produces a sharper and crisper sound. Therefore, while both switches promise a unique typing experience, the Macchiato’s nylon top sells a more muted auditory feedback that can be likened to a warm cuddle, whereas the polycarbonate top of the Brown provides a snappy, vibrant keystroke reminiscent of a clear bell ringing.
Interestingly, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which reinforces the pounding sound and feel experienced during key presses. Because the bottom housing has a more substantial influence on the bottom-out feel and sound of a keystroke, both switches will share that rich and rounded sound associated with nylon's properties when pressed down. This means that despite the contrasting top materials resulting in differing upper sound signatures, the shared nylon bottom ensures that when a user bottoms out on either switch, they will achieve a similar more profound auditory experience, which can be particularly pleasing for typists who appreciate a thocky sound.
Moreover, the design choices further enhance the user experience based on aesthetics and functionality. The translucency of the Outemu Brown’s polycarbonate top housing makes it particularly appealing for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as it enhances the luminosity and vibrancy of the colors displayed. However, the softer, muted qualities of the nylon of the Macchiato's top housing provide a unique appeal for those who prioritize audio dampening over visual effects. Thus, while the two switches can produce similar bottom-out sounds due to their nylon bottoms, the distinction in their top housings leads to unique, tailored experiences that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound profile, making each a worthy consideration based on individual user needs.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, there's a distinct difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Macchiato features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Brown switch requires a stronger actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which provides a heftier feel that some typists may appreciate for its substantiality. Thus, the Macchiato is better suited for users seeking a lighter switch, while the Brown caters to those who prefer a medium-heavy typing experience. Overall, these differences highlight the varying preferences among users when it comes to switch weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch both share the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that they provide an identical experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will experience a comparable keypress feel, leading to similar results in typing performance and comfort. Since both switches have the same distance, those who enjoy the characteristics of either switch can expect a uniform response when bottoming out the keys.
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 Brown 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
The HMX Macchiato linear switch is characterized by a bright sound profile that enhances the auditory experience while typing, creating an engaging atmosphere for users who appreciate the aural feedback of their keyboard. This switch is designed to deliver a typing experience that is both clear and crisp, making it appealing for those who enjoy a lively sound when they type. In contrast, the Outemu Brown tactile switch, while not specifically described in terms of its sound, typically produces a muted and subdued noise compared to linear switches due to its tactile nature, providing less auditory feedback during operation. It's worth noting, though, that sound can vary significantly based on the keyboard used and the type of keycaps, and in both cases, users can customize their setup to achieve their desired sonic quality.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Macchiato switch stands out, offering a silky smooth typing experience that many enthusiasts find satisfying. This smooth travel, combined with its linear nature, allows for uninterrupted keystrokes that feel consistent throughout the press. In contrast, the Outemu Brown tactile switch is recognized for its tactile bump, which provides a noticeable feedback at the actuation point, giving users a distinct physical sensation as they type. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction for some users, particularly those who enjoy the feeling of feedback from their keystrokes. While the feel of each switch caters to different preferences—smooth versus tactile—both can deliver a pleasurable typing experience.
In conclusion, the HMX Macchiato linear switch offers a bright sound and a silky smooth feel that delights users looking for a refined typing experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Brown tactile switch provides a subdued sound profile coupled with a tactile bump that appeals to users who prioritize feedback. Therefore, your choice between these two switches ultimately hinges on your preference for sound dynamics and tactile feedback; both can fulfill the role of a satisfying mechanical switch, but they do so in distinctly unique ways.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, your typing preferences and needs will play a significant role. If you prefer a lighter actuation and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Macchiato switch is your best bet. It boasts a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, making it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort and speed are paramount. Its bright sound profile also adds an enjoyable auditory element, perfect for those who revel in the sound of their typing. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and a more deliberate typing experience, the Outemu Brown switch with its 65 grams of medium-heavy force may suit you better. The tactile bump offers a satisfying confirmation with each keystroke, which many find enhances their typing precision. Additionally, if you're working in quieter environments and need a more subdued sound profile, the Brown switch will serve you well, providing a balance between auditory feedback and discretion. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences in feel, sound, and typing style, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard experience to your unique needs.
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