HMX Macchiato vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Cream 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 the Outemu Cream Blue stand out for their distinct characteristics. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is a linear switch celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience and bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a fluid feel and minimal resistance while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue is a clicky switch that delivers an audible and tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy the satisfying sound and pronounced response that accompanies each keystroke—perfect for typists who thrive on that classic mechanical feel and auditory confirmation. While both switches offer unique benefits suited to different preferences—smooth and quiet operation versus clicky and interactive feedback—there’s much more to consider when selecting the ideal switch for your needs. 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
65g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Cream Blue switches share a notable similarity in their housing materials, as both switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings. This shared composition leads to a consistent acoustic profile when typing, producing a deeper and fuller sound that many users appreciate. Since nylon is a softer plastic, it effectively absorbs sound, which results in a more muted and rounded auditory experience compared to switches made from harder plastics. The uniform use of nylon in both switches not only enhances the overall typing experience but also minimizes the potential for clacking sounds that are often associated with more rigid materials.
Despite the similarity in housing materials, the way these switches might feel during use can diverge based on their design nuances. If the top and bottom housings were different, each could contribute distinct characteristics to the overall performance of the switch. However, since both the Macchiato and Cream Blue switch employ nylon for both the top and bottom housings, users will experience a consistent feel when bottoming out and releasing keys. The bottom housing's nylon will influence the sound and feel upon bottoming out, while the top housing’s nylon will play a more significant role in the sound profile when releasing the key, but given that they both utilize nylon, the transition in sound should remain harmonious throughout the typing process.
Ultimately, the identification of nylon as a common housing material in both switches leads to a predictable and compatible typing experience. Each switch's ability to create a pleasing sound profile is deeply rooted in the material's intrinsic properties, such as flexibility and sound absorption. Consequently, users can expect similar results in terms of auditory feedback and tactile response between the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Cream Blue. This shared nylon composition ensures that both switches can deliver a satisfying and consistent typing experience, making either a solid choice for users seeking a reliable and acoustically pleasant keyboard setup.
Weight
The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different user preferences. The Macchiato's actuation force is 42 grams, making it lighter in feel, while the bottom out force is 50 grams. This lighter resistance can be beneficial for those who type for extended periods or engage in prolonged gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to activate each keystroke. In contrast, the Cream Blue switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience. This medium-heavy weight may appeal to users who prefer a firmer feedback when typing, giving a more traditional mechanical keyboard feel. Therefore, in comparing these two switches, the Macchiato is the lighter option, ideal for comfort during long use, while the Cream Blue caters to those desiring a stronger push.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, resulting in an identical feel when pressing down on their keys. This means that users can expect a similar experience in terms of key engagement and responsiveness, as both switches will require the same amount of pressure to register a key press. Consequently, if you're looking for consistency in travel distance for typing or gaming, either switch would provide comparable results.
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 Cream 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 characterized by its bright sound profile, which adds a pleasant auditory aspect to typing without being overly intrusive. This quality often appeals to users who enjoy a subtle yet engaging sound while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, while not as specifically defined in terms of its sound signature, is known for its distinctive clicky feedback. Clicky switches typically provide a satisfying "click" sound at actuation, which is favored by many typists who appreciate auditory cues with each keystroke. However, it’s important to note that the sound of both switches can be influenced by the keyboard they are used in and the keycaps chosen, meaning customizing your setup can yield varying acoustic results.
In terms of feel, the HMX Macchiato linear switch is celebrated for delivering a silky smooth typing experience, which allows for effortless key presses and reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This smooth actuation is a hallmark of linear switches and makes them ideal for users who prioritize speed and fluidity in their typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue offers a tactile bump that not only provides physical feedback but also adds to the overall sensory experience of typing. Clicky switches are designed to deliver a noticeable resistance and feedback at actuation, which helps typists to feel when their key presses register, creating a more interactive and engaging experience.
In conclusion, the HMX Macchiato and Outemu Cream Blue switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Macchiato excels in offering a smooth, quiet experience with a bright sound profile, the Cream Blue brings a satisfying click and tactile feedback that many find appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a quiet, smooth typing experience or a more pronounced, feedback-driven approach to your keystrokes. Regardless of your choice, customizing your keyboard with suitable keycaps and a compatible board will significantly influence the overall performance and enjoyment of either switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a lighter touch with a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Macchiato is likely the better option for you. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it easy to press, allowing for rapid typing without fatigue, which can be especially beneficial if you spend long hours working or gaming. The silky smooth feel and bright sound profile also enhance the overall typing experience, making it ideal for a serene and focused environment. Conversely, if you prefer a more tactile feedback system and a satisfying click sound that provides audible confirmation of your keystrokes, you'll probably enjoy the Cream Blue. With its heavier 65-gram bottom-out force, it is perfect for those who appreciate a firmer resistance and enjoy the mechanical sound that accompanies each press. This switch can be particularly appealing for typists who thrive on feedback to enhance their accuracy and productivity. Ultimately, by considering these qualities alongside your usage patterns, you can make a more informed decision that aligns with your sensory preferences and typing habits.
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