HMX Macchiato vs. Outemu Dustproof Black

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Dustproof Black both offer unique advantages that cater to different user preferences. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience, making it an excellent choice for typists and gamers alike who value responsiveness and a refined auditory feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black, while not particularly known for any standout features, provides a reliable and consistent feel that can be appealing for users looking for durability and ease of maintenance. Both switches fall under the category of linear switches, ensuring that users get a smooth keypress without tactile bumps or clicky sounds. With their distinct characteristics, one might lean towards the Macchiato for its premium feel and sound, while the Dustproof Black offers practicality and longevity. 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 Dustproof Black Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Dustproof Black switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which play a crucial role in shaping their sound profiles. The Macchiato utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for its softer composition. This characteristic allows it to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound that contributes to a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Dustproof Black features a polycarbonate top housing, which is much stiffer and designed to produce a clearer, more resonant sound. This heightened clarity and sharpness come from the inherent properties of polycarbonate, making the Dustproof Black more suited for those seeking a brighter sound signature in their typing experience.

Meanwhile, both the Macchiato and the Dustproof Black utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a convergence in their sound profiles at that level. The use of nylon, a soft plastic, in both switches leads to a deeper, rounded sound with notable sound absorption qualities. When typing, the sensation and sound of bottoming out are greatly influenced by this nylon material, hence both switches will exhibit a similar full-bodied auditory response when pressing keys down to the end. Regardless of the differences in their top housings, the nylon bottom housing ensures that users experience a consistently rich sound, offering a familiar tactile and acoustic feedback in both switches.

In summary, while the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Dustproof Black display contrasting top housing materials that contribute to their unique auditory profiles, they share a commonality in their nylon bottom housing. This alignment in bottom housing composition allows for a uniformly deeper sound experience when the keys are fully pressed down, providing a certain degree of consistency for users who may appreciate the nuanced differences in sound when releasing keys. Ultimately, depending on your preference for a sharp versus a muffled typing experience, each switch offers distinct feels and sounds without sacrificing certain aspects of performance due to their similar bottom housing material.

Weight

The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch differ significantly in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Macchiato features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Dustproof Black has a much heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a firmer press. This contrast indicates that while the Macchiato is ideal for extended use without fatigue, the Dustproof Black caters to users who favor a stronger tactile response. Consequently, if you're looking for a lighter switch that allows for easier and less tiring typing, the Macchiato would be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a heavier feel, the Dustproof Black would be more appropriate.

Travel distance

The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that they provide the same feel when pressed down, resulting in a similar typing experience. Since both switches have identical travel distances, users can expect comparable actuation and tactile feedback during use. This uniformity allows for a seamless transition between keyboards equipped with either switch, catering well to those who prioritize consistency in their typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Macchiato linear switch stands out for its bright sound profile, which enhances the overall auditory feedback while typing. This lively sound can provide a more engaging experience, especially for those who enjoy a bit of acoustic character in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch does not have a clearly defined sound profile noted in its design, which may suggest a more understated auditory experience. However, it's important to remember that the sound produced by any switch is also influenced by the keyboard it is housed in and the type of keycaps used, so users seeking a particular sound may still achieve a satisfying auditory experience with either switch.

In terms of feel, the HMX Macchiato is designed to deliver a silky smooth typing experience, making each keystroke feel effortless and enjoyable. This smoothness can significantly enhance typing speed and comfort, making it appealing for extended typing sessions. Conversely, there is no specific information available regarding the tactile or responsive quality of the Dustproof Black switch, leaving its feel somewhat ambiguous. This uncertainty could mean that the experience may vary, but users might find they still achieve satisfactory results depending on their personal preferences.

Overall, while the HMX Macchiato linear switch offers a distinct advantage in both sound and feel, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch remains undefined in some key aspects. If sound and typing feel are high priorities for you, the Macchiato will likely provide a more satisfying experience, but keep in mind that various external factors like the keyboard and keycaps used can elevate either switch's performance. If you are curious about trying the Dustproof Black, it may present a good opportunity to discover what qualities you personally prefer in a switch, even if they remain somewhat unknown.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch that allows for a more effortless typing experience with a smooth feel and bright sound, the HMX Macchiato would be an excellent choice. Its 50 grams of bottom-out force makes it particularly suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where speed and comfort are paramount. On the other hand, if you’re someone who appreciates a more substantial resistance and prefers a firmer feedback with a heavier 80-gram bottom-out force, the Outemu Dustproof Black may be the better option. While this switch doesn't standout in a particular characteristic, it provides a reliable typing experience with a certain heft that can enhance your precision, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more deliberate typing style. Ultimately, your choice should align with the typing experience you seek, whether it's the light and airy feel of the Macchiato or the sturdy, resilient feedback of the Dustproof Black.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Macchiato Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Dustproof Black Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more