HMX Macchiato vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two popular choices are the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Dustproof Purple, each catering to distinct preferences in typing feel and sound. The HMX Macchiato, a linear switch crafted by YG Studio, is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes and bright sound profile, making it an excellent option for gamers and typists who prioritize a seamless, responsive experience. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple is a tactile switch that offers noticeable feedback with each press, appealing to users who enjoy a tactile bump that signifies actuation without a loud click. While the Macchiato might attract those seeking a whisper-quiet environment for focused work or late-night gaming sessions, the Dustproof Purple can enhance typing accuracy for those who thrive on tactile sensations. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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 comparing the housing materials of the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Dustproof Purple, a clear distinction arises between their top housings. The Macchiato utilizes nylon for its top housing, which yields a deeper, fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted auditory experience with a duller and rounder quality. In contrast, the Dustproof Purple features a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper and crisper sound. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a more resonant and clear sound profile thanks to its rigid characteristics. This disparity in materials leads to significant differences in the auditory feedback when typing, with the Macchiato providing a softer sound while the Dustproof Purple offers a more defined acoustic experience.
On the other hand, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a consistent quality in terms of sound and feel during keypress. The nylon material enhances the deeper and more rounded sound profile characteristic of both switches when bottoming out. This similarity means that regardless of the top housing material, the experience during key presses will carry the signature depth and fullness associated with nylon. Since the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel at the moment a key is pressed down, users will find that both switches share common ground in this aspect despite their differing top housing materials.
The clash of housing materials between the HMX Macchiato and Outemu Dustproof Purple ultimately produces a unique typing experience influenced by both their physical compositions. While the nylon bottom housing standardizes the deeper sound when the switches are activated, the differing top housings create diverse auditory feedback upon release. As a result, users can expect a harmonious blend: the Macchiato's dampened sound combined with the Dustproof Purple's clarity, showcasing the duality of materials at play. By understanding how the interaction of these materials affects performance, users can make informed choices based on their preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, greatly affecting the user experience. The Macchiato features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, compared to the 55 grams of the Dustproof Purple, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions without fatigue. When it comes to bottom out force, the Macchiato again holds an advantage with 50 grams, whereas the Dustproof Purple reaches a heavier 65 grams. This difference suggests that while the Macchiato provides a softer feel throughout the typing experience, the Dustproof Purple offers a more substantial and tactile response, appealing to users who prefer a firmer keystroke. Overall, the Macchiato is the lighter option ideal for prolonged use, while the Dustproof Purple caters to those who favor a heavier and more pronounced actuation experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on the keys of both switches, as they travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. Therefore, if you're looking for a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel, either switch will provide the same results in that regard.
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 Dustproof Purple 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 a bright sound profile that offers a pleasing auditory experience, enhancing the overall enjoyment of typing. This brightness can lend a unique character to each keystroke, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced sound. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch does not have a specific sound profile described, which creates a gap in understanding how it might compare to the Macchiato in this regard. The sound produced by any switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard frame and keycap material, so individual experiences may vary based on these elements.
Regarding feel, the HMX Macchiato is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience, which ensures that each key press is effortless and satisfying. This smoothness can contribute to faster typing speeds and an overall more enjoyable experience for users who prefer a linear switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch lacks a detailed description of its feel, leaving an unknown factor for users who may want to compare it directly with the Macchiato. Generally, tactile switches tend to provide a distinct bump during actuation, which can lead to a different typing experience than the smoothness of a linear switch.
In conclusion, the HMX Macchiato linear switch stands out for its bright sound and silky smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who prioritize a pleasurable auditory and tactile experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch, while lacking specific details on both sound and feel, may still offer an engaging experience, particularly for users who prefer tactile feedback. Ultimately, individuals can expect to have similar results if they are looking for a linear typing experience, but the unique qualities of each switch will appeal differently to personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and needs. If you enjoy a light touch and are seeking a sleek, smooth typing experience paired with a bright sound profile, the Macchiato is the ideal choice for you. It's particularly well-suited for long typing sessions or for those who appreciate a keyboard that requires less effort to actuate, making it excellent for both gaming and everyday typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile response and don't mind a firmer keystroke, the Dustproof Purple switch offers a heavier bottom-out force that can provide a satisfying feedback with each key press. This switch might be better for gamers who benefit from tactile confirmation or for typists who find value in a more resistant feel. In essence, your decision should revolve around whether you prioritize a smooth, quiet typing experience or a more pronounced tactile sensation with each keystroke.
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