HMX Macchiato vs. Outemu Green

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Green represent two distinct philosophies in design and user experience. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is celebrated for its smooth actuation and bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for typists who favor a fluid and seamless typing experience without the distraction of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Green is a clicky switch, appealing to those who enjoy the satisfying auditory and tactile feedback that comes with each keystroke, ideal for gamers and writers who thrive on confirmation with every press. While the Macchiato caters to lovers of minimalism and noise reduction, the Outemu Green attracts users who find motivation in the distinctive clicky sound. 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 Green Clicky

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Green switches, there are notable differences that significantly affect the overall acoustics and feel during typing. The Macchiato features a nylon top housing, a traditional material known for its ability to absorb sound more effectively due to its softer composition. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that creates a rounder auditory experience when keys are actuated. In contrast, the Outemu Green utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a stiffer plastic that generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The inherent properties of polycarbonate lead to a more resonant sound profile, making it particularly suited for enthusiasts who prefer brighter acoustic feedback. This comparison highlights how the choice of top housing material directly influences the sound characteristics of each respective switch.

Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which bridges a similarity between the two. The nylon in the bottom housing contributes similarly to the typing experience across both switches by imparting a fuller sound profile. The commonality in the bottom housing means that regardless of the differences in the top materials, users will experience a consistent, deeper sound whenever a key is bottomed out. This shared trait effectively balances the overall typing experience, as both the HMX Macchiato and Outemu Green create a harmonious acoustic foundation despite their contrasting top materials. As a result, the richness of sound provided by the nylon bottom helps in achieving a satisfying tactile feel with both switches.

In summary, while the Macchiato and Green switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, both incorporate nylon for the bottom casing, leading to a level of acoustic and tactile similarity. The nylon contributes a deeper tonal quality during key presses, which counterbalances the sharper sound that the polycarbonate top of the Outemu Green produces. When typing, users will experience a nuanced contrast, with the Macchiato providing a more subdued sound while the Green delivers a more elevated auditory feedback, showcasing how differences in housing materials can create diverse user experiences while maintaining some underlying consistency through the use of nylon in the bottom housing.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Macchiato features a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Green is significantly heavier, with an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, which caters to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience and a decisive tactile feedback. Consequently, the Macchiato is better suited for prolonged use, while the Green might appeal to typists looking for a firmer push feel. Thus, if you prefer lighter switches for a more effortless typing experience, the HMX Macchiato would be the recommended choice.

Travel distance

Both the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that pressing down on either switch will provide the same feel in terms of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, users can expect similar performance and feedback when activating keys equipped with either switch. This equal travel distance allows typists and gamers alike to experience consistent key pressing dynamics across both options.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Macchiato linear switch is renowned for its bright sound profile, which lends itself to a pleasant auditory experience during typing sessions. This clarity can make typing feel more engaging and satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Green clicky switch does not have a specific sound profile described, but typically clicky switches are known for their distinct auditory feedback, which can be quite loud and satisfying for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound when they type. However, due to the important influence of other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, the overall sound experience may vary significantly for both switches.

When examining the feel of these switches, the HMX Macchiato is recognized for its silky smooth typing experience, allowing for fluid keystrokes without any resistance. This makes it particularly appealing for longer typing sessions where comfort is paramount. In contrast, the Outemu Green, being a clicky switch, generally offers a tactile bump along with an audible click at the actuation point. This tactile feedback is often preferred by typists who enjoy a more interactive feel when pressing the keys, although this can create a different typing experience compared to the smoothness of the Macchiato.

In conclusion, the HMX Macchiato linear switch offers a smooth, bright auditory and tactile experience, making it ideal for those who prioritize a seamless and pleasant typing session. The Outemu Green clicky switch, while lacking specific descriptive attributes, typically provides a more tactile and audible typing experience. Depending on individual preferences—whether one favors smoothness or tactile feedback—both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, and your selection can ultimately shape your mechanical keyboard use.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch fundamentally comes down to your typing preferences and the typing environment you find yourself in. If you favor a light touch with a smooth keypress that allows for quick, effortless typing, the Macchiato is an excellent option for you. Its 50-gram actuation force is perfect for long typing sessions, minimizing finger fatigue, while its bright sound profile offers a satisfying auditory feedback without being overly intrusive. This makes it ideal for office settings or shared spaces where quieter operations are appreciated. Conversely, if you enjoy a tactile and pronounced feedback with each keystroke, the Outemu Green clicky switch should be your go-to choice. With a heavier 80-gram actuation force, it provides a more deliberate typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a robust feel and a definitive click that can enhance typing accuracy, especially in environments where sound is less of a concern. Ultimately, your decision should align with your comfort, the typing style you prefer, and the overall context in which you'll be using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Macchiato Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Green Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more