HMX Macchiato vs. Outemu Milk Blue

Overview

When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is a linear switch renowned for delivering a silky smooth typing experience accompanied by a bright sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a quiet, uninterrupted keystroke without tactile bumps. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue is a clicky switch that offers distinct tactile feedback and an audibly satisfying click with each key press, catering to typists who enjoy a more pronounced interaction with their keyboard. While the Macchiato appeals to those seeking a streamlined and serene typing environment, the Milk Blue appeals to users who thrive on engagement and auditory cues as they type. 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 Milk Blue Clicky

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Milk Blue switches exhibit notable distinctions, particularly in their top housings. The HMX Macchiato features a nylon top housing, renowned for its capacity to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is largely attributed to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound waves and results in a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, a material celebrated for imparting a sharper and crisper sound. Due to its stiffer nature, polycarbonate creates a sound profile that is both clear and resonant, allowing for a more pronounced auditory feedback when keys are released.

On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a shared characteristic when it comes to the sound and feel of typing. The nylon materials in both the Macchiato and Milk Blue create a substantial sound absorption quality, fostering a deeper and rounder auditory experience when the keys bottom out. In this context, despite the variance in top housing materials, the use of nylon at the bottom ensures that users will still experience a cohesive typing sensation marked by a smooth feel. This commonality emphasizes that while the branding and sound profiles might differ, the underlying tactile experience remains consistent between both switches.

Overall, if one were to assess the typing experience of both switches, the differences in the top housing materials will likely dominate the perceived sound profile. The Macchiato's nylon top will enrich the auditory output with a fullness that nullifies high frequencies, while the Milk Blue's polycarbonate will elevate the sound into brighter territories. However, during typing, the familiar dampened sound from the nylon bottom in both switches will soften the impact of their acoustic differentiation, providing a balanced experience where the user can appreciate both the nuanced tonalities and the tactile engagement fostered by their shared nylon base.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation forces. The Macchiato features an actuation force of 42 grams, making it a lighter option, ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Milk Blue has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. The bottom out force, however, is 50 grams for the Macchiato, indicating that it has a defined force when pressed all the way down. The Milk Blue's bottom out force is unknown, which leaves it difficult to fully compare in that regard. Overall, if you prioritize a lighter touch, the Macchiato stands out, while the Milk Blue might attract users who appreciate a heavier, more tactile press.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is the same, measuring 4 mm for both. This means that when pressing either switch, users will experience an identical distance from the top to the bottom. Consequently, this similarity ensures that both switches yield comparable results in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness, making them equally suitable for users who prioritize travel distance in their keyboard preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Macchiato linear switch is characterized by a bright sound profile, enhancing the auditory feedback during typing. This makes it more appealing for users who enjoy a lively acoustic experience while still maintaining a smooth operation. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch does not have specific sound attributes detailed, but clicky switches, in general, are known for their distinct tactile "click" sound upon actuation, providing clear auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. Both sound profiles are subject to variations based on the keyboard design and choice of keycaps, but the Macchiato offers a more consistent bright tone.

In terms of feel, the HMX Macchiato is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience, appealing to those who value fluid key presses without any bump or resistance. This makes it an excellent choice for both fast typists and those who prioritize a comfortable typing experience over tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue is a clicky switch by design, which typically means it has a pronounced tactical bump with each keystroke. This sensation can provide a satisfying feedback loop for users who prefer to feel the actuation point and enjoy a more interactive typing sensation. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Macchiato for a seamless experience and the Milk Blue for an engaging tactile response.

In summary, the HMX Macchiato linear switch excels with its bright sound and silky smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize smooth operation and auditory enjoyment. The Outemu Milk Blue offers a distinct clicky sound with a tactile bump, appealing to users who enjoy a more interactive typing experience. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on personal preference, with the Macchiato catering to a smoother typing experience while the Milk Blue provides the nostalgic feel of a classic clicky switch.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, your choice should largely depend on your personal typing preferences and the kind of experience you want from your keyboard. If you favor a smooth, seamless typing experience with a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, the Macchiato is your best bet. Its silky-smooth feel and bright sound profile make it ideal for long typing sessions and a serene working environment. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and a more pronounced auditory response, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch might be the one for you, especially if you're looking for that satisfying click sound with every keystroke. While exact specifications for the Milk Blue's bottom-out force are unspecified, the clicky design generally provides a more notable tactile sensation that some users find highly rewarding. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you—smoothness and a quieter operation versus tactile feedback and sound—as this will guide you in selecting the switch that enhances your typing experience the most.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Macchiato Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more