HMX Macchiato vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Purple offer distinct characteristics that appeal to different preferences. The HMX Macchiato, designed by YG Studio, is renowned for its silky smooth keystrokes and bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a seamless and quiet typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Purple switch provides a tactile feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate, allowing for a more engaging and responsive feel with every keypress. While the Macchiato excels in delivering a fluid typing experience without the distraction of noise, the Purple switch stands out for those who enjoy the sensation of tactile bumps, enhancing accuracy and rhythm during use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 HMX Macchiato and Outemu Purple switches, distinctive differences arise from the choice of housing materials that contribute to their acoustic profiles. The HMX Macchiato utilizes a nylon top housing, which imparts a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's relatively softer structure that absorbs more sound. This results in a muted sound profile that many typists find pleasing for long typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Purple switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material choice encourages a clearer projection of each keystroke, which can be particularly appealing for typists who appreciate the sharp auditory feedback that polycarbonate provides.
However, both the HMX Macchiato and Outemu Purple switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which influences the tactile feel and bottom-out sound during typing. As nylon is a classic switch housing material, its softer construction allows for a deeper and fuller auditory feedback characteristic. Therefore, while the top housings diverge in material and sound contribution, the nylon bottom housings work harmoniously across both switches to unify the overall auditory experience. This shared aspect ensures that different profiles in sound and feel can coexist, with the bottom housing's soft material allowing for a rounded and satisfying keystroke.
When utilizing both switches, it's essential to recognize how the unique qualities of the top housing and the commonalities in the bottom housing affect the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing dampens any high-pitched sounds that the polycarbonate top housing might produce, blending them with the deeper tones provided by the nylon. Conversely, for users who prefer a more muted typing experience, the contrast between the two materials can still yield results that are complementary. Thus, one can achieve an interesting blend of auditory responses by leveraging the different dynamics produced by the housing materials, even amidst their differences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Macchiato linear switch with the Outemu Purple tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Macchiato features an actuation force of 42 grams, making it a lighter switch that may be preferable for those who type or game for extended periods, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Purple has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. While the Macchiato also has a bottom out force of 50 grams, the Outemu Purple’s bottom out force is unspecified, leaving that aspect of its press unmeasured. Overall, users looking for a lighter feel may gravitate toward the Macchiato, while those preferring a firmer tactile push might opt for the heavier Outemu Purple.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they have the same distance from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed down. This similarity indicates that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of distance traveled, which can contribute to a consistent feel across both switch types. As a result, whether one prefers the linear nature of the Macchiato or the tactile feedback of the Purple, the keypress depth will remain uniform, allowing for a blended experience in typing or gaming scenarios.
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 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
The HMX Macchiato switch is renowned for its bright sound profile, which contributes to an engaging typing experience. Users often appreciate the clarity and pleasant resonance of each keystroke, making it a joy for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Purple switch does not have a widely recognized sound signature, which may lead to a less defined auditory experience. However, it's essential to acknowledge that the sound of a switch can vary significantly based on the keyboard build, including the materials used and the type of keycaps, so results may differ in practice.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Macchiato switch stands out for its silky smoothness, providing a consistent and effortless key press from start to finish. This facilitates a more fluid typing experience that many users find appealing. Meanwhile, the Outemu Purple switch offers a tactile sensation that can be satisfying for those who enjoy feedback with each keypress. This tactile bump is designed to enhance typing accuracy, especially for those who prefer a more pronounced response compared to the Macchiato’s smooth operation.
In summary, while the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch each cater to different preferences in typing experience, both can deliver enjoyable outcomes depending on user taste. The Macchiato features a bright sound and smooth feel, ideal for those who seek a refined experience, whereas the Purple provides tactile feedback for a more traditional typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference regarding sound and typing sensation, making it important to evaluate what aspects matter most to you when selecting your mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and the experiences you seek. If you favor a light touch and a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with a bright sound profile, the HMX Macchiato is the ideal choice for you, especially if you type for extended periods or engage in gaming sessions where speed is crucial. Its 50-gram bottom out force makes it perfect for those who appreciate a softer feel, allowing for quicker actuation without unnecessary effort. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback with a pronounced bump at actuation, the Outemu Purple would suit your needs better, enhancing your typing experience with clear tactile responses that can help improve typing accuracy. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize smoothness and lightness or tactile feedback when engaging with your keyboard.
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