HMX Macchiato vs. Outemu Silent Green

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Silent Green presents an interesting comparison. The HMX Macchiato, designed by YG Studio, shines with its silky smooth typing experience and bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy tactile feedback and an engaging auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green, also a linear switch, offers a more subdued response, promoting a quieter typing environment that may appeal to those who work in shared spaces or prefer a less disruptive sound while gaming. Both switches cater to a preference for linear action, but their unique characteristics can influence your overall typing experience significantly. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Macchiato Linear

Outemu Silent Green Linear

$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 Silent Green, a distinct difference becomes apparent in both the top and bottom housings. The Macchiato features nylon for both top and bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound. This characteristic of nylon allows for a more muted audio output, creating a softer typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Green utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is a stiffer material that adds clarity and sharpness to the sound, resulting in a higher-pitched and crisper auditory experience. This fundamental difference in materials significantly affects the overall sound profiles and tactile feedback produced by each switch.

The functional implications of these materials extend beyond just sound aesthetics. While the Macchiato's nylon construction promotes a rounded and less resonant feel, the Silent Green's polycarbonate design ensures a pronounced, pronounced impact when typing. If both switches were to be utilized in typing tests, the Macchiato would likely deliver a softer and more cushioned experience, which could be preferable for users who value tactile comfort over auditory feedback. Conversely, users who prioritize a more responsive and sharper sound when typing may find the Outemu Silent Green more appealing due to its rigid polycarbonate construction. Thus, the choice between these two switches would not only hinge on sound preference but also on the desired typing experience.

Despite the differences in material composition, both the Macchiato and Silent Green can produce similar outcomes in certain contexts. For instance, if RGB lighting is a critical factor, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Silent Green's housing makes it particularly effective for showcasing these lighting features. However, while the nylon in the Macchiato does not possess the same translucence, it still allows for a unique and satisfactory aesthetic that can appeal to users seeking a more subdued visual experience. If sound profiles were desired to incorporate elements from both switches, careful mixing and matching of their components could yield a combination that leverages the key benefits of both nylon and polycarbonate materials, creating a harmonious balance between deeper tones and sharper sounds.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces become apparent. The Macchiato features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, where less resistance can reduce fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for a pronounced typing experience. Consequently, while both switches have distinct characteristics, the Macchiato is the lighter option with lower resistance, ideal for those who favor a softer touch, whereas the Silent Green, with its heavier forces, caters to users who seek a stronger push during key presses.

Travel distance

Both the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equivalent in this regard. Since both switches feature the same travel distance, users can expect a similar feel and responsiveness when pressing down on the keys. This similarity ensures that the typing experience remains consistent between the two switches, making them suitable alternatives for those who prioritize uniformity in their keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Macchiato switch is known for its bright sound profile, which enhances the auditory feedback of each keystroke. This vibrant acoustic quality can be delightful for typists who enjoy a more pronounced sound as they type. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch does not have a specified sound profile available, making it difficult to draw specific comparisons. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the sound perception can vary widely based on the keyboard build and choice of keycaps, so while the Macchiato may offer a brighter tone, the Silent Green's sound characteristics remain somewhat of a mystery.

In terms of feel, the HMX Macchiato is celebrated for providing a silky smooth typing experience, appealing to users who seek a luxurious, uninterrupted keypress. This smoothness contributes to prolonged typing comfort, making it an excellent choice for heavy typists. Conversely, the characteristics of the Silent Green switch are not detailed, leaving the tactile feedback it offers largely unknown. What can be inferred is that if a user prefers the silky feel of the Macchiato, they may need to try different switches to find a comparable alternative in the Silent Green – but as it stands, there’s little to directly compare without further information.

In conclusion, while the HMX Macchiato switch offers the advantage of a bright sound profile and a silky smooth feel, the Outemu Silent Green switch lacks definitive descriptions in both sound and feel. This combination might make the Macchiato more appealing to those who value auditory feedback and smooth key action. For newcomers exploring mechanical keyboards, opting for the Macchiato may provide a more satisfying experience based on subjective qualities while the Silent Green remains an unknown quantity waiting to be explored further.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your typing preferences and environment. If you favor a light and smooth typing experience with a bright sound profile, the Macchiato switch, with its 50-gram bottom-out force, would be your ideal choice—great for creating a lively atmosphere and possibly even enhancing your tactile feedback during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel and are looking for a quieter operation, the Silent Green switch, at 60 grams, offers a more stabilizing resistance while being less intrusive in shared spaces, making it perfect for office environments where noise is a consideration. Thus, your specific needs—whether they lean towards a more responsive and vibrant experience or a subdued and quiet keystroke—should guide your final decision between these two excellent switches.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Macchiato Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Green Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more