HMX Macchiato vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, both the HMX Macchiato and Outemu Silent Yellow linear switches offer unique traits that cater to different user preferences. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is renowned for its silky smooth typing experience and a bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a tactile yet soft feel paired with an engaging auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow, while lacking specific standout features, delivers a quieter operation that appeals to those who prioritize discreetness in their typing environment, such as in shared spaces or during late-night work sessions. Both switches provide a linear response that circumvents the tactile bumps found in other switch types, but they cater to differing needs—one for audio enjoyment and the other for a more subdued experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
The housing materials of the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Silent Yellow keyboard switches present some intriguing contrasts while also exhibiting similarities that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Macchiato features a nylon top housing, known for its softer composition that produces a deeper and fuller sound. This results in a typing experience that is characterized by a duller and rounder auditory perception, owing to the material's ability to absorb sound effectively. In contrast, the Silent Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is notably stiffer and more transparent. This distinct characteristic leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, enhancing clarity and resonance. Visually, the polycarbonate housing benefits RGB enthusiasts with its translucency, further amplifying the aesthetic appeal of a keyboard bathed in colorful lighting.
On the bottom side, the Macchiato and the Silent Yellow share a commonality with both adopting nylon material for their respective bottom housings. This consistency confers the same deeper and fuller sound profile associated with nylon, as it contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Thus, regardless of the differences observed in their top housings, both switches maintain a cohesive auditory thread due to their nylon bottom structures. In this case, the characteristics of the bottom housing take precedence in the typing experience, affirming that even with contrasting materials in the upper part, the unified nylon foundation ensures a certain depth in sound across both switch types.
Overall, while the HMX Macchiato and Outemu Silent Yellow switches diverge in their top housing materials—nylon providing warmth versus polycarbonate offering brightness—both models harmonize through their nylon bottom housings. This shared material choice amplifies the similarities in sound dynamics during key actuation, thereby underscoring the importance of understanding how each housing contributes to the overarching typing experience. Thus, users can expect a blend of audio profiles drawing from the unique properties of the top materials, while a cohesive depth and fullness in sound are guaranteed thanks to the nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Macchiato, with an actuation force of 42 grams, is lighter than the Silent Yellow, which requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Macchiato more suited for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, minimizing fatigue. Additionally, the Macchiato's bottom out force is 50 grams, compared to the Silent Yellow's 60 grams. This indicates that the Macchiato provides a softer landing when the key is fully pressed down, contributing to a gentler overall typing experience, while the Silent Yellow offers a firmer response. Therefore, users seeking a more substantial feel in their typing may gravitate towards the heavier Silent Yellow switch, while those who favor a lighter touch and less resistance should consider the Macchiato.
Travel distance
The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning users can expect a similar keypress feel when using either switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, they will deliver a comparable typing experience in terms of how far the key travels from the top to the bottom. Consequently, switching between these two types will not affect overall feel or performance related to key travel distance.
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 Silent Yellow 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 linear switch is best known for its bright sound profile, which contributes to an engaging auditory experience while typing. This switch delivers a pleasant sound that enhances the sensation of each keystroke, making it a delightful choice for those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is designed for a quieter operation, emphasizing a noise-dampening feature that allows for a more discreet typing experience. As sound can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap material, it's essential to consider these elements when evaluating the overall noise profile of either switch.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Macchiato is renowned for offering a silky smooth typing experience, which makes it ideal for both typing and gaming. This characteristic allows for a seamless transition between keystrokes, minimizing any tactile interruptions. The Silent Yellow switch, while less characterized in terms of its feel, is generally expected to provide a linear experience that maintains a smooth action while effectively reducing noise.
In conclusion, while the HMX Macchiato offers a brighter sound and a notably smooth typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow focuses on a quieter operation with a linear feel. If you're looking for a vibrant auditory experience, the Macchiato is the way to go, whereas those needing a stealthier option with smooth keystrokes may prefer the Silent Yellow. Ultimately, both switch options can provide satisfying typing experiences, but your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound or quiet operation in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you lean towards a lighter touch and enjoy a distinctly smooth typing experience with a bright sound profile, the HMX Macchiato would likely be your go-to choice. It’s ideal for those who type fast and want to reduce fatigue during long typing sessions, thanks to its lower bottom-out force of 50 grams. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel and are looking for a switch that offers a more muted sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow would serve you better with its medium actuation force of 60 grams. This makes it a great option for environments where noise levels need to be kept down, such as shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style and noise preferences, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience tailored just for you.
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