HMX Macchiato vs. Outemu Silver

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Macchiato and Outemu Silver both offer their unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience and a bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a tactile and auditory delight during typing. On the other hand, while the Outemu Silver doesn't have a specific standout characteristic, its simplicity as a linear switch can attract gamers and typists who prefer a more straightforward, responsive feel without any tactile feedback. Both switches fall into the linear category, providing a smooth keypress with no tactile bump, yet they appeal to different aspects of user experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Macchiato Linear

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX Macchiato and Outemu Silver switches showcase contrasting materials in their top housings, influencing both sound profiles and tactile feedback during usage. The Macchiato incorporates a nylon top housing, characterized by its softer plastic composition, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. This softness allows the nylon material to absorb sound waves effectively, leading to a more subdued acoustic experience that many typists appreciate. In contrast, the Outemu Silver employs a polycarbonate top housing, a material known for its rigidity, producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. The higher-pitched sounds generated by polycarbonate make it ideal for users who prefer a more resonant auditory feedback, especially when enhanced by RGB lighting due to the material's translucency.

In terms of their bottom housings, both the Macchiato and Silver switches favor nylon, which enhances their performance similarity in this respect. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall typing experience by absorbing sound and creating that characteristic deeper acoustic profile that typists often find appealing. Consequently, while the top housings lead to different auditory feedback—one being warmer and the other clearer—the shared nylon material in the bottoms helps maintain a level of consistency in the tactile feel and sound depth when bottoming out the switches. This combination means that while the switches present distinct auditory experiences when keys are released, they will converge on sound quality during key presses.

Ultimately, the interaction between the varying materials of the top and bottom housings delineates the Macchiato and Silver switches as uniquely tailored instruments for different preferences while also providing a shared foundation. The bottom housings affect the bottom-out sound and feel, which remains uniformly dampened due to the nylon. Thus, even though users will feel differences based on the top materials, both switches can produce satisfying experiences due to the consistent qualities imparted by the nylon bottom housing. For those seeking a typing experience that balances a fuller sound without sacrificing brightness upon releasing keys, either switch could deliver satisfactory results depending on their sound profile preferences.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Macchiato features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Outemu Silver requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and has a significantly higher bottom out force of 65 grams. This makes the Macchiato more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel, particularly beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Silver’s stronger push feel caters to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while both switches serve distinct preferences, the Macchiato is clearly the lighter option, promoting easier key presses, whereas the Silver's medium-heavy forces lend themselves to a firmer tactile response.

Travel distance

The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, which means that when pressing down on the keys, users will experience the same distance of movement from the top to the bottom. This equality in travel distance suggests that users can expect a similar feel and responsiveness when using either switch, making them comparable options for those seeking a consistent typing experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, it can be concluded that they will provide similar results in terms of key actuation and feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Macchiato linear switch is recognized for its bright sound profile, which adds an engaging auditory element to the typing experience. This distinctive sound can create a more lively atmosphere while typing, setting it apart from many other linear switches that might be quieter. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch lacks a widely acknowledged sound character, making it less notable in this area. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound experience can be influenced by the keyboard's build, the materials used, and the keycaps selected, so users might find suitable combinations that enhance the sound profile of the Outemu Silver.

When considering the feel of each switch, the HMX Macchiato is lauded for providing a silky smooth typing experience, which can make long typing sessions more enjoyable and reduce finger fatigue. This smoothness often translates to a more fluid keypress, allowing for quicker and more responsive typing. In contrast, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have a well-defined feel characterized in the descriptions available. While it may still offer a satisfactory typing experience, the lack of detailed information may leave it feeling less refined compared to the Macchiato.

In summary, the HMX Macchiato linear switch stands out with its bright sound profile and silky smooth feel, making it ideal for users seeking a dynamic and pleasant typing experience. The Outemu Silver, while less defined in these qualities, still serves as an alternative for those who may prioritize different aspects in their keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches have unique attributes that can cater to various preferences, and the choice may depend on the specific typing experience one desires.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Silver linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you value a lighter bottom-out force paired with a luxurious feel and a bright auditory feedback, the HMX Macchiato is the ideal choice for you. It's particularly advantageous for long typing sessions, especially if you prioritize smoothness without requiring much force, making it suitable for general typing and gaming alike. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides more resistance with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Outemu Silver may be the better option. While it lacks the specific acclaim of the Macchiato, its sturdier feel may appeal to those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience, especially in fast-paced or competitive scenarios. In summary, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a smooth, light experience with the Macchiato or a firmer, potentially more stable feel with the Silver.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Macchiato Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more