HMX Macchiato vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect linear mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Macchiato and KTT Pine both offer unique qualities catered to different typing preferences. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and bright, clacky sound profile, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a lively auditory feedback while typing. It is characterized by a bouncy and feathery touch, promoting an engaging experience that echoes each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Pine presents itself with a medium-heavy resistance and a buttery smooth action thanks to its polished, factory-lubed finish. This switch is designed to deliver effortless key travel, producing a low-pitched, creamy sound that appeals to those who favor a more subdued auditory experience. While the Macchiato offers an exhilarating typing experience with its bright clacks, the Pine prioritizes an understated, smooth touch that minimizes friction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Macchiato and the KTT Pine differ significantly in their housing materials, which produce contrasting acoustic profiles. The Macchiato features a nylon top and bottom housing, a material known for its softer texture that absorbs sound. This characteristic not only contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile but also leads to a rounder tonal quality when typing. In contrast, the KTT Pine utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is a stiffer material that inherently produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This divergence between nylon and polycarbonate not only influences the tactile experience of each switch but also affects the overall auditory feedback during typing.
When considering the aesthetic aspects, the differences remain evident. The nylon housings of the Macchiato are opaque and do not offer the clarity needed for RGB lighting effects, which can limit visual customization. In comparison, the KTT Pine’s polycarbonate housings are clear and allow light to pass through, enhancing the visual appeal and integration of RGB lighting. This results in a more modern and vibrant appearance for the Pine, making it especially attractive to gamers and users who prioritize visual aesthetics alongside performance. Therefore, the choice of housing material not only defines the sound profile but also the overall look of the keyboard.
Despite their differences, both switches can yield satisfying performance depending on user preference. If you align your expectations to the qualities brought by each material, it's possible to achieve an enjoyable typing experience with either option. The Macchiato's softer nylon may prove to be more comfortable for those who favor a gentle keypress with a muted auditory response, while the Pine's sharper polycarbonate can deliver a more energetic typing experience with distinct acoustic feedback. Ultimately, the sound and feel of each switch can be tailored to personal preference through the deliberate choice of housing materials, showcasing the versatility in keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Macchiato and KTT Pine linear switches, we see a clear distinction between the two. The Macchiato switch boasts an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option that can be more comfortable for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming marathons. In contrast, the KTT Pine requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, positioning it in a medium range of resistance. This heavier feedback may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Overall, while both switches provide a responsive typing experience, the Macchiato is the lighter of the two, catering to those who prefer less force for frequent typing, whereas the Pine offers a firmer feel for users who favor a stronger push.
Travel distance
The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this specific aspect. This means that when pressed, users will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom of each switch, resulting in a similar feel and responsiveness when typing or gaming. Consequently, whether one opts for the Macchiato or the Pine, they can expect a consistent tactile experience due to the identical 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 KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Macchiato linear switch offers a clacky sound profile, characterized by a crisp, bright, and percussive tone that catches the ear with its sharpness. This can create an engaging auditory experience, especially for those who enjoy a lively keyboard atmosphere. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch delivers a bassy sound that is deeper and richer, with low-pitched qualities that provide a mellow tone. This difference in auditory characteristics means that while the Macchiato tends to accentuate higher frequencies for a sharp pop, the Pine offers a more subdued and rounded auditory experience, reminiscent of deep bass notes. Keep in mind that the overall sound will also be affected by factors like the keyboard chassis and keycap material.
Regarding feel, the HMX Macchiato switch is designed for a silky smooth experience, making it exceptionally easy to press and release keys. The bouncy nature provides a lively feedback sensation, enhancing the typing experience with a spring-like rebound. Additionally, its feathery touch ensures minimal finger fatigue, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch emphasizes a buttery smooth feel that is equally effortless. Its creamy texture contributes to a seamless keystroke experience, allowing fingers to glide gracefully over the keys. While both switches promote smooth typing, the Macchiato leans more toward a lively and responsive feel, whereas the Pine focuses on a consistent and luxurious typing experience.
In summary, the HMX Macchiato and KTT Pine linear switches each provide unique auditory and tactile experiences, catering to different user preferences. The Macchiato’s clacky, crisp sound and lively, silky feel contrast with the Pine’s deeper, bassier sound and buttery smooth typing comfort. Depending on your preferred typing experience, both switches will excel in providing smoothness, but the choice between bright versus deep sounds and lively versus creamy feedback will ultimately guide your decision. Each switch is tailored for specific qualities, so determine which qualities resonate more with your typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, your individual preferences and typing habits should guide your decision. If you prioritize a light actuation force and enjoy a clackier, brighter sound profile, the Macchiato switch may be the ideal choice for you. Its silky and bouncy feel provides a playful typing experience, making it especially suitable for extended periods of typing or gaming, especially if you prefer a switch that minimizes finger fatigue. Conversely, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a deeper and more bassy sound that offers a buttery smooth feel, the KTT Pine will likely fit your needs better. The Pine's polished, factory-lubed finish ensures a fluid typing experience that can be especially satisfying for those who value a rich tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean toward a lighter, more vibrant typing experience with the Macchiato or a heavier, more luxurious feel with the KTT Pine. Consider these characteristics based on your personal preferences and typing style to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
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