HMX Macchiato vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Macchiato and the KTT Purple Click offer two distinctly different experiences tailored to varied preferences. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is ideal for typists who value a silky smooth keystroke and a bright sound profile, making it a great choice for those who seek a seamless and quiet typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click—often referred to as Purple Sauce—features a satisfying high-pitched click that adds an invigorating auditory feedback to each keystroke. With a light touch and a pronounced yet not overwhelming tactile response, it strikes a balance that many typists find appealing. While the Macchiato is perfect for a fluid and discreet typing session, the Purple Click caters to those who enjoy a more engaging and resonant interaction with their keyboard. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Macchiato and the KTT Purple Click represent two distinct approaches to housing materials in keyboard switches, particularly when examining the materials used for their top housings. The Macchiato features a nylon top housing, which is known to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This characteristic enables the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click opts for a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Consequently, the different materials introduce a divergence in sound qualities that can significantly affect the typing experience: while the Macchiato offers a more muted feedback, the Purple Click delivers a clearer acoustic response.
When you look at the bottom housings of both switches, there’s a notable similarity that influences their overall sound profile. Both the Macchiato and the Purple Click employ nylon for their bottom housings. As is the case with the top housing, nylon provides a deeper sound due to its sound-absorbing properties. This means that despite the variance in the top housing materials, the bottom housing of both switches will contribute similarly to the typing experience, accentuating the deeper and fuller sounds. Thus, while their top housings render distinct auditory characteristics, the uniformity in the bottom housing establishes a common ground, offering users a mixed auditory output that balances the qualities of each material.
Understanding the interplay between the two different top housing materials and the common bottom housing helps to shape the overall typing experience for both switches. When users press down on the keys, they are likely to feel the softer qualities of the nylon bottom housing from both switches. However, this sensation will combine with the characteristics of the top housing: the Macchiato’s nylon will promote a rounded sound profile, while the Purple Click’s polycarbonate will introduce a crisper sound at the release of the key. As a result, the end-user experience will vary significantly based on the top housing material, despite a cohesive foundation established by the nylon bottom housing in both switches.
Weight
The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offer interesting contrasts in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Macchiato switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In comparison, the Purple Click features a slightly lower actuation force of 40 grams but a higher bottom out force of 55 grams. This indicates that while the Purple Click allows for an easier initial press, it requires more effort to bottom out than the Macchiato. Consequently, the Macchiato would be preferred by users seeking a smoother and lighter typing experience for extended sessions, while the Purple Click's heavier bottom out force may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback. Overall, though both switches are on the lighter side, the Macchiato is the lighter choice due to its lower bottom out force.
Travel distance
The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that the distance each switch travels from the top to the bottom is identical. As a result, users can expect similar results in terms of the feel and depth of actuation when pressing down on either switch. This equivalency in travel distance suggests that both switches will offer a comparable typing experience in terms of the key press, despite the difference in their switch types—linear versus clicky.
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 Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 sound profile of the HMX Macchiato linear switch is characterized by a bright, resonant quality, designed to enhance the auditory experience of typing without the disruptive clatter associated with clicky switches. This creates a smoother sound environment that can be particularly pleasing in quieter settings, allowing for a more focused typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch excels in providing a distinctly crunchy and high-pitched sound, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, which adds a satisfying auditory feedback to each keystroke. The resonant quality of the Purple Click complements its clicky nature, producing a sharp and clean sound that can be both invigorating and enjoyable, especially in a setting where the tactile feedback is as important as the sound itself.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Macchiato offers a silky smooth typing experience that emphasizes fluidity with each keystroke, catering to users who prioritize an uninterrupted flow in their typing sessions. This makes it an excellent choice for prolonged typing tasks, as the experience is soft and seamless. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch provides an invigorating sensation characterized by pronounced feedback. The moderate to firm actuation force coupled with a stepped tactile response allows users to experience clear tactile differentiation during typing, striking a balance that keeps the experience engaging without overwhelming the fingers.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles. The HMX Macchiato linear switch is tailored for those seeking a smooth and quiet experience, while the KTT Purple Click switch is ideal for users who appreciate a more tactile and audible feedback from their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on whether one values the subtlety of sound and feel or the satisfying click and tactile response in their keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended usage. If you seek a typing experience characterized by a silky smooth feel and a light touch, the Macchiato is the way to go. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort and fluidity are paramount. This switch shines particularly in quiet environments, providing a bright sound profile that is less intrusive, making it suitable for office settings or shared workspaces. Conversely, if you thrive on auditory feedback and enjoy a pronounced tactile experience while typing, the KTT Purple Click is your best choice. Its slightly firmer 55-gram actuation offers a satisfying click that invigorates your keystrokes, perfect for both gaming and typing tasks where responsiveness is key. The crunchy and resonant sound profile enhances the overall experience, creating an immersive atmosphere that many tactile typists cherish. Ultimately, you should choose based on whether you prioritize a smooth, quiet experience or a more engaging, clicky feedback for your mechanical keyboard.
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