HMX Macchiato vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a pivotal role in determining the ideal choice for your typing experience. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is tailored for users who crave a silky smooth feel and a bright sound profile, making it an attractive option for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. In contrast, the SP-Star RedBlue switches offer a medium-light typing experience with a relatively low-pitched sound that’s neutral and polished, appealing to users who prefer a subtler approach to their keystrokes. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant acoustics of the Macchiato or the refined consistency of the RedBlue, each switch has its unique advantages. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Macchiato and the SP-Star RedBlue switches exhibit notable differences that contribute to their unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Macchiato utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, which enhances the depth and fullness of the sound produced when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound waves effectively, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory response. In contrast, the SP-Star RedBlue adopts polycarbonate for both housings, known for its rigidity and translucency. This material choice creates a sharper and more resonant sound, leading to a higher-pitched tonal quality that can give a more pronounced auditory feedback during use. Therefore, while both switches are designed for an engaging typing experience, the Macchiato leans towards warmth and fullness, whereas the RedBlue aims for clarity and brightness.
The aesthetic qualities of the housings also differ significantly, stemming from their material compositions. The polycarbonate housing of the SP-Star RedBlue is translucent, making it particularly well-suited for showcasing RGB lighting effects, enhancing visual appeal along with audio performance. Conversely, the nylon housing of the Macchiato lacks translucence, which might limit its ability to showcase RGB lighting effectively but contributes to a more subdued appearance. For users who appreciate the aesthetics of a switch in conjunction with lighting, the choice of the RedBlue may be more favorable due to its design attributes. However, for those who prioritize sound quality and a rounded typing experience, the Macchiato presents a more compelling option.
When considering how these materials affect the overall tactile and auditory experience, it becomes evident that the differences in material properties lead to unique outcomes. With the Macchiato’s nylon construction, both the top and bottom housing emphasize a muted, rounded sound, allowing for a uniform auditory character throughout keypress actions. In comparison, the RedBlue’s polycarbonate materials allow for each housing to distinctly articulate the sound profile: the top housing contributes clarity and crispening, while the bottom housing delivers a punchier feel. Therefore, while the switches are constructed from different materials that produce different experiences, the design philosophies behind each switch ensure distinct auditory results that align with the preferences of various users.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch to the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Macchiato features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the RedBlue's actuation force remains unspecified, but it has a bottom out force of 57 grams, indicating a medium-light feel. This suggests that the RedBlue may require a stronger push compared to the Macchiato, particularly when fully bottoming out, making it the heavier option overall. For users seeking a lighter switch, the Macchiato is the clear choice, as it also offers a lower bottom out force, contributing to a more responsive feel. If both switches had comparable actuation forces, they would yield similar typing experiences; however, the current specifications indicate a preference for the lighter HMX Macchiato for those favoring ease of use.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, which means that users will experience the same keypress depth when using either switch. This identical travel distance results in a similar feel when pressing down on the keys, providing a uniform tactile experience across both switches. Therefore, those who switch between the two will not notice any difference in how far the keys travel, ensuring consistent performance and responsiveness regardless of which switch is employed. Since both switches have the same travel distance, neither can be classified as shorter or longer.
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 SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 is known for its bright and melodic sound profile, enhancing the auditory experience of typing for those who appreciate a more airy tone. In contrast, the SP-Star RedBlue switches deliver a relatively low-pitched sound, characterized by a mellow and bass-heavy tone that leans towards a thocky auditory feedback. This enables a deeper and richer sound, akin to a soft knock when a key is pressed. While the Macchiato offers a more elevated sound atmosphere, the RedBlue’s sound is subtler and more neutral, making it suitable for a wider range of environments, including both home and office settings.
When discussing feel, the HMX Macchiato provides a silky smooth typing experience that many users find satisfying and fluid in their keystrokes. It is designed to ensure minimal resistance and friction during typing, which can be particularly appealing for those who prioritize rapid and effortless key presses. In contrast, the RedBlue switches offer a medium-light typing experience that is mild and polished. This means the keys do not require significant force to actuate, allowing for a gentle touch while still providing a refined finish that enhances the overall feel during use. The smoothness of the keys in the RedBlue switch is likely a result of careful manufacturing and potential factory lubing, making both switches appealing despite their different approaches.
In conclusion, the HMX Macchiato and SP-Star RedBlue linear switches provide distinctive sound and feel characteristics, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Macchiato excels in delivering a bright and silky typing experience, while the RedBlue offers a low-pitched and thocky sound complemented by a mild and polished feel. Ultimately, both switches present enjoyable typing experiences—whether you lean towards the auditory brightness of the Macchiato or the mellow resonance of the RedBlue, you are likely to find satisfaction with either choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, consider your personal preferences regarding typing experience, sound, and force sensitivity. If you gravitate towards a light typing experience with a silky smooth feel and a brighter acoustic profile, the HMX Macchiato is likely your best choice. It's particularly suitable for those who enjoy a softer engagement and a lively sound, making it ideal for lighter typing duties or a more casual setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience that balances comfort with a more grounded auditory feedback, the SP-Star RedBlue switch might be more to your liking. With its low-pitched sound and a polished feel, it offers a satisfying typing experience that is approachable for both beginners and experienced users alike. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to whether you prioritize a lightweight, bright tactile experience or a balanced, slightly heavier feel with a rich sound.
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