HMX Macchiato vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Akko Rosewood 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 Akko Rosewood offer distinctive qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is revered for delivering a silky smooth typing experience paired with a bright sound profile, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a seamless and responsive feel during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switches shine with their deep, satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that gives them an enjoyable auditory feedback right out of the box—a trait that appeals to typists who value a richer acoustic experience. Both switches fall under the linear category, known for their smooth keystrokes without tactile bumps or audible clicks, yet they each provide unique sensory responses that could significantly influence your overall typing enjoyment. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Macchiato and Akko Rosewood both benefit from the use of nylon in their respective housing materials, contributing to a rich and understated acoustic experience. Both models feature nylon for their top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that enthusiasts appreciate. The choice of nylon as a material is fundamentally rooted in its softer composition, allowing it to absorb sound effectively. This shared characteristic leads to a similar auditory outcome when typing, with both models delivering a cohesive sound that's duller and rounder compared to those built with harder plastics.
Despite the identical selection of nylon for both models, there are nuances in how the overall typing experience and sound profile might be perceived. Although the top and bottom housings share the same material, they can influence different aspects of sound and feel during use. The bottom housing tends to dictate the bottom-out sound when a key is fully pressed down, while the top housing primarily affects the sound during key release. Therefore, even with both switches made of nylon, the tactile experience can vary based on the particular design and engineering of each model, adding a distinctive quality to the Macchiato and Rosewood that goes beyond the mere material used.
Ultimately, while both the HMX Macchiato and Akko Rosewood are constructed from nylon, leading to similar physical sound absorption traits, the nuanced differences in their overall design and housing configuration still offer unique experiences to users. Critics and enthusiasts alike might detect subtle variations in the tactile feedback and acoustic performance due to these distinct engineering choices. As a result, both switches may appeal to different preferences within the community, showcasing how even with the same material, the final product can lead to a diverse array of sensory experiences.
Weight
The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch both offer a light typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. The actuation force of the Macchiato is 42 grams, slightly heavier than the Rosewood's actuation force of 40 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that while the Macchiato requires a tad more effort to register a keystroke, both switches experience the same resistance when pressed fully down. This means that users will find similar feedback at the bottom of the keystroke, but those who prefer a lighter touch will appreciate the Rosewood for its slightly lower actuation force. Overall, if you prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Macchiato might be the better choice, but the Rosewood could be ideal for those seeking a lighter feel.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience the same keypress depth when pressing down on either switch. Since both switches exhibit the same travel distance, this similarity ensures that they will provide a comparable tactile experience during use; therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of key actuation and responsiveness. Ultimately, there is no shorter or longer switch in this comparison, as both maintain the same measurement.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Macchiato linear switch is known for its bright sound profile, which contributes to a more vibrant and lively typing experience. This brightness can add an engaging auditory element when typing or gaming. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood linear switch is characterized by a deep, satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that gives it a fuller timbre. The choice of board and keycaps will also influence the final sound, but these inherent qualities stand out between the two switches.
When considering the feel of each switch, the HMX Macchiato is designed for a silky smooth typing experience, providing a seamless transition between keystrokes that many users find pleasurable during prolonged use. On the other hand, the Rosewood linear switch offers a more substantial tactile sensation with its deeper sound, leaving users with a satisfying feedback loop as they type. Both switches cater to a smooth experience, but the Macchiato emphasizes a gentle glide, while the Rosewood enriches it with a more pronounced weightiness.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Macchiato and Akko Rosewood linear switches deliver smooth keystrokes, they differentiate themselves through their sound profiles and tactile qualities. The Macchiato leans towards a bright and airy auditory experience paired with a silky feel, while the Rosewood provides a deeper, thocky sound and a sensation that feels more substantial. Depending on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, either switch can offer a great typing experience, making your choice ultimately about whether you favor brightness or depth in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, consider what aspects of typing pleasure are most important to you. If you prefer a silky smooth typing experience coupled with a bright sound profile, the HMX Macchiato is your go-to option. Its light bottom-out force of 50 grams allows for effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for lengthy typing sessions or fast-paced gaming where responsiveness is key. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to a deeper, more resonant sound with a satisfying thocky timbre, the Akko Rosewood switch might be the better fit. The Rosewood also offers a light bottom-out force of 50 grams but excels in delivering a rich auditory feedback that can enhance your overall typing experience. Therefore, your decision ultimately hinges on whether you value the smoothness and brightness of the Macchiato or the deep, luxurious sound of the Rosewood.
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