HMX Macchiato vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between the HMX Macchiato and the Huano Sakura, both linear switches known for their unique characteristics. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience and bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a seamless keystroke and an engaging auditory feedback. In contrast, the Huano Sakura offers a feather-light touch combined with medium acoustics, which can significantly enhance comfort during extended typing sessions, appealing to users who seek ease and efficiency without compromising on sound quality. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you're drawn to the Macchiato's vibrant and smooth feel or the Sakura's lightweight responsiveness. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Macchiato and the Huano Sakura, several distinctions arise, particularly in their top housings. The Macchiato employs a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its classic characteristics. Given nylon's softer plastic composition, it tends to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a typing experience that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This absorption means that users may enjoy a quieter and more muted sound when typing, enhancing the overall tactile experience. In contrast, the Huano Sakura utilizes POK material for its top housing, which, while also providing a smooth keypress experience, contributes to a clackier sound profile. The POK material's strength and high friction coefficient lead to a sharper acoustic response, diverging significantly from nylon's softer resonance.
Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which equalizes some aspects of their acoustic profiles. The nylon bottom housing in both the Macchiato and Sakura produces a deeper, fuller sound as it absorbs and mitigates some of the higher frequencies resulting from each keypress. This shared material ensures that when the key bottom-outs, users benefit from a similar auditory experience. As both switches utilize nylon at the bottom, the richness and muted vibrations resonate in a comparable manner, even as the top housing's material qualities drive different overall sound characteristics.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch leads to varied tactile and auditory experiences. While the Macchiato's top housing enriches sound depth and produces a softer keypress experience owing to nylon's characteristics, the Sakura's POK top brings a different level of clarity and sharpness to the auditory landscape. The consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a bridge that fosters a shared musicality in the sound profiles of both switches. Consequently, the contrasting nuances of the top materials ultimately affect the performance and feel during use, affirming that while the bottom housings offer some common ground, the experience each switch provides is distinctly shaped by its unique top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch to the Huano Sakura linear switch, we see noteworthy differences in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Macchiato has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, while the Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom-out force of 45 grams. This means that the Sakura is the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for users who type for longer periods or play games extensively, as it requires less force to actuate. Conversely, the Macchiato, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom-out forces, might appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have relatively light feel, but the Sakura is the lighter choice overall, providing subtle distinctions for users based on their preferences for actuation and force feedback.
Travel distance
The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Macchiato measuring 4 mm and the Sakura at 3.6 mm. This makes the Macchiato the longer of the two, providing a more traditional depth that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Sakura's shorter 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those seeking quicker actuation and responsiveness, which can be particularly beneficial for gamers who prioritize fast response times. For the user who favors a more abrupt feel, the Sakura would be the preferable choice, whereas those who appreciate a fuller depth in their keystrokes might gravitate toward the Macchiato. Overall, the contrasting travel distances highlight the diverse preferences among users, with one leaning towards a richer tactile experience and the other towards enhanced speed.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 switch is recognized for its bright sound profile, which contributes to a crisp auditory experience when typing. This clarity can enhance the satisfaction of keystrokes, making it enjoyable for users who appreciate a noise that carries a bit of presence. Conversely, the Huano Sakura switch offers medium acoustics, which provide a more subdued auditory experience. This middle-ground sound may serve well for those who prefer a quieter workspace, especially during extended typing sessions. However, it is important to remember that the overall sound experience will also largely depend on the choice of keyboard frame and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Macchiato is characterized by its silky smooth typing experience, allowing for fluid key presses that glide effortlessly. This makes it particularly appealing for users who value a seamless transition without any noticeable resistance. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch features a feather-light touch, which can be advantageous for long typing sessions. The lighter actuation force may help reduce finger fatigue, making it less taxing to type for prolonged periods. Both switches bring unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Macchiato focusing on smoothness and the Sakura on ease of pressing.
Overall, both the HMX Macchiato and Huano Sakura switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles that can enhance the typing experience in different ways. Users looking for a bright, smooth typing experience may gravitate towards the Macchiato, while those who prefer a lighter touch with moderate sound levels might appreciate the Sakura. Although their attributes differ, they both aim to provide satisfying results, making them suitable choices for various typing preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Macchiato and Huano Sakura linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a silky smooth typing experience coupled with a bright sound profile, the Macchiato is your best bet. Its slightly higher bottom-out force of 50 grams still falls into the light category, making it suitable for those who enjoy quick, responsive keystrokes and a more pronounced auditory feedback with each press. This switch may be more appealing if you frequently type for shorter bursts or enjoy a satisfying sound during your work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you favor ultra-light switches that minimize finger fatigue during long typing marathons, the Huano Sakura with its 45-gram bottom-out force is a great choice. The Sakura's combination of a feather-light touch and medium acoustics creates a more subdued sound environment, which can be especially conducive for extended use in quieter settings. Thus, consider your typing style, the volume of your environment, and the duration of use to select the switch that best fits your needs, whether it’s the lively Macchiato or the gentle Sakura.
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