HMX Macchiato vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Macchiato and the Everglide Sakura Pink both offer appealing characteristics tailored to different typing preferences. The Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is renowned for delivering a silky smooth typing experience paired with a bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who value audible feedback alongside a refined touch. In contrast, the Sakura Pink switches are celebrated for their feather-light 35g actuation force, catering specifically to delicate typists who prefer a light and effortless keystroke. These switches provide a gliding feel and a playful, poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, appealing to users who enjoy a whimsical aspect in their keyboarding experience. While both switches offer smooth operation and a linear feel, their distinct sound profiles and actuation forces set them apart for different types of users. 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
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Macchiato and Everglide Sakura Pink switches showcase notable differences in housing materials, which significantly affect their respective sound profiles. The Macchiato features both its top and bottom housings made from nylon, a material known for absorbing sound, leading to a deeper and fuller acoustic experience. This softer plastic allows for a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall tactile feedback as users press down on the keys. In contrast, the Sakura Pink switches utilize polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate's stiffer composition lends itself to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile, providing a clear and resonant audio feedback during typing. This stark difference suggests that while both switches may have satisfying typing experiences, they resonate in markedly different auditory spectrums due to their materials.
In terms of aesthetic qualities, the Sakura Pink’s polycarbonate construction, particularly due to its translucency, makes it an excellent choice for setups that incorporate RGB lighting. Clear housing allows light to penetrate and showcase vibrant lighting effects, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. Conversely, the Macchiato, being made entirely of nylon, does not exhibit the same level of light diffusion, which may limit visual customization in setups that prioritize RGB aesthetics. While both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience, the visual component associated with polycarbonate offers an additional layer of personalization that nylon simply cannot match.
Despite their differing materials, both switches can yield similar results when it comes to overall typing feel and impact. If one were to mix and match the housings, the top and bottom housings of the switches would influence sound and tactile response differently. The soft nature of nylon would imbue the Macchiato with a cushioned bottom-out feel, whereas the crisp nature of polycarbonate could give the Sakura Pink a more punchy takeaway sound. However, when maintained within their original configurations, the Macchiato grants a deeper sound profile from both top and bottom housings, while the Sakura Pink offers a sharper clarity. Users seeking specific acoustic outcomes may choose based on their preferred sound signature, tailoring their experience to either material's unique traits.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, we see some notable differences. The Macchiato features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sakura Pink has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Sakura Pink is the lighter of the two switches, making it potentially more suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons, as its lower actuation force requires less effort. Conversely, the Macchiato, being slightly heavier, may offer a more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger typing experience. Overall, the differences in these forces indicate that users looking for a lighter touch should opt for the Sakura Pink, whereas those who enjoy a firmer push should consider the Macchiato. Both switches are considered light, but the Sakura Pink wins in terms of being the lighter option.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm, which means users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys of both switches. This equal distance results in comparable feedback and response times, making either switch a solid choice for those who enjoy a consistent and smooth typing or gaming experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, you can achieve similar performance levels regardless of which switch you choose.
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 Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 stands out for its bright sound profile, making it an attractive choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch is described as having a muted sound, producing a softer and quieter typing experience. This difference means that while the Macchiato can deliver a more vibrant soundscape, the Sakura Pink offers a more subtle and less intrusive auditory presence, catering to users who prefer a quieter environment.
In terms of feel, the Macchiato is known for providing a silky smooth typing experience that allows fingers to glide over the keys with ease. While specific descriptors for the Macchiato's tactile sensations aren’t provided, it implies a clear comfort and fluency in every keystroke. The Sakura Pink, on the other hand, offers a uniquely buttery and creamy keystroke feel, which enhances the typing experience with its effortless, frictionless operation. Its extremely light actuation force of 35g makes it particularly easy to press, catering well to delicate typists or anyone looking to reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions.
In summary, both the HMX Macchiato and Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches cater to different typing preferences. The Macchiato delivers a brighter sound profile and a smooth feel, appealing to those who enjoy a more dynamic auditory experience. Contrastingly, the Sakura Pink provides a muted sound and a remarkably light, creamy, and frictionless feel, making it ideal for users who prioritize a quiet and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches can lead to satisfying results, their distinct characteristics will cater to different user needs, helping newcomers select a switch that aligns with their typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the HMX Macchiato and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a slightly firmer keypress coupled with a bright sound profile, the Macchiato is an excellent option. Its 50g bottom out force provides enough resistance for typists who appreciate tactile feedback, making it suitable for those who type with purpose and precision. On the other hand, if you prefer a feather-light, effortless typing experience, the Sakura Pink switches might be your best bet. With a lower actuation force of just 35g and a buttery, frictionless feel, they excel in providing a smooth, comfortable experience, ideal for users who may face finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the poppy sound adds a delightful, playful element to your keyboarding experience, making it a joy to use. In conclusion, your choice should align with your desire for either a more engaged typing sensation (Macchiato) or an incredibly light and enjoyable experience (Sakura Pink).
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