HMX Macchiato vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Durock Sea Glass 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 Durock Sea Glass offer distinct options tailored to different preferences. The HMX Macchiato, designed by YG Studio, is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience and bright sound profile, catering to users who prioritize a refined and pleasurable keystroke. Conversely, the Durock Sea Glass switch stands out not only for its visually appealing pastel colors but also for its unique typing characteristics, which combine a sense of dryness and airiness while maintaining a smooth feel. Despite the Sea Glass's 62g bottom-out force, the switches deliver a weightless typing experience that many find surprisingly delightful. While the Macchiato excels in providing a crisp and lively feedback, the Sea Glass impresses with its frictionless, feathery touch. Ultimately, each switch brings its own set of attributes that can enhance your typing experience; 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Macchiato and the Durock Sea Glass, both switches feature nylon housing which fundamentally affects their sound profiles. The Macchiato's nylon top housing is described as a classic material that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively soft plastic properties. This is further complemented by its nylon bottom housing, which similarly absorbs sound and leads to a rounded auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass utilizes a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for both its top and bottom housings, which results in a sound that is described as pleasant, though slightly brighter than that of the Macchiato. While both switches employ nylon, the Sea Glass's distinct blend introduces tonal qualities that diverge from the classic nylon, providing a different user experience.
In terms of how each switch responds when activated, the Macchiato's uniform nylon composition across both top and bottom housings contributes to a consistent sound experience throughout the key press. The softer nature of the nylon facilitates a muted bottom-out sound and a gentle release noise. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass, with its polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, delivers a more varied sound experience where the unique properties of the blend influence both the bottoming out feel and the releasing sound. The top housing of the Sea Glass, while still working in harmony with the bottom housing, introduces elements that can make the release sound brighter and more distinct compared to the duller, more rounded release of the Macchiato.
Ultimately, users seeking a similar tactile and auditory response between the two switches may find common ground in the softness of nylon; however, they must acknowledge the nuances brought about by the Sea Glass's signature blend. While the Macchiato delivers deeper and fuller acoustic qualities thanks to its 100% nylon construction, the Durock Sea Glass provides a brighter auditory experience without sacrificing the pleasant characteristics associated with traditional nylon. This means that, while players could aim for a similar typing experience, the distinction between the two switches lies in the fine balance of sound and feel, cultivated by the unique housing materials employed.
Weight
The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, influencing their feel and usability. The Macchiato features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it appealing for those who prefer a softer touch, ideal for extended typing sessions and gaming. In contrast, the Sea Glass has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more pronounced resistance that some users might find satisfying for a substantial typing experience. While both switches are linear with smooth keystrokes, the Macchiato’s lighter forces can reduce fatigue during long use compared to the heftier feel of the Sea Glass. Therefore, users seeking a lighter switch may favor the Macchiato, while those who appreciate a stronger push should consider the heavier Sea Glass switch.
Travel distance
The HMX Macchiato linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference, though modest, may impact the feel and responsiveness experienced when typing or gaming. With the Macchiato's travel distance being more traditional, it offers a deeper key press that some users might find more satisfying, particularly those who enjoy a more robust tactile experience. In contrast, the Sea Glass, with its shorter travel distance, appeals to gamers and those who favor speed and quicker actuation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference: if you lean towards responsiveness, the Durock Sea Glass is the better option, while the HMX Macchiato may be preferable for those who appreciate a fuller depth when keying.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 features a bright sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This lively acoustics adds a pleasing character to the overall experience. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switch presents a uniquely hollow sound signature, which offers a place of quietude amidst typing. Despite their seemingly airy characteristics, both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, though they tend to focus on different aspects; the Macchiato emphasizes clarity and brightness, whereas the Sea Glass leans towards a more subdued and gentle sound.
When examining the feel of each switch, the HMX Macchiato is known for delivering a silky smooth typing experience, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize an effortless keypress. On the other hand, Durock Sea Glass switches offer an array of sensations characterized by their frictionless nature, mild resistance, and overall lightweight feel. Users will find that typing on the Sea Glass switches can be extremely comfortable for extended periods, thanks to their feathery touch and easy-to-press action that requires minimal exertion. This blend of effortless fluidity combined with gentleness sets the Sea Glass apart as an appealing option for those who prefer a lightly resistant experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Macchiato and Durock Sea Glass linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Macchiato excels with its bright sound profile and silky smooth feel, while the Sea Glass intrigues with its hollow sound signature but champions an incredibly light and frictionless typing experience. Ultimately, both switches promise enjoyable keypresses, but depending on whether one seeks auditory vibrancy or airy subdued tones along with a more relaxed typing feel, the choice will guide you to a delightful mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Macchiato and the Durock Sea Glass linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you value a light typing experience and enjoy a smooth, silky sensation with a bright sound profile, the Macchiato is an excellent choice. Its 50 grams of bottom-out force make it ideal for extended typing sessions, whether for work or casual use, as it fosters minimal finger fatigue while delivering a pleasant auditory feedback. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly more substantial feel with a bit of weight behind your key presses, the Durock Sea Glass, with its 62 grams of bottom-out force, provides a delightful balance of firmness and buoyancy. These switches are perfect if you're looking for a typing experience that feels frictionless yet maintains a uniquely hollow sound signature. Their pastel colors add an aesthetic appeal, and the distinct dryness and airiness of the Sea Glass switches can offer a refreshing change for those who appreciate a unique tactile sensation. Ultimately, consider what aligns best with your typing style, whether you lean towards feather-light comfort or a smooth yet slightly heavier touch, and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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