HMX Macchiato vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Macchiato and KTT Sea Salt Lemon both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, despite being categorized as linear switches. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is celebrated for delivering a silky smooth typing experience complemented by a bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a lively acoustic feedback during their keystrokes. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon presents a striking example of linear switch design with its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube technology, resulting in an exceptionally buttery smooth typing feel. This switch is championed for its low-pitched, neutral, and mild auditory feedback, appealing to users who favor a more subdued yet satisfying experience. Both switches bring distinct advantages to the table: the Macchiato offers a vibrant and engaging feel, while the Sea Salt Lemon provides a tranquil yet elegant typing session. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Macchiato Linear

KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.80 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Macchiato and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches showcase distinct approaches in their top housing materials, which ultimately affect their sound profiles during typing. The Macchiato features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic composition. This material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the Sea Salt Lemon employs a polycarbonate top housing. Being a stiffer plastic, polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that tends to be crisper and more resonant. Thus, while both switches aim for unique auditory experiences, the Macchiato leans towards warmth and depth, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon captures a clearer and more vibrant tone.

Interestingly, both the Macchiato and the Sea Salt Lemon feature nylon in their bottom housings, creating a common ground in this aspect of their construction. The use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches yields a softer touch and a fuller sound profile. This similarity ensures that, while the top housings provide contrasting auditory experiences, the foundation provided by the nylon bottoms will create a consistent fullness in sound and tactile feedback regardless of the choice between the two. Therefore, despite the differences in the top housing materials, users can expect similar fundamental qualities in tactile response and sound dampening from both switches.

Ultimately, the impact of the distinct top and bottom housing materials highlights the nuanced distinctions between the HMX Macchiato and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches. The tops dictate the release sound and overall sound clarity, with the nylon giving a warm depth for the Macchiato, while the polycarbonate fosters sharper auditory feedback in the Sea Salt Lemon. However, both benefits underscore the influence of bottom housing material, reinforcing how the nylon’s presence in both models contributes to a shared experience of tactile softness and deep sound resonance. Thus, one can enjoy unique vibrancy from the Sea Salt Lemon while still gaining richness from the common use of nylon in both switches.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Macchiato features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer less resistance during long typing sessions or extended gaming periods. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, positioning it in the medium-light category. This increased resistance could appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, if you prioritize lighter switches, the Macchiato would likely provide a more comfortable experience for prolonged use, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon may be better suited for users who favor a firmer key feel.

Travel distance

Both the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm, which means that pressing down on each key will yield a similar feel in terms of key travel. Since both switches have an identical travel distance, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of responsiveness and feedback. This equivalence indicates that neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a specific key travel distance in their mechanical keyboards.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Macchiato is characterized by a bright tone that likely adds a refreshing quality to each keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon features a low-pitched sound, which delivers a bass-heavy and mellow tone, along with a neutral profile that makes it versatile for any setting, whether at home or in a professional environment. This means that while the Macchiato offers a more pronounced auditory crispness, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a softer, more subdued sound, appealing to users who prefer a less intrusive auditory experience.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Macchiato is particularly noted for its silky smooth typing experience, which suggests that it offers a seamless keystroke without any interruptions or distinct bumps. Conversely, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offers a mild feel that presents a gentle typing experience, making it approachable for users of all skill levels. While both switches prioritize a smoothness in feel, the Macchiato may provide a slightly more luxurious experience due to its silky nature, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon focuses on a moderate, comfortable tactile sensation.

In conclusion, both the HMX Macchiato and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches are designed to cater to users who appreciate smooth typing experiences. The Macchiato stands out with its bright sound and silky feel, while the Sea Salt Lemon provides a gentle touch with its low-pitched, mellow auditory profile and mild typing experience. Users looking for ease and comfort across both sound and feel will find that these switches offer commendable qualities, allowing for a satisfying typing experience whether one prefers a more vibrant tone or a subdued, neutral approach.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Macchiato and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches, consider your preferences for force, sound, and overall typing experience. If you favor a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, and you seek a silky smooth typing experience paired with a bright sound profile, the HMX Macchiato is the ideal choice for you. This switch excels if you prioritize a lightweight feel and enjoy a more distinct auditory feedback from your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel and an engaging sound signature that is low-pitched and neutral, then the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, with its 53 grams bottom-out force, may be more suitable for your needs. The Sea Salt Lemon's buttery smooth typing experience, coupled with its mild feel, makes it an appealing option for both beginners and advanced typists looking for a versatile switch that performs well in various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. Ultimately, your choice will depend on what aspects of a typing experience are most important to you—lightness and brightness with the Macchiato or versatility and a balanced feel with the Sea Salt Lemon.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Macchiato Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more