HMX Macchiato vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Macchiato and TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) each present unique advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is designed for enthusiasts who relish a silky smooth typing experience paired with a bright sound profile. This linear switch is characterized by its clacky, bouncy, and feathery feel, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy rapid key presses without tactile feedback. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a medium tactile sensation that provides a satisfying resistance on each keystroke, appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced feedback while typing. Unlike the Macchiato, however, these switches excel in quietness, making them ideal for environments where noise-free operation is paramount, such as offices or shared living spaces. Both switches cater to distinct typing experiences, making your choice a matter of personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
42g
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
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Macchiato and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), we see a distinct difference in the materials used for their top housings. The Macchiato utilizes nylon in its top housing, which is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound and provide a warmer, fuller auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) employs polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This crucial difference in material contributes significantly to the overall typing experience; while the Macchiato offers a more subdued sound, the Silent Bluish White (V2) presents a vibrant, clear auditory signature.
Despite the disparity in the top housing materials, both the Macchiato and the Silent Bluish White (V2) share nylon in their bottom housings. This commonality in material ensures that both switches deliver a deeper and fuller sound on bottom-out, thanks to nylon's acoustical properties. As such, users can expect a similar tactile response in terms of bottoming out, which provides a satisfying experience regardless of the different top housing materials. Thus, the character of the bottom housing plays a pivotal role in maintaining comparable acoustic qualities between the two switches.
Ultimately, the combination of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches guarantees that users will enjoy a consistent bottoming-out feel, while the top housing materials dictate the unique sound profiles during key release. For users aiming to achieve a well-rounded typing experience, the Macchiato provides a warm and muffled sound with its nylon top, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a crisp and vibrant auditory feedback with its polycarbonate top. This nuanced interplay between the different materials in each switch leads to varied yet satisfying experiences tailored to personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch with the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, both switches exhibit identical specifications for their actuation and bottom out forces. Each switch requires an actuation force of 42 grams to trigger a keystroke, and both have a bottom out force of 50 grams when bottoming out. This similarity means that users will experience a comparable typing feel, making either switch an excellent choice for those who appreciate a lighter setup suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming. Since both switches are light, they cater to users who prefer reduced strain over prolonged use while still providing a solid tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, the Macchiato has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) has a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Macchiato offers a deeper feel, catering more to users who appreciate a more substantial keystroke, which can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer a hearty depth. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) features a shorter travel distance, appealing to gamers and those who favor quicker response times, making it more suitable for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Thus, if you're looking for a switch that provides a more pronounced tactile feedback and a longer travel distance, the Macchiato would be the optimal choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a quicker actuation with a more abrupt feel, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) is the way to go.
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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 comparing sound profiles, the HMX Macchiato linear switch offers a distinctly bright and clacky auditory experience. The sharp and snappy tones produced with each keystroke create a lively atmosphere that many typists find engaging. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) features a muted sound profile, emphasizing a softer and quieter operation. This makes it an ideal choice for users in shared living environments or offices where noise reduction is a priority. While the Macchiato switch may produce an energetic symphony of sound, the Silent Bluish White (V2) excels in its ability to minimize auditory disturbances, allowing for a more subdued typing experience. It is important to note that sound can also be influenced by the specific keyboard build and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Macchiato switch is characterized by its silky and bouncy nature, providing a luxuriously smooth and responsive typing sensation. With a feathery touch, it requires minimal effort to actuate, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use. This engaging feedback can enhance both typing and gaming experiences, giving the typist a sense of joy and satisfaction with each keystroke. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) presents a medium tactile feel that strikes a balance between noticeable resistance and smoothness. The buttery experience of typing is complemented by a subtle tactile feedback that makes for a polished keystroke without the abruptness associated with more pronounced tactile switches. This offers a graceful typing experience, perfect for those who appreciate a well-rounded switch that minimizes fatigue while still providing tactile cues.
Overall, the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch offer two distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Macchiato excels in sound and a lively feel, appealing to those who relish a bright, engaging auditory experience and smooth touch. Conversely, the Silent Bluish White (V2) prioritizes a quieter operation and a refined, subtle tactile experience, making it suitable for professional or shared environments. Depending on your typing style and setting, you can choose either switch for an enjoyable and efficient typing experience, but they will yield different acoustics and tactile feelings.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, it’s essential to consider your specific typing needs and environment. If you prefer a light, silky, and bouncy typing experience that allows for easy, effortless keystrokes with a bright, clacky sound, the HMX Macchiato is an excellent choice. Its playful and lively feedback makes it perfect for those who enjoy gaming or typing in a casual setting where the sound profile can be appreciated. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more subdued typing experience that remains comfortable and precise without disturbing those around you, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) is the better option. With its muted sound and buttery, subtle feel, this switch excels in professional or shared environments, providing a satisfying tactile response without the potential auditory chaos of louder switches. Ultimately, your decision should weigh heavily on your typing style, your preferred sound profile, and whether you often find yourself in quieter surroundings.
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