HMX Macchiato vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When navigating the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can dramatically influence your typing experience. The HMX Macchiato, developed by YG Studio, stands out for its silky smooth actuation and a bright sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile feedback with an audible response during their typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black offers a more subdued experience, perfectly suited for quieter environments where minimal audio feedback is crucial. This switch is known for its cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel, providing comfort during long typing tasks while maintaining a muted sound output. While both switches are linear and cater to different user preferences, they each offer unique benefits that can enhance your overall keyboard experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The HMX Macchiato and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches differ significantly in their housing materials, which in turn influences the auditory and tactile experience they provide. The Macchiato utilizes a classic nylon top and bottom housing, renowned for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic of nylon results in a duller, rounder sound, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more subdued acoustic presence from their typing. The softer nature of nylon also contributes to the overall feel of the switch, offering a smoother actuation with less harshness compared to harder materials.
In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches feature a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, which is designed to generate a distinctively higher-pitched and sharper sound profile. This intriguing combination of materials results in a clackier typing experience, characterized by a thinner, more satisfying sound that contrasts sharply with the muted tones of the Macchiato. The use of this proprietary blend allows Gateron to create a precise auditory feedback that appeals to typists and gamers looking for a more pronounced sound. Thus, while both switches provide unique auditory experiences, they certainly cater to different preferences, with the Macchiato being more reserved and the Silent Ink Black leaning towards a brighter acoustic profile.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches can achieve similar overall typing performance by leveraging the qualities of their respective components. In the case of the Macchiato with its nylon materials, the softer plastic contributes to a more muted sound during key releases, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black's harder INK blend accentuates the sound during the same action. As a result, key feel and sound are determined not just by one material but by the combination of the top and bottom housings. Therefore, while the switches have distinct sound profiles due to their different materials, the overall typing experience can still be enjoyable, meeting a range of user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Macchiato features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. This makes the Macchiato the lighter switch, while the Silent Ink Black is the heavier option. As such, users seeking a soft and easy pressing feel for longer use should lean towards the Macchiato, while those desiring a firmer keystroke experience may opt for the Silent Ink Black.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, which indicates that the distance traveled from the top to the bottom of the switch is identical in both cases. As a result, users can expect similar tactile feedback and keypress feel when using these switches, leading to a comparable typing experience. Since the travel distances are the same, there is no shorter or longer option between the two; they deliver the same performance in this aspect. Overall, this similarity can contribute to a consistent feel across different keyboards that utilize these particular switches.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 characterized by a bright sound profile that enhances the overall auditory experience while typing. This switch tends to produce a more pronounced acoustic feedback that many enthusiasts find satisfying, especially in a typist's environment where they appreciate the tactile interactions with every keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black has a muted sound characteristic, designed specifically for quieter settings. This switch minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making it an ideal choice for those who work in shared spaces or environments that call for less auditory disturbance. The differences in sound will be quite noticeable, with the Macchiato offering more vibrancy compared to the subtle presence of the Silent Ink Black.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Macchiato is known for providing a silky smooth typing experience, which many users find delightful, as it facilitates quick and effortless keystrokes. The overall smoothness associated with this switch is enhanced by the materials used, contributing to a refined touch. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black promises a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out experience, greatly minimizing the resistance felt when pressing and releasing the keys. The polished nature of the Silent Ink Black further enhances this softness, offering a unique blend of comfort and feedback that caters well to those who prioritize a quieter, cozy typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches are designed with smoothness in mind, but their overall experience will manifest differently based on their unique traits.
In conclusion, while the HMX Macchiato provides a bright sound profile paired with a silky feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black focuses on muted sound and a plush typing experience. Both switches excel in their respective areas, catering to different user preferences—those who enjoy audible feedback in a more vibrant typing experience versus those who seek a more subdued and comfortable touch. Therefore, the best choice depends largely on the typing environment and the individual's preference for sound and tactile sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Macchiato and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you lean towards a lighter touch and enjoy a more vivid and bright sound profile while typing, the HMX Macchiato should be your go-to option. Its silky smooth feel combined with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams makes it ideal for extended typing sessions, allowing for fast and effortless key presses. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience, perhaps due to shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is designed specifically for that purpose. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams, it provides a cushy, pillow-like feel that minimizes noise, making it perfect for environments where discretion is key. In summary, choose the Macchiato for a light, engaging, and auditory typing experience, and opt for the Silent Ink Black when you need a more subdued, yet equally smooth touch.
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