HMX Macchiato vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g 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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g present two intriguing options, both of which fall under the category of linear switches yet cater to distinct preferences. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience and bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for a whisper-quiet experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, appealing to users who prioritize a peaceful environment without sacrificing the satisfaction of a responsive keystroke, thanks to its balanced 53g bottom-out force. While both switches promise smooth operation and a linear feel, their sound profiles and tactile experiences diverge significantly, guiding users toward their own unique preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Macchiato and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches both utilize nylon for their top housings, highlighting a commonality that impacts their sound profile. Nylon is recognized for its softer nature, contributing to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. As a result, users can expect a sound that is rounder and less jarring, regardless of the specific switch they choose. This shared material ensures that typing on both switches will be accompanied by a muted acoustic ambiance, creating a pleasant user experience. The similar nylon composition in the top housing of both switches allows for consistency in how notes sound when pressed, promoting a compatible typing feel across both models.
In contrast to their top housings, the bottom housings of the two switches present a distinct divergence in material. The HMX Macchiato features a nylon bottom housing, which continues the trend of delivering that warmer, mellow sound profile typical of nylon. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which is known for its stiffer nature and propensity for producing a sharper, more resonant sound. This discrepancy means that while the Macchiato will have a more cohesive sound throughout, the Silent Sakura - 53g will exhibit different acoustic characteristics, particularly during the bottom-out phase of a key press, likely resulting in a brighter and more defined audible feedback.
While the differing bottom housings of the HMX Macchiato and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g contribute to unique sound experiences, the strong presence of nylon in both models' top housings serves as a common thread that can elicit similar tactile and acoustic results during key release. This affects how users experience the overall soundscape of their typing, with the nylon dampening providing a balanced contrast to the more piercing qualities of the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom. Therefore, even though the bottom materials introduce different sound profiles, the nylon top housing ensures that both switches maintain a level of compatibility and user satisfaction, making for a balanced typing experience across the two models.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Macchiato boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentler push, which can lead to less fatigue during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. While both switches have their unique characteristics, the Macchiato is the lighter option, making it more suitable for prolonged use, whereas the Silent Sakura offers a medium-light experience, providing a bit more resistance for users favoring a firmer press.
Travel distance
The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they offer the same distance from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed. This identical travel distance ensures that users can expect similar tactile feedback and responsiveness when using either switch. Consequently, both switches provide a consistent experience in terms of how far the keys need to be pressed down to register a keystroke. Therefore, regardless of which switch is chosen, users will enjoy the same level of travel distance, making either option a reliable choice for linear switch enthusiasts.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 is known for its bright and engaging profile, which creates an audible feedback that many typists find pleasant. This characteristic can add an extra layer of enjoyment to the typing experience, especially in a more lively environment. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is engineered for a much quieter experience, producing sound levels akin to gentle raindrops tapping on a window. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prefer a low-noise environment, such as office settings or shared spaces. However, it’s essential to remember that the overall sound can be influenced by factors like the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and plate material.
In terms of feel, the HMX Macchiato is tailored for a silky smooth typing experience, which means that users should expect very little resistance when pressing the keys. This fluidity can enhance typing speeds and provide a satisfying sensation under the fingers. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a balanced 53g bottom-out force, giving typists a light and satisfying keystroke without feeling overly heavy. This combination of a satisfying tactile feedback along with the lighter press can appeal to those who enjoy typing with a speedier and less straining touch.
In conclusion, while the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel, both offer unique benefits. The Macchiato shines with its bright audio feedback and silky smoothness, making it ideal for those who enjoy dynamic typing experiences. Conversely, the Silent Sakura switch prioritizes a whisper-quiet operation paired with balanced keystroke resistance, appealing to users in quieter environments. Depending on your needs—whether it’s an engaging sound or a peaceful typing atmosphere—you’ll find suitable options in these switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences regarding typing experience and environment. If you prioritize a light touch and crave a smooth, engaging typing experience with a bright sound profile, the Macchiato will be your ideal companion. Its 50g bottom-out force ensures that you can type effortlessly, which is particularly suited for long typing sessions or when you're looking for a tactile delight without additional noise. On the other hand, if your typing environment is quiet or you want to minimize distractions for yourself and those around you, the Silent Sakura - 53g is the better choice. With its medium-light 53g bottom-out force and whisper-quiet performance, you can enjoy a satisfying keystroke without the audible click, making it perfect for offices or shared spaces. Therefore, consider the context of your use and what sensory feedback you prefer, and let that guide you to the switch that enhances your typing experience the most.
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