HMX Macchiato vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preferences on sound, feel, and overall typing experience. The HMX Macchiato, conceived by YG Studio, is celebrated for its silky smoothness and a bright, clacky sound profile, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy a lively auditory feedback while typing. Its bouncy and feathery nature adds an element of lightness that enhances the overall comfort. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch, made entirely from POM material, appeals to those seeking premium quality without a hefty price tag. Known for its buttery feel and low-pitched clack, the Sky POM provides a creamy typing experience alongside a gentle actuation force, ensuring comfort over long typing sessions. Ultimately, while both switches deliver a linear experience with their unique characteristics, they cater to different typing aesthetics and budgets. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Macchiato and the Dareu Sky POM showcase two distinct materials for their top housings: nylon for the Macchiato and POM for the Sky. While the Macchiato's nylon top housing is known for its classic appeal, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, the Sky POM offers a unique sound experience with a similar depth, albeit with slightly different tonal qualities. The POM plastic contributes to a more distinct and pleasing auditory feedback, making it a favorite for enthusiasts looking for a unique typing experience. Both materials lend themselves to a more muted sound compared to harder plastics, ensuring a satisfying acoustic performance.
When we look at the bottom housings of both models, we find a uniformity in the choice of nylon for both the Macchiato and the Dareu Sky POM. This consistent use of nylon as the material for the bottom housing is significant, as it plays a critical role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. The characteristics of nylon being relatively softer enable both switches to produce a duller and rounder sound profile, which underpins a rich and tactile typing experience. As such, regardless of the differences in top housing materials, the shared bottom housing in both switches creates a foundation for similar acoustic results while allowing for individual nuances to shine through.
In summary, while the top housings of the HMX Macchiato and Dareu Sky POM differ, the decision to utilize nylon for the bottom housing in both switches means that users can expect comparable sound profiles. The nylon’s properties contribute significantly to the typing experience, moderating the bottom-out sound and enhancing the overall feel. The combined effects of the two materials, with nylon in the bottom housing and either nylon or POM in the top, result in a balanced mix of acoustic depth and tactile satisfaction—ensuring that both switches are capable of delivering enjoyable and comparable typing experiences.
Weight
The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch exhibit some notable differences in actuation force, while the bottom out force of the Sky POM remains unknown. The Macchiato has an actuation force of 42 grams, slightly heavier than the Sky POM's 40 grams, making the latter the lighter option. In terms of typing experience, this means that users who favor a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions might find the Sky POM more appealing. Conversely, the Macchiato’s actuation at 42 grams will provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. While the Macchiato's bottom out force is recorded at 50 grams, allowing for a clear indication of the force required to bottom out the switch, the lack of a bottom out force measurement for the Sky POM leaves a gap in understanding its full tactile experience. Therefore, while both switches are relatively light, the Macchiato can be seen as the heavier option overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, the Macchiato stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sky POM measures slightly shorter at 3.8 mm. This 0.2 mm difference may seem minimal, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of each switch. The Macchiato, with its longer travel distance, offers a more traditional and hearty depth that some users may prefer for a tactile typing experience. In contrast, the shorter 3.8 mm travel of the Sky POM aligns with the modern trend of quicker key presses, catering to gamers and typists who appreciate faster response times. Ultimately, if you gravitate towards a deeper feel, the Macchiato switch may be the better choice, while those who favor a more rapid, dynamic typing experience might opt for the Sky POM.
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 Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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 the sound profiles of the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM switch, it becomes clear that they cater to different auditory preferences. The Macchiato is characterized by a bright, clacky sound that produces a sharp and snappy acoustic feedback, providing a lively auditory response that enhances the typing experience. In contrast, the Sky POM switch is known for its low-pitched sound, which delivers a mellow and bass-heavy tone. This softer sound profile results in a more subdued auditory experience that may appeal to those who prefer less distraction from their typing. The final sound produced can also be influenced by the keyboard's build and keycap choices, meaning both switches might yield a satisfying result depending on the setup.
In terms of feel, the HMX Macchiato excels with its silky, bouncy, and feathery characteristics, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance. This combination provides a lively and responsive feel, aiding fatigue reduction during extended use. Conversely, the Dareu Sky POM switch also promotes a silky smoothness but adds a buttery and creamy sensation to the keystroke, allowing for effortless activation and a pleasant typing experience. While the Macchiato emphasizes bounce and lightness, the Sky POM focuses on a rich, flowing typing experience, making both switches viable options for those seeking comfort and resilience in their keystrokes.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Macchiato and the Dareu Sky POM switches largely comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. The Macchiato provides a crisp and bright auditory experience with a bouncy touch, ideal for users who appreciate an engaging feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Sky POM excels with its creamy and buttery smoothness, complemented by a gentle sound profile. Whichever switch you choose, both offer premium tactile experiences that promise to elevate your typing and gaming interactions, ensuring that you are satisfied in your keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a light actuation force along with a crisp, bright sound profile, the Macchiato will likely suit you well. Its silky-smooth feel and bouncy feedback make it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming, reducing strain and fatigue as you interact with your keyboard. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a more subdued, low-pitched sound combined with an exceptionally creamy typing experience, the Sky POM switch may be your best option. This switch offers a buttery, effortless keystroke that can enhance your overall typing enjoyment while maintaining a premium quality at a more accessible price point. Ultimately, whether you favor the lively and feathery feel of the Macchiato or the smooth and mellow characteristics of the Sky POM, you can find satisfaction in both switches—it all depends on what enhances your personal typing experience the most.
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