HMX Macchiato vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Macchiato and Gateron Smoothie both offer unique advantages, despite both being linear switches. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is celebrated for its silky smooth typing feel and bright sound profile, making it ideal for typists who relish a satisfying auditory experience while typing. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie stands out for its all-POM construction, delivering a "thocky" sound signature that many find appealing, along with an impressive smoothness and a lightweight touch, making it an excellent option for gamers and fast typists alike. While the Macchiato may cater more to those seeking an expressive and tactile auditory feedback, the Smoothie offers a more subdued yet satisfying experience without breaking the bank. 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
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Macchiato and Gateron Smoothie switches each utilize distinct housing materials for their construction, which significantly influences their overall sound profile and typing experience. The Macchiato features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is known for its ability to elicit a deep and full sound due to nylon's softer composition. This softer material is adept at absorbing sound vibrations, resulting in a typing experience that emphasizes a duller and rounder auditory response. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings, which also delivers a unique and pleasing sound profile, albeit with its own characteristics. POM, while also contributing to a deeper sound, differs by producing a more muted tone compared to nylon, suggesting that the experience of typing on the Smoothie will have its own distinct feel despite sharing some similarities with the Macchiato.
When examining the bottom housings of the two switches, the differences between nylon and POM come into sharper focus. The nylon bottom housing of the Macchiato contributes to a fuller and more resonant sound when the key bottoms out, while also retaining a softer feel during the actuation. Conversely, the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie offers a muted sound profile; however, it still achieves a satisfying typing experience. Despite their differing materials, both switches possess the innate ability to deliver a deeper sound, showing that while the materials may not be the same, they can still yield similarly satisfying auditory results when bottoming out due to their inherent properties.
In essence, while the HMX Macchiato and Gateron Smoothie switches are constructed from different housing materials, both share a commitment to creating a typing experience characterized by deeper, muted sounds. The key distinction lies in the specific characteristics brought forth by nylon and POM respectively. Users may find that while the Macchiato favors a rounder, fuller auditory experience, the Smoothie’s sound remains unique yet satisfying in its own right. For those seeking a similar deep sound profile, both switches offer an enjoyable typing experience, albeit through different avenues in material composition. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on personal preference regarding the intricacies of the sound and feel each switch provides.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, notable differences emerge in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Macchiato features an actuation force of 42 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Smoothie’s actuation force of 40 grams, making the Smoothie the lighter option. However, the Macchiato's bottom out force is specified at 50 grams, providing a clear benchmark for users who prefer a responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Smoothie's bottom out force remains unspecified, rendering it unknown. This variance may affect how each switch feels during long typing sessions or extended gaming periods, with the Macchiato offering a bit more resistance at the bottom. Users seeking a lighter switch for prolonged use might favor the Smoothie, while those who appreciate a more substantial feel might lean towards the Macchiato.
Travel distance
The HMX Macchiato linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This distinction means that the Macchiato is better suited for users who enjoy a more substantial keypress, providing a deeper typing experience that some may find more satisfying. On the other hand, the Smoothie's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who prefer quicker response times, particularly beneficial for fast-paced gaming scenarios. In summary, if you value a hearty depth in key presses, the Macchiato is the superior choice, while the Smoothie is ideal for users seeking a more responsive and agile feel with its shorter travel distance.
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 Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 presents a bright sound profile that adds a pleasing auditory experience to your typing. The unique tonal quality of the Macchiato is likely designed to be more melodic compared to the Gateron Smoothie. While the exact descriptions for the Macchiato are not provided, it is anticipated that its sound is lighter and potentially less resonant than the Smoothie. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie is characterized by its thocky sound signature, which delivers a deep and rich audio feedback that many users find satisfying. The sound is described as low-pitched and subdued, making for a more bass-heavy and gentle typing experience. The combination points to the Smoothie having a more pronounced auditory presence compared to the potentially brighter, but less resonant sound of the Macchiato.
Regarding feel, the HMX Macchiato excels in providing a silky smooth typing experience. While specific characteristics are not detailed, the inference is that it delivers a seamless action that promotes an effortless typing sensation. Comparatively, the Gateron Smoothie offers a buttery, creamy, and silky feel, enhancing the overall typing experience with its fluid and unhindered keystrokes. This smoothness is likely bolstered by high-quality materials and the factory lubrication process. Both switches prioritize an impression of effortless key movement, but the Smoothie's buttery and creamy descriptions suggest a slightly more luxurious typing feel, potentially enhancing the tactile feedback during use.
In conclusion, both the HMX Macchiato and Gateron Smoothie linear switches present unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Macchiato stands out with a bright sound profile and a silky typing experience, appealing to those favoring a lighter auditory feedback. Conversely, the Smoothie provides a deep thocky sound and a luxurious feel through buttery and creamy keystrokes. While the specific characteristics of the Macchiato's sound and feel are somewhat unknown, it can be inferred that they will still provide a high-quality typing experience. Depending on personal preference, either switch can yield a delightful combination of audio and tactile performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound profile. If you lean toward a lighter touch with a silky, smooth typing experience that emphasizes brightness in sound, the HMX Macchiato would serve you well. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it suitable for those who can appreciate a softer keystroke while enjoying an engaging auditory feedback. Conversely, if you value a rich, thocky sound that brings a deeper resonance to your typing, coupled with a buttery, creamy sensation in your keystrokes, then the Gateron Smoothie might be the better choice. With its unique all-POM construction offering remarkable smoothness at an accessible price, it delivers an overall delightful typing experience that many enjoy. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what kind of tactile and auditory feedback enhances your own enjoyment and productivity while typing.
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