HMX Macchiato vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Gateron Smoothie Silver 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 Silver stand out as two impressive linear options that cater to different 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 users who enjoy a more auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver boasts an all-POM construction that provides a short travel distance, allowing for lightning-fast actuation—a fantastic feature for gamers and fast typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness. While the Macchiato offers a pleasant listening experience paired with a refined feel, the Smoothie Silver excels in quickness and a thocky sound, delivering unparalleled smoothness with its feather-light touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Silver switches each utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, highlighting some interesting contrasts in their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Macchiato features a nylon top and bottom housing, both of which are renowned for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's inherent softness, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials. Consequently, users can expect a typing experience characterized by a duller and rounder acoustic quality when engaging with the Macchiato switches, making them more attuned to those who prefer a mellow typing ambiance.
In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver uses POM for both its top and bottom housings. POM, known for its unique acoustic properties, also fosters a deeper, muted sound profile. While both switches aim to create a pleasing auditory environment, the POM material has distinctive characteristics that differ from nylon. The POM housings contribute to a sound that is inherently unique, providing a somewhat more muted auditory experience, although still allowing users to enjoy a rich acoustic environment. Thus, while both switches offer deeper sound profiles, the Macchiato's nylon composition results in a fuller sound, while the Smoothie Silver's POM makes for a muted yet equally enjoyable typing experience.
Ultimately, the differences in material performance between the Macchiato and Smoothie Silver can influence the user’s overall typing experience. Each switch brings its own characteristic feel: the Macchiato leans towards a softer, fuller feedback, thanks to its consistent use of nylon, whereas the Smoothie Silver offers a unique texture with its POM construction. However, should these switches be perceived as delivering a similar auditory environment, it is due to the inherent sound-absorption qualities that both nylon and POM exhibit. In this way, while the materials differ, they both work towards creating evocative typing experiences that cater to varied preferences within mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The HMX Macchiato linear switch features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option for users who prefer an easier typing experience, ideal for long sessions of use. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, suggesting a slightly heavier feel, but its bottom out force is unknown, preventing a full comparison. While the Macchiato gives a definite soft landing with its 50 grams bottom out force, the lack of data on the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force leaves us uncertain about its overall resistance at deeper keystrokes. Therefore, if you're someone who values lighter switches for extended use, the Macchiato is preferable, while those who enjoy a firmer push might find appeal in the Smoothie Silver, though its characteristics remain incomplete without the bottom out force measurement.
Travel distance
The HMX Macchiato linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option when compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This distinction means that users of the Macchiato may experience a more substantial keystroke depth, which can be appealing for those who prefer a more traditional typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's shorter 3.4 mm travel distance aligns with the preferences of gamers and those seeking quicker response times in their keystrokes. While both switches offer unique advantages, the choice between them primarily hinges on individual preferences for keystroke responsiveness versus depth.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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 switch is known for its bright sound profile, providing a more pronounced acoustic feedback that appeals to those who enjoy a lively auditory experience while typing. The Gateron Smoothie Silver, on the other hand, offers a thocky sound that is deeper and more muted, creating a pleasant auditory sensation that is satisfying while also maintaining a level of discretion. When considering the overall sound experience, the choice between these switches will heavily depend on your personal preference for either a more vibrant or subdued sound, and it’s essential to remember that the final auditory result can be influenced by the keyboard build and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Macchiato excels in offering a silky smooth typing experience, ideal for users who prioritize fluidity and ease of keypress. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver provides unparalleled smoothness with a feather-light touch that enables rapid actuation, making it especially suitable for gamers or typists who require quick responses without resistance. Both switches aim to deliver a premium tactile experience, but the Macchiato leans more towards a smooth ride, while the Smoothie Silver is engineered for swift and effortless key presses.
Overall, choosing between the HMX Macchiato and the Gateron Smoothie Silver will depend primarily on your sound and feel preference. If you desire a brighter auditory feedback and a silky smooth typing texture, the Macchiato is the way to go. Conversely, if you prefer a thocky sound combined with a light, rapid actuation, the Smoothie Silver will serve you well. Both options offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing experiences, and either choice will provide high-quality performance based on your specific needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your individual typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth and pleasant auditory feedback, the Macchiato, with its 50-gram bottom-out force, might be your best bet. This switch is tailored for those who seek a silky typing experience and enjoy a brighter sound profile, making it excellent for prolonged typing sessions where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness in your keystrokes, the Gateron Smoothie Silver could be more suitable for you. With its quick actuation and thocky sound, this switch caters to gamers and fast typists looking for unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch. In essence, choose the Macchiato for a well-rounded typing experience with delightful sound, and opt for the Smoothie Silver when you need speed and efficiency.
Mentioned in this article
