HMX Macchiato vs. KTT Strawberry

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Macchiato and the KTT Strawberry comes down to personal preferences and typing styles. The HMX Macchiato, created by YG Studio, offers a silky smooth typing experience complemented by a bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry, with its visually appealing pink and clear housings, is celebrated for its smooth actuation and comfortable feel, being categorized as low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. While both switches are linear and share the characteristic of delivering a seamless typing experience, the Macchiato leans towards an engaging soundscape, whereas the Strawberry emphasizes a plush, refined feel. Ultimately, each switch has its unique appeal, so let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.

By the numbers

HMX Macchiato Linear

KTT Strawberry Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$4.91 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Macchiato and the KTT Strawberry utilize distinct housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and tactile feedback. The Macchiato employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a traditional material famed for its softer quality. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound, producing a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This characteristic makes the Macchiato particularly appealing for those who prefer a rounded and more muted sound while typing. Nylon's sound-absorbing properties create a soundscape that feels warm and rich, which can enhance the overall typing experience by minimizing sharpness and echo.

In contrast, the KTT Strawberry features a polycarbonate housing for both its top and bottom. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that promotes a clearer, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness results in a more resonant auditory experience that can be more suitable for typists who enjoy a sharper and more pronounced feedback. The use of polycarbonate not only influences the sound but also its aesthetic appeal, particularly when it comes to RGB lighting, as the translucency of the material allows light to pass through beautifully, creating striking visual effects.

When comparing these two switches, it is clear that the differences in housing materials contribute to their unique auditory experiences. The Macchiato’s nylon housings provide a softer, deeper sound signature that may be preferred in more collaborative environments or for extended typing sessions, while the Strawberry’s polycarbonate housings offer a brighter edge that caters to those who prioritize clarity and resonance, especially in gaming or creative applications. However, if one were to intermix these switches or achieve a customized typing experience, one could manipulate the sound profile by integrating nylon dampers into the polycarbonate framework or vice-versa, allowing for a balance between warmth and crispness without sacrificing the essence of each material's inherent properties.

Weight

The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch exhibit differing characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, influencing their suitability for various typing preferences. The Macchiato features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more accommodating for extended typing sessions and gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Strawberry's actuation force is slightly heavier at 43 grams, with a more pronounced bottom out force of 62 grams, meaning it delivers a firmer typing experience that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. Consequently, the Macchiato switch is better for those who favor lighter, more effortless keystrokes, while the Strawberry is ideal for users seeking a more robust and substantial push feel. Overall, the HMX Macchiato switch is the lighter option, whereas the KTT Strawberry is the heavier choice, offering distinct experiences based on the user's preferences.

Travel distance

The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, which means that they will provide a similar feel and performance when pressed. With this equal travel distance, users can expect a consistent keypress experience, making either switch a solid choice for those who prioritize smooth and linear key action. Since both switches share the same travel distance, they are likely to yield comparable results in terms of responsiveness and typing comfort, emphasizing the importance of personal preference in selecting between the two.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Macchiato linear switch is characterized by its bright sound profile, which complements its focus on providing a silky smooth typing experience. While the specifics of the sound have not been elaborated on, it suggests a clean auditory feedback that could add a pleasant dimension to the typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch is noted for its low-pitched sound, delivering a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. This difference in acoustic quality may cater to varied preferences, with the Macchiato appealing to those who enjoy a sharper auditory experience while the Strawberry might attract users who favor softer, more subdued sounds.

When it comes to feel, the Macchiato offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, designed to create a seamless interaction as you press the keys. This aligns closely with the characteristics of the KTT Strawberry, which is touted for its frictionless actuation and silky texture, enhancing the overall smoothness and minimizing any sense of resistance during use. The Strawberry's buttery feel further emphasizes an effortless keystroke sensation, while its polished design promises refined key travel. Both switches prioritize smoothness, but the KTT Strawberry explicitly defines this with multiple descriptors that highlight the luxurious typing experience it provides.

In conclusion, while the HMX Macchiato and KTT Strawberry linear switches both aim to offer smooth typing experiences, they diverge in their sound profiles, with the Macchiato leaning towards brightness and the Strawberry embracing a low-pitched tone. However, both switches excel in providing a frictionless and refined feel, making them appealing choices for anyone looking to enhance their typing experience with quality linear switches. When selecting a switch, personal preference for sound can guide your choice, but users can expect a comfortable and smooth touch from either option.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Macchiato and KTT Strawberry linear switches, you should consider your typing preferences and intended use. The HMX Macchiato, with its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, is ideal for those who enjoy a silky smooth, effortless typing experience and a brighter sound profile. If you're someone who types for long hours or primarily engages in tasks requiring rapid key presses, the Macchiato's light actuation can significantly enhance your comfort and reduce fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust feel with a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, the KTT Strawberry can provide that satisfying resistance while still delivering a frictionless and buttery smooth typing experience. The Strawberry's low-pitched sound and attractive design might also appeal to users who appreciate aesthetics alongside performance. Ultimately, your choice should be guided by how much force you prefer when typing and the overall typing sound and feel that enhance your workflow or gaming experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Macchiato Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

KTT Strawberry Linear

$4.91 per 10

Learn more