HMX Macchiato vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches for your typing experience, the HMX Macchiato and HMX Sunset Gleam present two compelling yet distinct options, both categorized as linear switches. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is favored by typists who seek a silky smooth feel coupled with a bright sound profile, characterized by its clacky and bouncy attributes. This makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a lively auditory feedback and a feathery touch. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam—often referred to as the Duck Duck switch—boasts a polished design with an emphasis on subtlety and resonance. Its excellent factory lube and satisfying clack cater to users who appreciate a more refined acoustic experience without sacrificing responsiveness. Both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, yet they cater to different preferences; the Macchiato appeals to those who favor a vibrant and energetic feedback, while the Sunset Gleam offers a more understated and elegant sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Macchiato and the HMX Sunset Gleam, it's essential to note the distinctions made in their top housings. The Macchiato employs nylon for its top housing, characterized by its softer composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a rounded auditory experience. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam opts for polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Its translucent nature not only lends itself to producing a more resonant sound profile but also enhances visual appeal when RGB lighting is utilized. Thus, while both switches are designed for optimal performance, they deliver distinctly different auditory experiences stemming from the choice of top housing materials.
Interestingly, despite the differences in their top housings, both the HMX Macchiato and Sunset Gleam utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This shared characteristic means that both switches maintain a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile from their bottoms, regardless of the contrasting effects from their respective top materials. When pressed down, users will experience similar bottom-out sounds when typing on either switch due to the nylon composition. The nylon's sound-absorbing quality continues to play a vital role in shaping the overall auditory experience, as it helps to soften and dampen the sound generated at the key's lowest point.
In essence, while the HMX Macchiato and HMX Sunset Gleam exhibit differing sound profiles primarily due to their top housing materials, their respective nylon bottom housings provide a common auditory foundation. The combination of a softer nylon bottom in both switches ensures that the deeper, fuller sound remains a consistent feature across both models. In contrast, the varying top housing materials highlight the designers' intent in providing unique typing experiences, each with its own specific tonal characteristics. Overall, the interplay between the nylon bottom and the differing top materials results in a rich variety of auditory and tactile experiences for users, making each switch appealing for different preferences.
Weight
The HMX Macchiato and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches both share the same actuation force of 42 grams, indicating that users will experience a similar ease of triggering keystrokes with either switch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Macchiato has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Sunset Gleam's 48 grams. This difference may lead to a marginally more substantial typing experience with the Macchiato, appealing to those who prefer a firmer feel when bottoming out. Overall, both switches are relatively light, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, but the Sunset Gleam is the lighter option due to its lower bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Macchiato and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches, it's clear that they cater to different preferences. The HMX Macchiato features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional feel preferred by those who enjoy a deeper, more tactile experience when pressing down on keys. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a better option for gamers or users who prioritize quicker response times. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that provides a more rapid actuation, the Sunset Gleam would be the preferable choice. Conversely, if you enjoy a more substantial depth in your keystrokes, the Macchiato is the way to go. Ultimately, the Macchiato is the longer switch while the Sunset Gleam offers a 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 HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches, both deliver unique auditory experiences. The Macchiato produces a distinct clacky sound, sharp and snappy, offering a crisp and bright auditory feedback that many typists may find satisfying. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam features a resonant sound profile characterized by a higher pitch and an immersive quality. This clean and sharp sound can create a more engaging typing atmosphere. While both switches provide appealing sound characteristics, the Macchiato leans towards a more percussive tone, whereas the Sunset Gleam offers an elevated auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Macchiato switch is renowned for its silky, bouncy, and feathery sensations. This combination results in an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, allowing for a lively and comfortable interaction that reduces finger fatigue. Meanwhile, the Sunset Gleam also boasts a silky feel and bouncy feedback but emphasizes a polished surface that enhances its smoothness and reduces friction. Both switches promote an enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that users benefit from the springy feedback and smooth travel, though the Sunset Gleam's refined finish may cater more towards those seeking an elevated tactile experience.
In conclusion, while the HMX Macchiato and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches share similarities in terms of smooth and bouncy feels, their sound profiles present distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Macchiato's clacky sharpness might appeal to those favoring bright auditory feedback, whereas the Sunset Gleam's resonant and immersive sound could attract users seeking a more engaging experience. Ultimately, each switch offers its unique blend of qualities that ensure satisfaction for different typing styles and preferences, making either a strong candidate for anyone exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Macchiato and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches, consider your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. If you are seeking a switch that offers a super smooth, silky feeling with a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances your auditory experience, the Macchiato is an excellent choice. It’s particularly well-suited for longer typing sessions, as its light bottom-out force of 50 grams minimizes finger fatigue, making it ideal for general use, gaming, or extended writing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a more resonant sound with an immersive auditory experience, along with a hint of a satisfying clack, the Sunset Gleam is the way to go. With a slightly lower bottom-out force of 48 grams and its polished feel, this switch offers a seamless typing experience that invites you to type with enthusiasm. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your desire for tactile feedback, sound characteristics, and how you intend to use your keyboard—be it for work, gaming, or everyday typing.
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