HMX Macchiato vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Macchiato and Everglide Sunset Yellow both offer unique performances tailored to different preferences. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is celebrated for its remarkably silky smooth typing experience paired with a bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who favor clarity and precision in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches provide a captivating auditory experience reminiscent of the gentle clattering of mahjong tiles, characterized by their rich, bassy sound that transforms typing into an indulgent activity. With their medium-weight feel and thoughtful design, Sunset Yellow switches cater to a wide range of typists, while the HMX Macchiato shines for its straightforward and smooth operation. Both switches appeal to different user needs: the Macchiato for those seeking a clean and effortless typing experience, and the Sunset Yellow for users who relish a deeper, more textured 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

HMX Macchiato Linear

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the HMX Macchiato and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer contrasting experiences, particularly with respect to their top housings. The Macchiato features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softness and sound-absorbing qualities. This results in a sound that is generally duller and rounder, enhancing the overall typing experience with a rich auditory feedback. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene) for its top housing. POM is not only known for its strength but also for creating a unique sound profile that is similarly deep but tends to be more muted compared to nylon. This difference in material leads to a distinct auditory experience, with the Macchiato delivering a more resonant sound while the Sunset Yellow's sound is more controlled and pleasingly refined.

When examining the bottom housing materials, the Macchiato again employs nylon, while the Sunset Yellow opts for POM. The impact of these materials becomes evident when considering how they influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Macchiato contributes to a deeper and rounder sound profile, maintaining consistency with the characteristics defined by the top housing. Conversely, the POM bottom housing of the Sunset Yellow is designed to deliver a deep sound but with a unique quality that adds to its charm. However, the nature of POM may afford a slight advantage in producing a muted bottom-out sound, creating a notable contrast in the tactile feedback between the two switches.

Ultimately, while both switches bring different housing materials to the table, they share a common focus on achieving satisfying sound profiles. If sound quality is a key criterion for users, despite the differences in materials, both the HMX Macchiato and Everglide Sunset Yellow can evoke similar results due to the complementary roles played by their respective top and bottom housings. In this sense, regardless of the materials used, users can enjoy a broader spectrum of auditory experiences by appreciating how each switch harmonizes its construction to produce sound profiles that enhance the overall typing dynamism.

Weight

The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch present a subtle comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, highlighting their respective typing experiences. The Macchiato features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, classifying it as a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This difference means that while both switches are generally on the lighter side, typists who prefer less resistance during extended use might lean towards the Macchiato for its marginally lighter actuation. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial feel under their fingers, the Sunset Yellow provides a stronger push without being overly heavy, thereby catering to different preferences in typing experience. Both switches exhibit comparable bottom out forces, but the Macchiato remains the lighter choice in terms of overall actuation.

Travel distance

The HMX Macchiato linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional choice that offers a deeper feel when pressed. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm, appealing to those who favor quicker response times, particularly gamers looking for fast actuation. While both switches serve distinct preferences— with the Macchiato providing a heartier depth and the Sunset Yellow delivering a snappier experience—it's clear that those who prioritize responsiveness should opt for the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Yellow. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether you lean towards a more substantial key press or a faster, more immediate response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Macchiato switch offers a bright sound profile that is likely characterized by higher frequencies, promoting an energetic and clear auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches provide a captivating and bassy sound profile, reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, which delivers deep, rich audio with a satisfying thocky quality. This distinct sound evokes a soundscape that's deeper and more resonant, creating an indulgent aural experience. While both switches present unique auditory qualities, the Macchiato favors a lighter sound, whereas the Sunset Yellow emphasizes a deeper, thocky tone that can resonate more profoundly depending on the build of the keyboard and the choice of keycaps.

When examining the feel of each switch, the HMX Macchiato is designed for a silky smooth typing experience, though specific descriptive qualities are not provided. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow switches stand out with their creamy, frictionless, and polished feel. These attributes contribute to an effortlessly smooth keystroke that minimizes resistance, allowing for a gliding sensation as fingers move across the keys. The combination of factory lube and the unique Ly stem enhances the overall typing feel, providing an exceptionally refined experience. If you're searching for a switch that offers a continuous and fluid motion, the Sunset Yellow will shine in this aspect.

In summary, the HMX Macchiato linear switch offers a bright sound and a smooth typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a more energetic, clear auditory result. Meanwhile, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch provides a deeper, bassy sound along with a creamy and frictionless feel, ensuring a luxurious typing experience. While the Macchiato caters to a lighter sound and silky texture, the Sunset Yellow creates a more indulgent auditory and tactile experience. Both switches have unique characteristics that can suit different preferences, allowing users to select according to their desired typing sensation and sound profile.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX Macchiato and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a lightweight feel and a silky smooth typing experience, the Macchiato, with its lower 50-gram bottom-out force, may be your best bet. It's ideal for those who enjoy a bright sound profile and a refined key action. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly more substantial feel with a medium-light weight and a captivating sound that combines warmth with a thocky resonance, the Sunset Yellow could be more suited to you. Its unique creamy and polished sensation, paired with a bassy auditory experience, makes for indulgent typing moments. In essence, consider your need for sound and tactile feedback—opt for the Macchiato for a smooth, bright, and lightweight experience, or choose the Sunset Yellow for its rich sound, satisfying feedback, and a more balanced keystroke weight.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Macchiato Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more