HMX Macchiato vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Macchiato and the Bsun Taichi can significantly impact your typing experience. The HMX Macchiato, designed by YG Studio, is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for typists who want a pleasant auditory feedback alongside a seamless keystroke. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi offers an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to its long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled stems, providing an unmatched sense of smoothness and stability that appeals to those who prioritize precision and responsiveness in their gaming or typing sessions. Both switches fall into the linear category, ensuring a consistent keystroke without tactile bumps or audible clicks, yet they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. 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
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Macchiato and the Bsun Taichi, a distinct contrast emerges particularly in the composition of their top housings. The Macchiato features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature. This softer plastic effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Taichi employs a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer polycarbonate material enhances resonance, providing clarity to the sound produced when typing. Aesthetically, polycarbonate’s translucent quality allows it to shine under RGB lighting, further distinguishing the two models in their visual appeal and sound characteristics.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both the Macchiato and Taichi share nylon as their bottom housing material. This commonality means that both switches elicit a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when keys are pressed down. The bottom housing's nylon composition dampens sound more effectively, ensuring a consistent auditory experience upon bottoming out the keystroke. Whether using the Macchiato or the Taichi, users can expect a plush feel during typing as the nylon absorbs vibrations, allowing for a softer sound that resonates well with users who prefer a more muted typing experience.
Overall, the split nature of these switches' materials ensures that while the Macchiato and Taichi have distinctive sound characteristics due to their top housings, they converge on the auditory experience offered by their shared nylon bottom housings. The interplay of nylon and polycarbonate here illustrates how different materials can yield a varied yet complementary typing experience. The tactile feel while pressing keys will be influenced by the nylon bottom, while the sound produced during key release will be shaped by the top housing. Consequently, either switch will cater to different preferences, making them appealing to varied audiences, whether users prioritize richness of sound or the clarity of auditory feedback in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The Macchiato has an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Taichi has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This makes the Taichi feel more responsive and easier to press, which could be preferable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force of the Taichi is not available, preventing a direct comparison in that aspect. The Macchiato's bottom out force is 50 grams, indicating that it has a slightly firmer feel when pressed down completely. Overall, the Macchiato switch is heavier in terms of bottom out force, while the Taichi switch is indeed lighter regarding the actuation force. This distinction suggests that users who prefer a softer touch may gravitate towards the Taichi, while those looking for more feedback at the bottom of the key press may appreciate the Macchiato.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, a distinct difference emerges. The Macchiato features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Taichi has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Macchiato provides a more substantial keypress, which some users might find offers a more satisfying depth, making it a better choice for those who appreciate a hearty feel in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Taichi's travel distance aligns more closely with the preferences of gamers who often favor quicker response times due to its shorter 3.6 mm travel. Ultimately, if you are looking for a switch that feels more immediate and responsive, the Taichi would be the preferable option, while the Macchiato may cater better to preferences for deeper travel.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 recognized for its bright sound profile, which contributes to a crisp auditory experience when typing. The Bsun Taichi, on the other hand, features a high-pitched bottom-out sound that many users find enchanting, enhanced by its long-pole stem design. While both switches offer distinct auditory characteristics that can be influenced by the keyboard build and keycaps used, the Macchiato's brighter tone contrasts with the more resonant, musical quality of the Taichi, appealing to different preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Macchiato is well-regarded for providing a silky smooth typing experience, which brings a sense of fluidity and comfort to prolonged usage. The Taichi also emphasizes smoothness, but it achieves this through the combination of an extended spring and walled stem that contributes to its stability during key presses. Both switches aim for a refined touch, making them suitable for users who prioritize a seamless typing experience, though the Macchiato leans more towards a luxurious glide while the Taichi balances that with a solid feel.
Overall, both the HMX Macchiato and Bsun Taichi linear switches are designed for those who seek a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, but they cater to slightly different preferences in sound and feel. The Macchiato offers a bright auditory profile paired with a luxurious typing sensation, while the Taichi delivers a high-pitched sound and stable operation. Ultimately, either switch can provide a satisfying experience, but your choice will depend on whether you gravitate more toward a brighter sound and silky touch or a resonant auditory character paired with a solid, stable feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, you'll want to consider your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a lighter typing experience with a silky smooth feel and a bright, inviting sound profile, then the Macchiato will likely be your best option. It's particularly suited for those who enjoy a speedier response with less effort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you seek out an enchanting acoustic experience combined with a unique tactile sensation, the Taichi switch might catch your interest. Known for its high-pitched bottom-out sound, the Taichi incorporates a long-pole stem and extended springs, offering unparalleled smoothness and stability that can enhance your typing or gaming performance. Ultimately, it boils down to whether you favor a lighter, brighter, and smoother experience or a more acoustically fulfilling and stable action—both switches bring unique attributes to the table that cater to different users.
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