HMX Macchiato vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The HMX Macchiato, developed by YG Studio, offers a unique combination of a silky smooth feel and a bright, clacky sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy a lively auditory feedback while typing. Its attributes of being clacky, silky, bouncy, and feathery cater to users who appreciate not just performance but also engaging sound dynamics. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat emphasizes a super smooth typing experience thanks to its Ly stems, combined with a resonant sound profile that strikes a balance between subtlety and engagement. Both switches position themselves as excellent choices for linear switch enthusiasts, yet they cater to different tactile and auditory preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Extended spring
Housing materials
The HMX Macchiato and the Bsun Tomcat present a fascinating contrast in their top housing materials, with the former utilizing nylon and the latter employing polycarbonate. Nylon, as seen in the Macchiato's design, is noted for its softer properties, which enable it to absorb sound effectively. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, enhancing the tactile experience by providing a rounded acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Tomcat’s polycarbonate top housing showcases a firmer structure that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This material choice leads to a clearer, crisper audio output, particularly beneficial for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory response when typing. The aesthetic appeal of polycarbonate, particularly in creating visually striking designs with RGB lighting, marks a further distinction between these two switches.
However, when exploring the bottom housings, both models utilize nylon, creating a common ground in their design. Both the Macchiato and the Tomcat benefit from nylon’s characteristic properties, which lend to a deeper and more resonant sound profile when the switch bottoms out. This similarity allows users to experience a consistent acoustic quality when engaging with the switch, even though the top housing may offer variations in sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing's influence on the overall auditory experience reinforces the classic sound profile associated with this material, promoting a satisfying tactile response for users who appreciate a subdued yet rich auditory feedback when typing.
In summary, while the HMX Macchiato and the Bsun Tomcat differ in their top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—their bottom housings are identical in utilizing nylon. This results in a shared foundational acoustic profile that bridges the differences presented by their tops. Users can thus expect distinct auditory qualities driven by their respective top housings but will find commonality in the rich, deep sounds provided by the nylon bottoms. Such a design allows for a dual experience that caters both to those seeking clarity and resonance in sound while typing, ideal for different user preferences while enjoying a mutually deep bottom-out feel.
Weight
The HMX Macchiato and Bsun Tomcat linear switches exhibit notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force, catering to varying preferences among users. The Macchiato features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, compared to the Tomcat's 45 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons, as it requires less force to actuate. Additionally, the Macchiato's bottom out force is 50 grams, lighter than the Tomcat's 54 grams, which again contributes to a more relaxed typing experience. Users who favor a more substantial feel might gravitate towards the Tomcat, given its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, those seeking a lighter touch and less fatigue over time would benefit from the Macchiato, while those who prefer a stronger push may find the Tomcat more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we find that the Macchiato has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tomcat measures at 3.6 mm. This means that the Macchiato offers a longer travel distance, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on the key. In contrast, the Tomcat's shorter travel distance may cater to users who favor a snappier response time, common among gamers. While many prefer the traditional 4 mm depth for a more pronounced tactile experience, others may find the 3.6 mm travel more efficient for rapid key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference: if you seek a more substantial feel, the HMX Macchiato is the better option, whereas those who prioritize quick responses may lean towards the Bsun Tomcat.
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 Tomcat comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
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 it comes to sound, the HMX Macchiato linear switch stands out with its clacky profile. This means that every keystroke produces a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp and bright, providing an audibly satisfying typing experience. The resonance of the sound adds an engaging acoustic dimension to the interaction with the keyboard. Unfortunately, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch lacks a detailed description of its sound profile. Nonetheless, it is noted to deliver a resonant sound, which may similarly contribute positively to the overall auditory experience, albeit not as explicitly characterized as the clackiness of the Macchiato.
In terms of feel, the Macchiato switch excels in providing a downright silky experience. This means that it minimizes resistance during both the pressing and releasing phases of each keystroke, yielding an incredibly smooth sensation. Additionally, features such as bounciness offer a lively, spring-like feedback, while the feathery light touch demands minimal exertion from the fingers, reducing fatigue over prolonged use. In contrast, there are no specific descriptors available for the feel of the Tomcat linear switch, leaving a gap in comparative assessment. Thus, while both switches may be smooth in operation, the unique attributes of the Macchiato create a richer tactile experience.
Considering the available information, the HMX Macchiato linear switch presents a more defined auditory and tactile profile, particularly with its clacky sound and multifaceted feel. The Tomcat linear switch, while potentially smooth given its design, lacks detailed descriptors that would help to gauge its performance precisely against the Macchiato. Ultimately, if you gravitate toward a richer sound and a plush typing experience, the Macchiato is likely to resonate with you more. If both switches are smooth, you might find that your typing experience is somewhat pleasant with either choice, but the distinctive qualities of the Macchiato make it stand out in this comparison.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you're seeking. If you enjoy a lighter switch that offers a silky smooth feel, a bouncy response, and a clacky sound profile, the HMX Macchiato is the better option for you. Its lower bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it particularly suitable for extended typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue and allowing for a more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer switch with a stronger tactile response and a resonant sound profile, the Tomcat's medium-light 54 grams bottom-out force may be more to your liking. While the Tomcat switches also provide a smooth typing experience, they may offer a bit more resistance, making them ideal for users who appreciate a more deliberate typing feel. Ultimately, evaluate your typing style, sound preference, and whether you're aiming for speed or control, and choose the switch that aligns best with your individual needs.
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