HMX Macchiato vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, especially between the HMX Macchiato and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is a linear switch that offers a silky smooth typing experience, complemented by a bright sound profile that appeals to those who favor unobtrusive keystrokes and fluid motion. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch known for its thuddy and punchy sound, providing users with a pronounced tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience without becoming overwhelming. While the Macchiato might be the go-to for users seeking a serene and streamlined input, the Viola Tricolor is perfect for those who crave a more engaged and characterful typing rhythm. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your typing style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials utilized in the HMX Macchiato and the Haimu Viola Tricolor exhibit both similarities and differences that play a crucial role in their overall sound profiles and tactile feedback. The HMX Macchiato features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound due to the softer plastic’s sound-absorbing qualities. This contributes to a rounder sound when typing, enhancing the experience for users who prefer a smoother auditory feedback. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor sports a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enables more clarity and resonance in the sound, making it ideal for users seeking an articulate auditory experience that can shine, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
When examining the bottom housings, both the HMX Macchiato and the Haimu Viola Tricolor utilize nylon, leading to a unified experience in terms of noise damping on key presses. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches provides a consistent deeper and fuller sound, as it absorbs sound effectively and contributes to a duller audio profile. This commonality means that when the keys are bottomed out, both switches will deliver a sound that is rich and rounded, fostering an enjoyable typing experience that caters to users who appreciate such acoustic properties.
Ultimately, the differing top housing materials create a unique dichotomy between the two switches when fully engaged. While the HMX Macchiato delivers a cohesive, muted acoustic signature thanks to its nylon top, the Haimu Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top introduces a contrast with its bright and crisp sound. However, the synergy between the nylon bottom housings in both switches mitigates the variance: regardless of the differences in the top housing, the commonality in bottom housing ensures that both switches will produce a deep sound profile during key bottoming out. Therefore, while users may note significant tonal differences during typing, they can also appreciate a familiar, rich auditory foundation provided by the nylon material inherent in the design of both switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, noticeable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Macchiato features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions without as much finger fatigue. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor lacks a specified actuation force, but it has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a firmer resistance encountered when fully pressing down. This leads to a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer. Overall, the Macchiato is the lighter option, ideal for those who favor ease of use over extended periods, whereas the Viola Tricolor, with its heavier bottom out force, caters to users who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, the Macchiato stands out with its travel distance of 4 mm, while the Viola Tricolor measures slightly shorter at 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm may seem minimal, but it reflects a noticeable variation in feel and responsiveness. The longer travel distance of the Macchiato may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial depth and tactile feedback when pressing a key, providing a sensation that is more gradual and satisfying. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Viola Tricolor caters to those seeking quicker response times, especially beneficial for gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. Thus, if you're aiming for a more immediate feedback and responsiveness, the Viola Tricolor would be the ideal choice, while the Macchiato will suit those who appreciate a deeper key press.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 linear switch is celebrated for its bright sound profile, providing a crisp and airy auditory experience that is pleasant without being overbearing. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch embodies a bassy and low-pitched quality, creating a deeper and richer sound with each keystroke. This sound profile adds a unique character to typing, evoking a sense of weight and presence that can enhance the overall experience. Both switches, however, will have their sound characteristics influenced by the choice of keycaps and keyboard construction, so users may find ways to achieve similar auditory results with either option depending on their setup.
Regarding feel, the HMX Macchiato switch is known for its incredibly smooth typing experience, allowing users to glide effortlessly from one key to another without any noticeable resistance or scratchiness. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers a pronounced tactility with a medium tactile sensation that provides a satisfying feedback without being too overwhelming. It strikes a balance that ensures both comfort and responsiveness. The invigorating nature of the Viola Tricolor can create a more engaging typing experience, while the smoothness of the Macchiato may suit those who prefer a more fluid action.
In conclusion, the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch each offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Macchiato excels in providing a smooth and bright typing experience, making it ideal for users who prioritize a whisper-quiet and seamless action. Meanwhile, the Viola Tricolor stands out for its thuddy sound and pronounced tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a more interactive and immersive typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will largely depend on whether the user favors the linear smoothness of the Macchiato or the character-filled tactility of the Viola Tricolor, with each offering unique benefits to suit different typing styles.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a lightweight keypress with a smooth and quiet keystroke, the Macchiato is ideal for long typing sessions or office environments where you want to minimize distractions with its bright sound profile. Its 50-gram bottom out force makes it a great choice for users who appreciate a seamless, fluid typing experience. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a more tactile feel that offers satisfying feedback with every key press, the Viola Tricolor is the way to go. With its 63.5-gram bottom out force and pronounced tactility, these switches provide a punchy, bassy sound profile that not only enhances the auditory experience but also adds momentum to your typing. This makes it excellent for both gaming and typing tasks where you want to maintain high engagement. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience—your choice between these two switches will reflect your personal style and user needs.
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