HMX Macchiato vs. KTT Wine Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Macchiato and KTT Wine Red both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, despite both being linear switches. The HMX Macchiato, developed by YG Studio, is renowned for its silky smooth actuation and bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a refined typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switches offer a pillowy light feel, paired with a deep and rich sound signature that can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more immersive auditory experience while typing. While the Macchiato is perfect for enthusiasts seeking a smooth and crisp typing sensation, the Wine Red may attract users looking for a softer touch and a satisfying resonance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Macchiato Linear

KTT Wine Red Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.71 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Macchiato and the KTT Wine Red, significant differences emerge between their respective compositions. The Macchiato utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, a material known for its softer characteristics, which tend to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This sound quality is partly due to nylon's ability to absorb sound, resulting in a sound that is rounder and less sharp. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, generates a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile, allowing for greater resonance. The translucency of polycarbonate also enables the possibility of captivating RGB lighting effects, which a nylon housing cannot achieve to the same aesthetic level.

Despite these differences, the sound experience while typing on these switches reveals how housing materials influence performance. The HMX Macchiato's compliant nylon will provide a muted auditory feedback that may appeal to users seeking a quieter typing experience. Conversely, the KTT Wine Red's use of polycarbonate contributes to a brighter acoustical feedback with clearer sound cues, ideal for those who prefer more auditory stimulation while typing. While the KTT may offer a sharper sound, the Macchiato delivers a more subdued auditory experience, mimicking the user’s emotional connection to typing based on their preferred sound profiles.

Additionally, the arrangement of the two materials impacts how each switch behaves during use. The nylon in the Macchiato’s housing absorbs sound upon bottoming out, while the polycarbonate's rigidity in the Wine Red emphasizes the impact of the key release. If one were to switch between these two models, they might notice how the nylon produces a more rounded auditory feel and tactile feedback that favors a smoother typing flow, whereas the polycarbonate yields a more distinct and responsive interaction with each keystroke. Ultimately, both the HMX Macchiato and the KTT Wine Red deliver unique characteristics that cater to distinct user preferences when it comes to sound, feel, and aesthetics.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are noteworthy differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to various user preferences. The Macchiato features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Wine Red comes in with a slightly firmer actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that while both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, the Macchiato allows for easier keystrokes, which is ideal for extended use without fatigue. Conversely, the Wine Red offers a bit more resistance, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel for enhanced tactile feedback. Ultimately, users seeking a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions might gravitate towards the Macchiato, while those favoring a heavier force might find the Wine Red more to their liking.

Travel distance

Both the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch feature identical travel distances of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience the same keypress depth when using these switches. Since both switches have this equal travel distance, they will provide a similar tactile experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom during key presses. This similarity ensures that users seeking a consistent feel can expect comparable results when utilizing either the Macchiato or the Wine Red switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Macchiato linear switch offers a bright sound profile that is pleasing to those who enjoy a more melodic typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switch is characterized by a deeper, rich sound profile that resonates with a bassy tone. This low-pitched audio quality contributes to a more immersive and satisfying auditory feedback while typing. The differences in sound can largely be attributed to their design and materials, yet it’s important to remember that final sound results will also depend on the keyboard itself and the choice of keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Macchiato is known for delivering a silky smooth typing experience, which provides a seamless key press that many enthusiasts favor. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch features a pillowy light type feel, making the act of typing feel effortless and cushioned. While both switches are linear, their tactile characteristics differ, with the Macchiato offering a more traditional smoothness compared to the unique soft and cushioned feel of the Wine Red.

In conclusion, the HMX Macchiato and KTT Wine Red linear switches each present distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Macchiato is suitable for those who appreciate a bright sound and silky smoothness, while the Wine Red serves those who prefer a richer, deeper sound accompanied by a light and pillowy typing feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on which characteristics resonate more with your personal preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Macchiato and the KTT Wine Red linear switches, consider your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound profile. If you favor a light keystroke and seek a silky smooth typing experience paired with a bright sound, the HMX Macchiato, with its lower bottom out force of 50 grams, is the ideal choice for you. It excels in providing an effortless typing experience, making it particularly suitable for long typing sessions or if you prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial key press with a pillowy feel and a deeper, richer sound, then the KTT Wine Red, featuring a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, might be more to your liking. The bassy and low-pitched sound profile of the Wine Red switches offers a satisfying auditory experience that can enhance your overall typing enjoyment. Ultimately, your selection should align with whether you prioritize a lightweight, smooth action or a firmer, resonant keypress.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Macchiato Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

KTT Wine Red Linear

$2.71 per 10

Learn more