HMX Macchiato vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Yellow Silver both offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences within the typing community. The HMX Macchiato, designed by YG Studio, is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience and bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who value a more tactile and auditory feedback as they type. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch stands out with its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, appealing particularly to gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes. Both switches have their strengths, with the Macchiato being ideal for a more immersive and enjoyable typing experience, while the Yellow Silver emphasizes quick, efficient performance. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches, a notable distinction lies in their top housing components. The Macchiato features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic’s sound-absorbing qualities. This results in a sound that is duller and rounder, lending itself to a more subdued typing experience. In contrast, the Yellow Silver employs a polycarbonate top housing, which delivers a sharper and more crisp sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a clearer resonance, creating an auditory output that is distinctively higher-pitched. This difference in materials thus leads to a contrasting user experience, as the nylon housing of the Macchiato will produce more muted sounds while the polycarbonate of the Yellow Silver will add brightness to the auditory feedback.
The bottom housing of both switches, however, showcases a point of convergence with both utilizing nylon as the material. This shared choice means that the deeper and fuller sound profile characteristic of nylon will manifest in the touch and feel of both switches during typing. The impact of this material is particularly felt at the bottom-out sound, as both switches will produce a similar subdued quality when pressed down completely. Consequently, users can expect the same duller sound experience from both switches when they reach this pivotal moment in the keystroke. The nylon bottom housing thus unites the two, lending both switches a commonality in tactile feedback despite their differing top housing materials.
The interplay between the top and bottom housings serves to influence the overall auditory experience of each switch. While the HMX Macchiato’s nylon top and bottom deliver a cohesive, full-bodied sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver’s combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom creates a more dynamic contrast where the top’s crispness and the bottom’s depth can be perceived distinctly. When typing, the differing qualities become apparent; the moment of releasing a key will echo with clarity in the Yellow Silver due to its polycarbonate top, while in the Macchiato, the rounded sound remains present in both the upward release and downward press. Thus, while the two switches exhibit unique characteristics from their materials, the nylon bottom housing ensures a foundational similarity in depth of sound that users will appreciate regardless of their choice.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences among users. The Macchiato switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who favor a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Yellow Silver switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more tactile and substantial feel when typing. While both switches provide low resistance during use, the Yellow Silver's medium-light classification means it requires a bit more effort than the Macchiato, making it better for those who appreciate firmer feedback. Overall, if you prefer a lighter switch for comfort over long periods, the HMX Macchiato is the way to go, while the Outemu Yellow Silver caters to those seeking a more substantial tactile experience.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Consequently, users can expect similar tactile feedback and overall feel when actuating keys with these switches, making them comparable options for those who prefer a consistent linear switch experience.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
The HMX Macchiato switch features a bright sound profile, which contributes to a more lively auditory experience when typing. This characteristic may be particularly appealing to those who enjoy a noticeable sound feedback from their keystrokes, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch comes with a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office. Its moderate sound level allows for a more discreet typing experience, which may suit users who prefer not to disturb their surroundings. Overall, if you favor a more vibrant auditory feedback, the Macchiato excels, while the Yellow Silver offers a balanced alternative.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Macchiato is renowned for its silky smooth typing experience. This quality is essential for users who appreciate a continuous, uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile bumps or resistance, creating a seamless interaction with the keyboard. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver is designed with a light actuation force in mind, catering to gamers and typists who value speed and responsiveness in their switches. While both switches aim for smoothness, the Macchiato focuses on an ultra-smooth ride, while the Yellow Silver provides a lighter tactile engagement that allows for quicker actuation.
In conclusion, the HMX Macchiato and Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches offer distinctly different sound and feel characteristics that cater to varied user preferences. The Macchiato excels in delivering a brighter sound and a luxuriously smooth keystroke, ideal for users who enjoy auditory feedback and a refined typing sensation. Meanwhile, the Yellow Silver provides a neutral sound and a lighter actuation force, making it suitable for fast-paced environments like gaming or everyday typing. Although both switches are designed for linear experiences, they cater to different tastes, ensuring that whether you prefer brightness and silkiness or neutrality and responsiveness, there's an option that will suit your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches will largely depend on your preferences for typing experience and intended usage. If you’re someone who values a silky smooth feel and a bright sound profile, the HMX Macchiato, with its lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, could be the ideal choice for you. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy longer typing sessions, as it offers a softer touch that minimizes finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that strikes a balance between speed and responsiveness, the Outemu Yellow Silver is a great option. With a slightly firmer bottom out force of 55 grams and a neutral sound profile, this switch caters well to both gamers and typists who value a quick actuation. Ultimately, if you’re seeking a smoother, more tactile experience, go for the Macchiato; but if you need a reliable and responsive switch that performs well in both gaming and typing contexts, the Yellow Silver is your best bet.
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