The HMX Ash and HMX Macchiato V2 switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature PA12 Nylon top housing, POK stem material, standard stem shape, 2 mm pre-travel, however, they come with different bottom housing (PA66 Nylon vs P2 Nylon), spring (single-stage extended KOS vs 22 mm single-stage extended KOS), actuation (40 g vs 42 g), bottom-out force (48 g vs 50 g), total travel (3.60 mm vs 3.80 mm). That said, they are only slightly similar. Let's check out this side-by-side specs rundawn with details, availability -- and even current prices -- to figure out which one fits you the best!
The HMX Ash is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 Nylon top housing, PA66 Nylon bottom housing, and POK stem (standard shape). It features a single-stage extended KOS spring. The 40g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 48g bottom-out occurs at 3.60mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Key of Life. Manufactured by HMX. | The HMX Macchiato V2 is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 Nylon top housing, P2 Nylon bottom housing, and POK stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm single-stage extended KOS spring. The 42g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 50g bottom-out occurs at 3.80mm. Extra: Light diffuser. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by YG. Manufactured by HMX. |
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| Name | HMX Ash | HMX Macchiato V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA12 Nylon | PA12 Nylon |
| Bottom housing | PA66 Nylon | P2 Nylon |
| Stem material | POK | POK |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | single-stage extended KOS | 22 mm single-stage extended KOS |
| Actuation | 40 g | 42 g |
| Bottom-out | 48 g | 50 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.60 mm | 3.80 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! Stem legs and stem sliders are covered with a very thin coat of 205g0. The spring and leaf are lubed with dry film. Everything else is dry. There is no lube in the bottom housing or anywhere near the stem pole. The chance that these get lube pooling issue is very small. | Factory lubing? Yes! Stem legs and stem sliders are covered with a very thin coat of 205g0. The spring and leaf are lubed with dry film. Everything else is dry. There is no lube in the bottom housing or anywhere near the stem pole. The chance that these get lube pooling issue is very small. |
| Designer | Key of Life | YG |
| Manufacturer | HMX | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the HMX Macchiato V2 is not available at the moment, while the HMX Ash can be found in 1 stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Ash and HMX Macchiato V2 switches. When accepted, the prices indicated already include the discount - use the KBDNEWS coupon code at checkout to claim your saving!
Prices, discounts, and stock status are checked regularly; however, changes since the last update cannot be ruled out. Everything here is for informational purposes only. Check the product pages for the latest prices!
HMX Ash sound test | HMX Macchiato V2 sound test |
No HMX Ash sound test available. |
Comments on HMX Ash switches | Comments on HMX Macchiato V2 switches |
The HMX Ash linear switch is one of the most balanced HMX switches. The POK stem is perfect for creating a clean clacky sound profile without making it too loud. The PA12 top housing is one of the best, if not the best material for ultimate smoothness. The bottom housing is pure PA66 which is the most reliable and classic housing material you could see on a switch. Overall, Ash switches come with a great sound and great feel. It has the signature HMX features, and is a great option for anyone who enjoys nice sounding keyboard – Unikeys. | It is the upgraded successor to the popular HMX Macchiato V1, combining a smooth, slightly scratchy, and textured typing feel with a clean, clacky, and poppy sound profile. Built with HMX’s latest L3 mold, the Macchiato V2 delivers improved smoothness (compared to Macchiato V1), tighter tolerances, and minimal stem wobble for a more refined typing experience. The Macchiato V2 uses a carefully selected material combination to maintain the signature sound profile of the original. POK stem: Smooth and textured feeling with a slightly lower-pitched tone that reduces harshness. PA12 top housing: Enhances overall smoothness and typing consistency. Slightly reduce the scratchy feeling that the POK stem creates. P2 bottom housing (Nylon blend with fiberglass): Produces a lively clacky sound with satisfying poppy resonance. Together, these materials create a smooth, responsive, and balanced typing experience without sounding overly sharp or loud. The biggest upgrade in the Macchiato V2 is HMX’s newest L3 mold design, significantly improving switch smoothness while maintaining excellent stability and minimal stem wobble. Perfect for custom mechanical keyboard builds, the HMX Macchiato V2 linear switch offers refined acoustics, upgraded smoothness, and a premium clacky linear feel straight out of the box – Unikeys. |
