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The HMX Macchiato V2 and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature POK stem material, standard stem shape, however, they come with different top housing (PA12 Nylon vs proprietary KTT blend), bottom housing (P2 Nylon vs POK), spring (22 mm single-stage extended KOS vs 18 mm stainless steel), actuation (42 g vs 43 g), bottom-out force (50 g vs 48 g), pre-travel (2 mm vs 1.90 mm), total travel (3.80 mm vs 3.50 mm). That said, they are mostly different. 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 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. | The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with proprietary KTT blend top housing, POK bottom housing, and POK stem (standard shape). It features a 18 mm stainless steel spring. The 43g actuation occurs at 1.90mm. The 48g bottom-out occurs at 3.50mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by KTT. |
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| Name | HMX Macchiato V2 | KTT Vanilla Ice Cream |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA12 Nylon | proprietary KTT blend |
| Bottom housing | P2 Nylon | POK |
| Stem material | POK | POK |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 22 mm single-stage extended KOS | 18 mm stainless steel |
| Actuation | 42 g | 43 g |
| Bottom-out | 50 g | 48 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 1.90 mm |
| Total travel | 3.80 mm | 3.50 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! |
| Designer | YG | KTT |
| Manufacturer | HMX | - |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the HMX Macchiato V2 is much more widely available, but the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is also available in stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Macchiato V2 and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream 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 Macchiato V2 force curve | KTT Vanilla Ice Cream force curve |
No HMX Macchiato V2 force curve available. |
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HMX Macchiato V2 sound test | KTT Vanilla Ice Cream sound test |
No KTT Vanilla Ice Cream sound test available. |
Comments on HMX Macchiato V2 switches | Comments on KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches |
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. | No comments on KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches. |
