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Kailh Calligraphy vs HMX Macchiato V2 switch comparison

Summaries Data sheets Prices & Offers Sound test Comments

The Kailh Calligraphy and HMX Macchiato V2 switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature standard stem shape, 42 g actuation, 50 g bottom-out force, 2 mm pre-travel, 3.80 mm total travel, however, they come with different top housing (LCP (lyquid crystal polymer) vs PA12 Nylon), bottom housing (LCP (lyquid crystal polymer) vs P2 Nylon), stem material (MF (melamine formaldehyde) vs POK), spring (20 mm single-stage extended KOS vs 22 mm single-stage extended KOS). That said, they are quite 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!

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The Kailh Calligraphy is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with LCP (lyquid crystal polymer) top housing, LCP (lyquid crystal polymer) bottom housing, and MF (melamine formaldehyde) stem (standard shape). It features a 20 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 Kailh. Manufactured by Kailh.

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.

Kailh Calligraphy vs HMX Macchiato V2 data sheets

Name	Kailh Calligraphy	HMX Macchiato V2
Type	linear	linear
Footprint	5-pin	5-pin
Top housing	LCP (lyquid crystal polymer)	PA12 Nylon
Bottom housing	LCP (lyquid crystal polymer)	P2 Nylon
Stem material	MF (melamine formaldehyde)	POK
Stem shape	standard	standard
Spring	20 mm single-stage extended KOS	22 mm single-stage extended KOS
Actuation	42 g	42 g
Bottom-out	50 g	50 g
Pre-travel	2 mm	2 mm
Total travel	3.80 mm	3.80 mm
Lube	Factory lubing? Yes!	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	Kailh	YG
Manufacturer	Kailh	HMX

Prices & Offers

Where to buy Kailh Calligraphy and HMX Macchiato V2 switches?

By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the Kailh Calligraphy is much more widely available, but the HMX Macchiato V2 is also available in stores.

Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Kailh Calligraphy 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!

5 Kailh Calligraphy offers, starting from $0.4000 (average: $0.41).

3 HMX Macchiato V2 offers, starting from $0.3200 (average: $0.38).

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!

Sound tests

Kailh Calligraphy sound test	HMX Macchiato V2 sound test
No Kailh Calligraphy sound test available.

Comments

Comments on Kailh Calligraphy switches

Comments on HMX Macchiato V2 switches

The Calligraphy switch is definitely one of the most unique switches of 2025. Kailh went above and beyond, creating customized stem and housing molds just for the MF and LCP materials used to manufacture this switch. The results are nice. Calligraphy switches have a clean, loud, full, and clacky sound profile. These switches don't have any ticking or spring noise, not even a bit. Factory lubing is on point which makes them super smooth. Furthermore, they come with a satisfying scratchy and grainy feeling. They probably have the best non-Cherry scratch there is. Even better than Kailh BCP which was known for having the pleasing scratchy feeling – 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.