HMX Game1989 vs. Huano Caramel Latte
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Huano Caramel Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between various options tailored for different typing experiences. The HMX 1989, celebrated for its profound depth and thocky sound signature, delivers a unique tactile feedback that many gamers cherish, making it an exemplary choice for those who enjoy a solid and immersive keystroke. On the other hand, Huano's Caramel Latte switch offers a medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, distinguished by its bright and clacky auditory profile. This results in a smooth and delightful typing experience that appeals to users who prioritize a dynamic, responsive feel during both gaming and typing tasks. While both switches fall under the linear category, their distinct characteristics cater to varying preferences, making it essential to consider what you value most in your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Huano Caramel Latte switches, we see a distinctive contrast in their top housings. The HMX 1989 features a polycarbonate top that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. As a stiffer plastic, polycarbonate enhances resonance and clarity, making it an ideal choice for those seeking vibrant RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Huano Caramel Latte utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing. Although POK is notably smooth and durable, it tends to produce a smooth and clacky sound profile. While both materials serve to create engaging auditory experiences, polycarbonate achieves these effects through rigidity, while POK thrives in smoothness and wear resistance. Therefore, if RGB lighting and clarity are priorities, the 1989 with its polycarbonate top would excel in delivering those outcomes.
Turning to the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon as their material of choice. Nylon is renowned for its softer characteristics, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound energy than harder materials. This creates a rounder auditory experience upon key presses. The consistency of nylon in both switches presents an interesting point of comparison; while the top housings differ significantly in composition and sound characteristics, the nylon used in both the HMX 1989 and the Huano Caramel Latte ensures a similar bottoming-out experience. This shared foundation highlights how nylon can unify the tactile experience across different switch designs, regardless of the distinct sound profiles influenced by the varying top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of the distinct materials in the top housings and the unified choice of nylon in the bottom contributes to an intriguing interplay of sound characteristics in both switches. Users seeking a crisper sound may prefer the HMX 1989 thanks to polycarbonate's sharper auditory output, while those looking for smoothness and durability might lean towards the Huano Caramel Latte thanks to POK. Nonetheless, both switches provide a rich and full auditory experience owing to the nylon bottom housing, showcasing how diverse material choices can yield varied, yet comparable, results in overall performance and sound profiles.
Weight
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch share similar actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, which allows for relatively effortless typing and longer sessions, appealing to users who favor lighter switches. However, when it comes to bottom out forces, the HMX 1989 has a slightly lower value at 53 grams compared to the Caramel Latte's 55 grams, making the latter feel marginally heavier upon bottoming out. This subtle difference may influence user preference: those who enjoy a lighter touch might gravitate towards the 1989 for both typing and gaming, while users who appreciate a more substantial push might prefer the Caramel Latte for its slightly stronger bottom out feel. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on whether a user prefers a lighter feel or a more pronounced actuation and bottom out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, the HMX 1989 stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Caramel Latte offers a shorter distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the HMX 1989 provides a more pronounced depth when pressed, catering to users who appreciate a deeper keypress for a satisfying tactile experience. In contrast, the Caramel Latte, with its shorter 3.6 mm distance, is better suited for those who desire quicker response times, such as gamers who benefit from faster actuation. Ultimately, if you prefer a switch that feels more responsive and direct, the shorter travel distance of the Caramel Latte would be the better choice. However, for users who value a more substantial key actuation, the HMX 1989's longer travel distance may be more appealing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Huano Caramel Latte has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Caramel Latte for $2.75.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX 1989 linear switch is renowned for its deep and thocky acoustics, making it a favorite for those who appreciate a more substantial auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch offers a bright and clacky sound profile, which can create a lively and engaging typing experience. While both switches produce distinct sounds, the choice between them will largely depend on personal preference and the specific characteristics of the keyboard and keycaps being used, as these factors can significantly influence overall sound output.
When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 switch is celebrated for its uniquely smooth typing experience, providing a satisfying and consistent actuation with every keystroke. In contrast, the Huano Caramel Latte also delivers a super smooth feel, enriched by its medium weight of 50g bottom out, adding a different dimension to how each keypress is perceived. While both switches aim to provide a smooth experience, the slight variations in weight and actuation points could affect how they are experienced in practice.
In conclusion, both the HMX 1989 and Huano Caramel Latte linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and typing feel. The HMX 1989 stands out with its deep thockiness, while the Caramel Latte's bright clackiness offers a more buoyant auditory experience. In terms of feel, both provide smooth keypresses, though the weight and bottom-out characteristics may create different sensations. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound or actuation feel, as each switch brings its unique attributes to the table.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and use cases. If you're seeking a switch that delivers a deep, thocky sound and feel that feels rich and satisfying during gaming or typing, the HMX 1989 is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams allows for a comfortable typing experience, particularly for extended sessions. Conversely, if you prefer a brighter, clacky sound profile and a smooth typing sensation that feels effortless, the Caramel Latte is the switch for you. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 55 grams, it still remains easy to actuate, making it suitable for both typing and gaming, especially if you enjoy that tactile feedback with a touch of acoustic flair. So, reflect on your typing habits and sound preferences; whether you gravitate toward the thocky depth of the HMX 1989 or the bright clackiness of the Caramel Latte, either switch can elevate your mechanical keyboard experience based on what you value most.
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