HMX Game1989 vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX 1989 and the Huano Strawberry Latte stand out as exceptional linear options, each with its unique qualities. The HMX 1989, recognized as the deepest and thockiest within the HMX Film switch series, provides a rich, satisfying thock sound that many gamers and typists crave. Its design emphasizes deep acoustics, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes, utilizing the latest molds from Huano to ensure an effortless typing experience. With a balanced sound profile that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant, it caters to users who appreciate a more refined auditory experience without sacrificing performance. Both switches have their merits depending on personal preference—whether you prioritize a deep thock or a smooth feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The comparison between the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Huano Strawberry Latte reveals both distinctive qualities and complementary characteristics that define their auditory experiences. The HMX 1989 features a top housing made from polycarbonate, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. These properties contribute to a sound profile that is sharp, high-pitched, and crisp, which can be notably enhanced when RGB lighting is included due to the material's transparency. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes a POK top housing, also designed for optimal sound, but with a different approach. POK is celebrated for its low friction and superior durability, resulting in a smooth and clacky sound profile. The structural differences suggest that while both materials aim to maximize acoustic clarity, the HMX 1989 favors vibrancy due to its rigidity, whereas the Strawberry Latte offers a more controlled interaction through its smoother characteristics.
On the flip side, both the HMX 1989 and the Strawberry Latte share a commonality in their choice of nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is recognized for its absorption qualities, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile as compared to stiffer plastics. As such, typing on switches that feature a nylon bottom housing will yield a softer and rounder auditory experience. This shared material contributes to a familiar feel across both switches during key presses; however, the overall sound experience will vary greatly between the two models due to their differing top housings. Consequently, while the nylon bottoms absorb sound to maintain fullness, the unique top housing materials dictate the clarity and tonal characteristics at the point of release.
In conclusion, users can expect a divergent auditory experience from the HMX 1989 and the Huano Strawberry Latte, rooted in their choice of top housing materials. The polycarbonate housing of the HMX 1989 ensures a bright and lively sound, while the POK material in the Strawberry Latte delivers a smoother and more durable response. Nevertheless, the nylon bottoms in both models bring a shared essence of acoustic warmth, balancing the sound profile across both switches. Therefore, while the materials contribute unique qualities to each switch, a sense of familiarity will remain present, especially when typing, as they both harness the sound-absorbing attributes that nylon provides.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we observe notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX 1989 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light in terms of feel. Conversely, the Huano Strawberry Latte boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, placing it firmly in the light category. Consequently, the Strawberry Latte's lighter actuation makes it more suitable for users who prioritize extended typing comfort or prolonged gaming sessions, while the HMX 1989 offers a slightly heavier feel, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the HMX 1989 is the heavier of the two, providing a firmer feedback, whereas the Huano Strawberry Latte presents a lighter option for a softer touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, it is clear that the two options cater to different preferences. The HMX 1989 features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional measurements favored by many typists who appreciate a deeper feel when typing. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte boasts a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it more suitable for gamers seeking faster response times and a more rapid actuation. This shorter distance can facilitate quick key presses, enhancing overall gaming performance. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive experience, the Strawberry Latte is the more appropriate choice, while the HMX 1989 is ideal for those who favor a more substantial depth in their key presses.
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 Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 producing a deep, thocky sound that is highly satisfying and enjoyable for many users, especially in gaming contexts. This characteristic is part of what makes it a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate auditory feedback. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offers a balanced sound profile that is neither overly quiet nor excessively resonant. This makes it suitable for a variety of environments, allowing it to blend well without being intrusive yet still providing a pleasant auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 switch is celebrated for its smoothness, which contributes to a more immersive typing or gaming experience. Its tactile response is designed to facilitate fast actuation, making it a great choice for gamers. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte excels with its super smooth operation, made possible by the latest mold technologies from Huano. This switch offers a similarly seamless experience, appealing to users who prioritize a fluid keystroke.
In conclusion, while both switches exhibit distinctive qualities, they also share similarities that can cater to different preferences. The HMX 1989 is ideal for those who appreciate a deeper sound and satisfying thockiness alongside a smooth feel, perfect for gaming. The Huano Strawberry Latte, with its balanced sound and silky smoothness, provides versatility for various users looking for a refined typing experience. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the thocky richness of the 1989 or the smooth neutrality of the Strawberry Latte, you can achieve a delightful experience with either switch, depending on your personal preferences and usage contexts.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte largely depends on your individual preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a slightly heavier actuation with a tactile response that delivers a satisfying thock sound, the HMX 1989, with its medium-light 53-gram bottom-out force, might be the ideal choice, especially for gaming or typing sessions where you value feedback and a robust feel. Its performance shines in an environment where you appreciate a deeper sound and substantial keypresses. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch and prioritize smoothness, particularly for extended typing sessions or casual use, the Huano Strawberry Latte's 45-gram actuation and its balanced sound profile make it an excellent option. This switch is designed for comfort and ease of use, providing a delightful typing experience without excessive resistance or noise. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, sound preference, and the type of tasks you perform most often.
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