HMX Blue Topaz vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, both the HMX Blue Topaz and Huano Strawberry Latte offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences, particularly in their linear switch design. The Blue Topaz is well-loved for its exceptionally smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing feel almost effortless. Additionally, its eye-catching glittery housing and distinctive clacky sound signature bring a sensory enjoyment that appeals to those who appreciate both aesthetics and an audible feedback. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte stands out with its balanced sound profile, striking a sweet middle ground between being too quiet and overly resonant, providing a satisfying typing experience without overwhelming noise. While both switches ensure a smooth keystroke, the Blue Topaz offers a more pronounced auditory presence, whereas the Strawberry Latte excels in creating a subdued yet pleasing sound. Each switch has its own strengths that can enhance your typing experience, depending on whether you prioritize visual flair or a balanced auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Blue Topaz Linear

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Blue Topaz and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches showcase unique characteristics in their top housing materials that influence sound profiles and performance. The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for its ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound due to the material's stiffness. This property allows the switch to resonate clearly, creating a sound signature that pairs well with RGB lighting owing to its translucency. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes POK, or polyketone, which, while it delivers smoothness and durability thanks to its excellent wear resistance, results in a different acoustic experience. POK's higher coefficient of friction contributes to a smooth feel, but it cannot replicate the resonance and brightness that polycarbonate brings. Therefore, users may find that while the Blue Topaz offers a more vibrant sound profile, the Strawberry Latte excels in providing a smooth and consistent keystroke experience.

However, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which aligns their acoustic properties for a matching depth and fullness in sound. Nylon is known for its softer characteristics, effectively dampening sharper sounds and yielding a more rounded auditory output. This shared material ensures that when typing on either switch, users will experience a deeper timbre, with a well-rounded sound due to the absorption qualities of nylon. As both designs use nylon at the bottom, the primary difference in the acoustic profile of these switches will come from their top housing materials. The deeper, rounder sound facilitated by the nylon bottom helps to balance out the sharper tones produced by the Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top, while still complementing the smooth texture of the Strawberry Latte’s POK top.

In practical use, the contrasting top housings imply that the typing experience on the Blue Topaz will feel more pronounced and crispy, especially when releasing keys, due to the properties of the polycarbonate. On the other hand, the smoother action of the Strawberry Latte's POK will shine during key presses, enhancing the speed and fluidity during typing. Thus, while both switches utilize nylon for a rich and fuller sound profile, their overall sound and feel will differ significantly due to their distinct top housing materials. Users seeking brightness and clarity may prefer the Blue Topaz, while those who value smoothness and durability may lean towards the Strawberry Latte, making the choice ultimately dependent on personal preference in switch experience.

Weight

The HMX Blue Topaz and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches both feature light actuation forces, with the Blue Topaz requiring 40 grams and the Strawberry Latte requiring 35 grams to actuate. This makes the Strawberry Latte the lighter option, ideal for users seeking prolonged comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Topaz has a slightly higher requirement at 48 grams compared to the Strawberry Latte's 45 grams. While both switches provide a light experience, the minor differences in actuation and bottom out forces indicate that users who favor a more substantial typing feel may gravitate towards the Blue Topaz. Conversely, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Strawberry Latte cater to those who prioritize a softer touch. Overall, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, but the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference regarding force preference.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, it becomes clear that they cater to different preferences in typing feel and responsiveness. The Blue Topaz features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Strawberry Latte offers a slightly shorter distance at 3.6 mm. This means that for those who favor quicker key presses for gaming or rapid typing, the Strawberry Latte is the better option due to its reduced travel distance, allowing for faster response times. On the other hand, the Blue Topaz’s 3.9 mm distance provides a more substantial and hearty depth that some users may find more satisfying, especially for prolonged typing sessions. Thus, while both switches provide different tactile experiences, the shorter travel distance of the Huano Strawberry Latte makes it a more suitable choice for users who prioritize quickness, whereas the longer travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is characterized by a clacky quality, creating a sharp and snappy auditory response with each keystroke. This sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many users find appealing. The combination of its distinctive housing and glittery aesthetic further complements the overall acoustic experience. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a more balanced sound profile—it's neither too quiet nor overly resonant. While it's less defined than the Blue Topaz's clacky signature, the Strawberry Latte maintains satisfactory acoustic qualities that can be appealing for users who prefer a more subdued sound without sacrificing auditory enjoyment.

When considering the feel of these switches, the Blue Topaz is renowned for its easy-to-press action, requiring minimal force to actuate. This lightweight feel translates to effortless typing, reducing finger fatigue over long sessions and making each keystroke feel responsive and comfortable. In comparison, the specific tactile qualities of the Strawberry Latte are not defined here, but the use of the latest molds suggests that it is designed to provide a smooth experience, depending on individual preferences regarding actuation and resistance.

In summary, the HMX Blue Topaz presents a vibrant clacky sound signature, complemented by its super smooth and lightweight feel, making it excellent for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. The Huano Strawberry Latte, with its balanced sound and potentially smooth actuation, may satisfy users looking for a more muted auditory experience without compromising on the feel. Ultimately, while they cater to differing auditory preferences, both switches emphasize a smooth typing experience, making them compelling choices for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for sound and tactile experience. If you’re looking for a switch that not only feels light and effortless to type on—thanks to its 48 grams bottom-out force—but also offers a clacky, engaging sound profile, the Blue Topaz is an excellent option. Its smooth actuation makes it ideal for both typing and gaming scenarios where you appreciate auditory feedback and a lively keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced sound signature and slightly lighter actuation at 45 grams, the Strawberry Latte might be your go-to switch. This switch still provides a smooth typing experience without overwhelming auditory cues, making it suitable for environments where quieter operation is preferred. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, sound preferences, and the ambiance in which you will use your keyboard to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Blue Topaz Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more