Huano Caramel Latte vs. HMX Cheese
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Cheese switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Cheese are two popular linear options that offer unique tactile experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Caramel Latte switch, with a medium actuation force of 50g at bottom out, is known for its distinctly bright and clacky sound profile, delivering a super smooth typing experience that enhances every keystroke for those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese switch stands out with its ultra-light feel, making it lighter than 90% of all switches. It provides an unparalleled smoothness coupled with a satisfying poppy and crispy sound signature, perfect for users seeking a featherweight option that allows for rapid key presses. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Caramel Latte for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory response and a medium weight, while the Cheese serves those who favor lightweight and seamless actuation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Huano Caramel Latte and HMX Cheese switches present both distinct characteristics and shared qualities that affect their overall typing experience. The Caramel Latte features a top housing made from POK material—polyketone—renowned for its slickness due to a low coefficient of friction (0.04) compared to the Cheese's nylon top housing which, while reliable, offers a slightly higher friction at 0.03. The POK material is exceptionally durable, boasting wear resistance significantly greater than that of POM and shock resistance that outpaces Nylon. This translates to a switch that provides a smooth, clacky sound with resilience, enhancing the tactile experience during use. Meanwhile, the HMX Cheese utilizes nylon for its top housing, known for absorbing sound effectively and delivering a deeper sound profile, albeit sacrificing some of the smoothness associated with POK.
Both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a uniform sound quality profile across both models. The nylon material, being softer, excels at sound absorption, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This consistency in using nylon for the bottom housing means that regardless of the differences in their top materials, both switches will have a similar auditory foundation on the bottom end, characterized by a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in the context of typing feedback and acoustic performance, both the Caramel Latte and the HMX Cheese switches provide a familiar auditory experience with the softness inherent in nylon.
In summary, while the Caramel Latte and HMX Cheese switches differ in their top housing materials—POK for the Caramel Latte and nylon for the Cheese—the bottom housing remains consistent across both, utilizing nylon. This similarity allows for comparable results in sound absorption and overall typing experience through the bottom housing, while the varying top materials delineate their tactile sensations and aesthetics. The POK top housing of the Caramel Latte delivers smoothness and durability, contributing to a clackier sound, whereas the nylon top of the Cheese emphasizes warmth and depth in sound quality, illustrating how different materials can alter the nuances of switch performance while still sharing common attributes through their construction.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, while the Cheese switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams. This means that the HMX Cheese is easier to press down, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Caramel Latte, with its slightly heavier actuation force, may appeal to those who desire a more substantial feel when typing. Overall, while both switches offer different experiences, the Cheese is the lighter option, making it ideal for comfort during extended use, whereas the Caramel Latte provides a more pronounced push for users who appreciate a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch, the Caramel Latte measures 3.6 mm, while the Cheese offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference indicates that the Caramel Latte provides a bit more depth, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience, while the Cheese, with its shorter travel distance, is likely to appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Given these specifications, those who favor a more responsive feel might opt for the HMX Cheese switch, whereas users who appreciate a fuller keystroke might find the Huano Caramel Latte more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two can significantly impact the typing or gaming experience based on personal preferences for key travel depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch produces a bright, clacky sound profile that many enthusiasts find appealing and indicative of mechanical keyboards. This sound can be accentuated or muted depending on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, but the inherent characteristics of the Caramel Latte offer a sharp auditory feedback that contributes to an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Cheese switch asserts a similarly clacky sound but adds a poppy and crispy quality to it, creating a delightful auditory experience that stands out due to its ultra-light nature. Here too, external factors like the keyboard and keycap choices will play a role in refining the overall sound, yet both switches lean towards a lively sound profile that many users enjoy.
When examining the feel of the switches, the Caramel Latte is characterized by a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, offering a balanced resistance that strikes a pleasant median for many typists. The smooth operation of the switch enhances the overall typing experience, allowing for comfortable and consistent keystrokes. Conversely, the HMX Cheese switch touts unparalleled smoothness that elevates the typing experience even further, albeit with a significantly lighter actuation force compared to the Caramel Latte. This ultra-lightweight design allows for rapid key presses, making it potentially more suitable for fast typists or gamers who favor quick execution without the hindrance of heavier resistance.
Ultimately, both the Huano Caramel Latte and HMX Cheese linear switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences, fostering enjoyment during prolonged typing sessions. While the Caramel Latte offers a medium weight and bright clacky sound, the Cheese prioritizes an ultra-light feel with a poppy, crispy sound signature. Despite these differences, both switches can deliver a satisfying experience for keyboard aficionados, so your choice may come down to personal preference regarding weight and sound characteristics. In essence, whichever switch you choose, you're likely to enjoy a smooth and enjoyable typing journey, accommodating varying styles and preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smoother typing experience with a medium-light resistance, the Caramel Latte might be your go-to choice; its bottom out force of 55 grams strikes a balance that can cater well to both typists and gamers, allowing you to enjoy the tactile feedback while still feeling in control. Furthermore, the bright, clacky sound profile adds a layer of auditory satisfaction that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you're after an ultra-light switch that offers an unparalleled smoothness and a crispy sound signature, the HMX Cheese is the way to go. With its notably lighter bottom out force of 46 grams, it caters perfectly to those who prefer rapid keystrokes with minimal resistance, making it an excellent option for fast-paced gaming or prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages: the Caramel Latte excels in a balanced experience, while the Cheese stands out for its feather-light touch and enjoyable sound profile. Choose based on which qualities align with your typing or gaming needs.
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