Huano Caramel Latte vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offer distinctly appealing options for typists and gamers alike, both classified as linear switches that provide a unique blend of sound and feel. The Huano Caramel Latte, with its 50g bottom-out weight, boasts a bright and clacky sound profile combined with a silky smooth actuation, making it a delightful choice for users seeking a responsive and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud switch, heavier at 63.5g, caters to enthusiasts who appreciate a more deliberate keystroke with a similarly clacky sound but enhances that experience with a creamy undertone that adds depth to each tap. While the Caramel Latte is perfect for those who enjoy a lighter and nimble feel, the Cloud appeals to individuals who prefer a bit more resistance in their keystrokes, allowing for a satisfying control. 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
56g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 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 of the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches showcase both similarities and differences that influence their performance and sound profiles. The Caramel Latte switch utilizes a POK material for its top housing, which is lauded for its exceptional durability and low coefficient of friction. With a coefficient of 0.04, it stands out as one of the smoothest materials available, providing users with a distinct clacky sound and experience. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch features a nylon top housing, a classic choice that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties. While POK creates a smoother typing experience, nylon’s ability to absorb sound contributes to a more rounded acoustic quality, showcasing a key variance in their top housing materials.
Both the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which underscores a shared characteristic between the switches. This uniformity in material results in a deeper sound profile for both switches, emphasizing the impact of the bottom housing on the overall acoustic experience. Since nylon is a relatively softer plastic, it will absorb sound waves more efficiently than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and fuller sound upon bottoming out. Consequently, even though the top housings differ, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing between the two switches highlights a common trait that contributes to their tonal qualities when keys are pressed down.
The contrasting materials in the top housings suggest that the two switches may cater to different user preferences. Those who favor a smooth and responsive typing experience may gravitate towards the Caramel Latte, while users seeking a richer sound profile might prefer the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch. Nevertheless, the combination of nylon for the bottom housings ensures that both switches maintain a similar durability and sound absorption characteristic. By understanding how each housing material affects the feel and sound, users can achieve their desired typing experience, with the nylon bottom housing providing a level of consistency in sound quality that will be present across both models despite the differences in their top housings.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to distinct preferences among users. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option that is ideal for those who favor extended typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the HMX Cloud switch has a heavier actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, positioning it as a medium-heavy choice that provides a more substantial push feel, which some users may find gratifying. Consequently, anyone looking for a lighter switch would likely prefer the Huano Caramel Latte, whereas those who enjoy a firmer typing experience should opt for the HMX Cloud. The differences in weight ultimately influence the typing dynamics and comfort for various users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, we find distinct differences that cater to varying preferences. The Huano Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option between the two. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This difference can influence the feel and responsiveness experienced when pressing the keys; for gamers seeking rapid reactions, the Caramel Latte's shorter travel distance could provide an advantage. However, individuals who appreciate a more tactile and deeper keystroke may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g switch. In summary, while both switches serve to enhance user experience in their own way, the Caramel Latte's shorter distance is better suited for speed, whereas the Cloud's longer distance lends itself to a more substantial feel.
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 Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
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
When it comes to the sound profile of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch, both deliver a similarly bright and clacky auditory experience. The Caramel Latte produces a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound that is characterized by its clacky nature, giving each keystroke a pronounced percussive quality. Likewise, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a clacky sound that is equally sharp and snappy, maintaining that same crispness while also having a high-pitched characteristic. Therefore, users can expect both switches to provide an engaging and lively typing sound, making them enjoyable choices for those who appreciate a more vibrant auditory feedback from their keyboard.
In terms of feel, the two switches offer distinct yet equally pleasurable experiences. The Caramel Latte is known for its silky feel, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance during key presses. This smoothness enhances the overall typing satisfaction, allowing for seamless transitions between keystrokes. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g provides a creamy feel that combines with its silky characteristics to create a buttery smooth typing sensation. You can expect the key presses on the Cloud - 63.5g to glide effortlessly, much like the Caramel Latte, but with an added richness that can make the typing feel even more satisfying. Both switches ultimately deliver a refined tactile experience that minimizes finger fatigue during extensive typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switches present compelling options for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world. While they exhibit similar sound qualities with bright, clacky tones, their tactile experiences diverge slightly, with the Caramel Latte focusing on pure silkiness, and the Cloud - 63.5g combining a creamy feel with a silky touch. These nuances in feel can cater to different typing preferences, making either choice a delightful addition to one’s keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches are likely to provide an enjoyable typing experience, whether you prioritize sound, feel, or both in your mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you lean toward a lighter touch with a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, and you appreciate a bright, clacky sound combined with a super smooth and silky feel, the Caramel Latte switch could be your ideal match. This makes it especially suitable for casual typing, gaming, or if you simply enjoy a less strenuous keystroke experience. Conversely, if you prefer a heavier feel with a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a creamy, buttery sensation under your fingers along with a satisfying clacky sound, making it a great option for those who appreciate a more tactile experience and enjoy the tactile feedback of heavier switches. It's perfect for enthusiasts who type a lot or prefer a more robust keystroke that can withstand longer sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, considering your typing style and sound preferences will steer you toward the switch that enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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