Huano Caramel Latte vs. HMX Cloud - 50g
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out for enthusiasts seeking a smooth and enjoyable typing experience: the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Cloud - 50g, both of which are linear switches. The Caramel Latte is celebrated for its medium weight bottoming out at 50g and its bright, clacky sound profile, offering a delightful auditory feedback that adds to the satisfaction of every keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g, while also delivering a clacky acoustic signature, provides a lighter touch that appeals to those who prefer a more nimble feel while they type. Both switches promise an exceptionally smooth action, but they cater to slightly different preferences in terms of weight and sound dynamics. With this in mind, understanding their unique characteristics can help you decide which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Cloud - 50g, a clear distinction emerges in the choice of materials for the top housing. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK, a superior polyketone known for its remarkable durability and smoothness during operation. With a low coefficient of friction, POK provides an enhanced typing experience that can be felt in the clack of each keystroke. Its impressive wear resistance and shock absorption properties promote longevity and a satisfying sound profile. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g employs nylon for its top housing, a classic material that delivers a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer and more absorbent nature. This results in a muted sound profile that contrasts with the sharper, crisper noise produced by the POK material in the Caramel Latte.
Both the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Cloud - 50g share a common material for their bottom housings—nylon. This similarity means that, regardless of the differences in the top housings, both switches will produce a profound and rounded auditory experience due to nylon's inherent sound-dampening qualities. The acoustic attributes from the nylon contribute significantly to the switches’ bottom-out feel and sound while typing. Therefore, while the top housing differences influence the sound of releasing a key, the matching bottom housing provides a shared foundational auditory experience that enhances the overall typing dynamics in both switches.
In summary, while the top housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Cloud - 50g diverge with POK and nylon respectively, both models share the nylon bottom housing, ensuring a rich and deeply resonant sound profile that typists appreciate. The contrasts between the materials influence the overall tactile feedback and auditory output during both keypress and key release stages, providing distinct experiences depending on the preference for either a crisper and more robust sound or a softer, more rounded tone. Users can expect enjoyable typing experiences from both switches, with the nuances of each switch catering to different acoustic tastes while achieving a harmonious blend at the bottom housing level.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch both offer distinct actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Caramel Latte has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option suitable for those who enjoy a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to users who prefer an even softer touch while typing or gaming. This makes the Cloud - 50g the lightweight option, while the Caramel Latte feels slightly heavier and may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who favor a firmer key feel. Together, these differences allow users to choose between a lighter switch for extended typing comfort or a heavier switch for a more satisfying keystroke response.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This difference means that users of the Caramel Latte switch will experience a more responsive keypress, making it potentially more suitable for fast-paced gaming scenarios where quicker action is preferred. Conversely, the Cloud - 50g's longer travel distance might provide a more substantial key feel, appealing to those who enjoy a hearty depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing between these two options depends on personal preference: if you're looking for a snappier response, the shorter Caramel Latte would be the way to go, while those who appreciate a more traditional feel might gravitate towards the longer Cloud - 50g switch.
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 - 50g 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 - 50g 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 sound, both the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch share a bright, clacky sound profile that enthusiasts often enjoy. This characteristic makes them appealing for those who appreciate a more audible typing experience. However, the specific tonal qualities may vary slightly due to factors like the materials used in the switch casing and the keycaps applied, but you can generally expect a lively and resonant auditory feedback from both options.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switch is renowned for its super smooth typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes that elevate productivity and comfort during long typing sessions. Similarly, the Cloud - 50g linear switch offers a silky smooth feel that enhances the overall tactile interaction with the keyboard. Both switches provide a medium actuation force of 50g, which contributes to a consistent and balanced typing experience, making either choice conducive to a satisfying feel.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and HMX Cloud - 50g linear switches present similar sound and feel qualities, making them appealing options for those seeking a clacky auditory experience paired with a highly smooth keystroke. While each switch has its unique attributes, you can expect comparable results in both sound and feel, allowing newcomers to enjoy a delightful typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences regarding actuation force and sound profile. If you prefer a slightly heavier key press that provides a more substantial feel, the Caramel Latte with its 55g bottom-out force may be the better option for you. Its medium-light weight combined with a bright, clacky sound can enhance your typing experience, making every keystroke feel more satisfying and responsive, particularly if you appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter touch and a smoother keypress, the Cloud - 50g with its 50g bottom-out force might be the ideal choice. Its silky smooth action and equally clacky sound profile can make for a fast and effortless typing experience, perfect for those who engage in high-speed typing or gaming. Ultimately, your decision should revolve around whether you value a bit more resistance or a lighter, quicker feel beneath your fingertips.
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