Huano Caramel Latte vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Huano Caramel Latte and HMX EMO linear switches have unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Caramel Latte, with its medium bottom-out weight of 50g, is cherished for its bright, clacky sound profile and super smooth keystrokes, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a tactile auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX EMO switch stands out with its feather-light 46g bottom-out force, offering a lively and effortless typing experience that is exceptionally smooth and satisfying, thanks in part to its factory lubrication. While both switches provide a linear feel without tactile feedback or clickiness, their distinct weights and sound profiles can greatly influence your overall 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
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
Polycarbonate
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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX EMO switches feature distinct differences in their top housing materials, which contribute uniquely to their overall sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Caramel Latte utilizes polyketone (POK) for its top housing, renowned for its smooth texture and impressive durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, the POK material offers a silky feel that enhances the typing experience, providing a clacky sound due to its superior shock resistance when compared to traditional materials like Nylon. In contrast, the EMO switch employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is notable for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances the clarity of the sound, making it distinctly different from the warmer tones provided by the POK material of the Caramel Latte.
However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing composition, as both utilize nylon, a classic choice among switch manufacturers. Nylon's soft nature allows for a muffled and fuller sound profile, contributing to a deeper typing experience. This shared bottom housing quality means that regardless of the differences in the top material, both switches will exhibit similar acoustic characteristics when pressed down. Both switches will absorb sound effectively, resulting in a rounder and quieter bottom-out sound due to the nylon's inherent properties. Therefore, users can expect a level of consistency in this deeper auditory feedback, irrespective of the individual top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials in the Caramel Latte and EMO switches leads users to experience a separation of sound and tactile feedback. While the Caramel Latte emphasizes a smoother and slightly more muted experience due to its POK material, the EMO provides a crisper sound profile that excels with RGB setups thanks to its polycarbonate properties. Nevertheless, since both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the sound characteristics on keypress still converge into a fuller auditory experience, ensuring that users will appreciate the durability and acoustic benefits of nylon in both instances. Together, the variations and similarities create a rich landscape of switch performance and sound, allowing users to tailor their preferences depending on the type of typing experience they wish to achieve.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of 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. In contrast, the EMO has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it overall lighter. The difference in the actuation forces means that typists who prefer a lighter touch may enjoy the HMX EMO switch for extended typing sessions without fatigue. Additionally, the bottom out forces reflect that while the Caramel Latte provides a more substantial feel when bottoming out, the EMO gives a softer conclusion to a keystroke. Thus, users looking for a lighter and more responsive experience should lean towards the HMX EMO, while those who prefer a more solid and heavier typing experience might favor the Huano Caramel Latte.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, the Caramel Latte offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the EMO features a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte provides a more noticeable depth with each keystroke, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feel. In contrast, the EMO's 3.5 mm travel distance is marginally shorter, catering to those who prefer quicker response times, making it a suitable option for gamers seeking rapid key actuation. Both switches fall within the contemporary trend of shorter travel distances, but if one values a deeper, more tactile experience, the Caramel Latte is the preferable choice, whereas the EMO aligns better with a fast-paced typing or gaming experience. Overall, the difference in travel distance, though minimal, caters to varying user preferences.
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 EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO for $2.79.
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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Caramel Latte switch is characterized by its bright, clacky sound profile, which enhances the auditory feedback during typing. This lively sound can add an enjoyable dimension to the overall typing experience, resonating well with users who appreciate audible keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX EMO switch also features a similarly clacky sound, making it another good option for those who seek an engaging auditory response. However, as with any mechanical switch, the overall sound produced can vary significantly depending on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
Regarding the feel, the Huano Caramel Latte offers a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, resulting in a smooth typing experience that many users find pleasurable and satisfying with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX EMO switch boasts a feather-light bottom-out force of 46g, promoting a bouncy and effortless typing experience. While both switches provide a smooth feel, the Caramel Latte may be better suited for those who prefer a slightly more substantial actuation force, whereas the EMO caters to users looking for a lighter touch and greater ease of actuation.
In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX EMO linear switches present exciting options for users seeking smooth and satisfying typing experiences, with each offering their unique characteristics. The Caramel Latte shines with its clacky sound and medium weight, providing a satisfying auditory feedback and tactile resistance. Meanwhile, the EMO's lighter actuation force and effortless feel can attract those who prefer a more agile typing experience. Ultimately, both switches can deliver enjoyable results, and your personal preference for sound and actuation force will guide your choice between the two.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX EMO linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that offers a slightly heavier feel and a more pronounced clacky sound profile—perfect for a satisfying typing experience—the Caramel Latte, with its 55g bottom-out force, would be an excellent choice. This switch is well-suited for users who enjoy a medium-light touch and appreciate the nuances of each keystroke. On the other hand, if you seek an ultra-light, responsive switch that allows for quicker actuation and a more effortless typing experience, the HMX EMO, with its 46g bottom-out force and exceptionally smooth, factory-lubed finish, will likely be your go-to. The EMO's lively and bouncy feel makes it ideal for fast typists or gamers looking for an agile performance. Both switches offer unique advantages; it's all about whether you prefer the slightly more tactile experience of the Caramel Latte or the feather-light ease of the EMO.
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