Huano Caramel Latte vs. HMX EVA
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX EVA switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and HMX EVA stand out as two compelling linear options that cater to different preferences. The Huano Caramel Latte, with its medium weight of 50g and vibrant, clacky sound profile, delivers a super smooth typing experience that transforms every keystroke into a delightful event, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate both auditory feedback and tactile pleasure. On the other hand, the HMX EVA, inspired by the iconic colors of Evangelion Unit-01, offers a distinctive resonant sound signature, enriched with a silky smooth feel, particularly appealing to gamers and enthusiasts who seek a harmonious and immersive experience while typing or gaming. Both switches excel in their own right, so the choice ultimately hinges on individual preferences regarding feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX EVA exhibit both similarities and differences that influence their respective acoustic and tactile characteristics. The Caramel Latte features a top housing made from polyketone (POK), which is noted for its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability—significantly outperforming materials like POM and Nylon in terms of wear and shock resistance. In contrast, the HMX EVA utilizes a nylon top housing, renowned for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing sessions due to its softer nature. While the POK housing excels in smoothness and durability, the nylon's ability to absorb sound creates a distinctly rounder auditory experience. Therefore, typists using the Caramel Latte may notice a sharper, more crisp sound when releasing a key, while the EVA will produce a more muted and rounded sound profile attributable to its nylon composition.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Caramel Latte and the HMX EVA utilize nylon, which is recognized as a classic choice for switch constructions. Given that the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out feel and the associated sound upon keypress, both switches are likely to furnish a similar auditory experience in terms of depth and fullness. The softer nature of the nylon contributes to sound absorption, resulting in a pleasant and less harsh feedback when bottoming out each key. As both the Caramel Latte and EVA incorporate nylon in their bottom housing, this shared material ensures that typists will experience consistent qualities in terms of the bottoming sounds and tactile feedback, regardless of the differences in their respective top housings.
In conclusion, while the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX EVA present contrasting top housing materials—POK for the Caramel Latte and nylon for the EVA—they share the same nylon composition for their bottom housings, resulting in comparable bottom-out characteristics. By evaluating their hybrid configurations, typists can expect a unique blend of sounds and feels; the Caramel Latte offers a sharper release due to POK, while the EVA provides a deeper sound thanks to its all-nylon construction. This variation highlights how the combination of different materials can affect the overall typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their acoustic preferences while still benefiting from the shared qualities of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams, while the EVA switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This means that the EVA switch requires a bit less force to register a keystroke, making it more suitable for users who prefer lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Caramel Latte also has a higher bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the EVA’s 48 grams, indicating that the Caramel Latte offers a more substantial feel when bottoming out. Overall, the HMX EVA linear switch is the lighter option, while the Huano Caramel Latte provides a heavier feel that some users may appreciate for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they provide an identical experience in terms of key actuation depth. As a result, users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. With their equal travel distances, both switches ensure consistent performance, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a linear switch feel without any tactile feedback. This similarity in travel distance emphasizes that any differences in performance or user experience may stem from other factors, such as actuation force or switch materials, rather than the travel distance itself.
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 EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA 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
In terms of sound, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is known for its bright, clacky sound profile that provides a lively auditory feedback with every keystroke. This sound can be quite engaging for users who enjoy a bit of character in their typing experience. Conversely, the HMX EVA linear switch features a resonant sound signature that can evoke a more immersive feeling during use. While the specific sound qualities of the EVA are less detailed, it is suggested that the combination of its design and materials contributes to a unique auditory experience that differs from the brighter tones of the Caramel Latte. Keep in mind, though, that the sound produced by any switch can also vary based on the keyboard's construction and the keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Caramel Latte offers a super smooth typing experience with its medium actuation force of 50g at bottom out, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The smoothness of the switch enhances the overall experience, providing a satisfying feedback that users can appreciate. The HMX EVA switch is also characterized by a silky smooth typing feel, which suggests a comparable level of comfort and responsiveness. Both switches seem to prioritize a seamless typing experience, although the EVA's unique design inspired by Evangelion may introduce additional subtleties that could influence the tactile sensation.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and HMX EVA linear switches present compelling attributes that may appeal to different preferences among users. The Caramel Latte stands out with its clacky sound profile and smooth feel, ideal for those who enjoy engaging auditory feedback during typing. Meanwhile, the EVA offers a resonant sound and a silky typing experience, which could offer a slightly different but equally smooth experience. Ultimately, both switches are designed to provide comfort and enjoyment in use, and your choice may come down to personal aesthetics and sound preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences and the type of experience you desire. If you prefer a medium-light switch that provides a smooth typing feel and a bright, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice. Its 55-gram bottom-out force offers a balance that many find comfortable for extended typing sessions, making it ideal for those who type frequently or enjoy a more tactile feedback without the heaviness. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a lighter switch with a soft and silky feel, the HMX EVA may suit you better. With a bottom-out force of only 48 grams and a resonant sound signature, the EVA is perfect for those who appreciate a smooth keystroke that feels effortless and less fatiguing. In essence, choose the Caramel Latte for a more pronounced auditory experience and responsive feedback during typing, while the EVA will cater to your need for a quieter, lighter, and smoother typing environment. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience depending on your specific needs and preferences.
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