Huano Caramel Latte vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Gravel both offer unique experiences for typists, catering to varying preferences in feel and sound. The Huano Caramel Latte is characterized by its medium weight of 50g bottom-out force and a bright, clacky sound profile, delivering a smooth and enjoyable typing experience that many users find delightful. On the other hand, the HMX Gravel boasts a medium-light actuation force, providing a more responsive feel that is effortless to type on, while still maintaining an impressively smooth action. Both switches are linear in nature, promoting a consistent keystroke without tactile bumps, making them popular choices among enthusiasts who appreciate a clean and fluid typing 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
45g
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
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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 HMX Gravel switches utilize distinct top housing materials that contribute uniquely to their sound profiles and tactile sensations. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing, renowned for its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. This material enhances the overall smoothness of the switch, creating a clacky sound when keys are actuated, thanks to its higher friction coefficient compared to other plastics like LY. In contrast, the HMX Gravel utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which, while less durable than POK, is noted for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This acoustic quality arises from polycarbonate's stiffer structure, leading to a more resonant and clear sound. Although both materials serve the purpose of creating an enjoyable typing experience, their differing properties generate distinct auditory and tactile results that significantly impact the user experience.
When examining the bottom housing, both the Huano Caramel Latte and HMX Gravel share a commonality; both utilize nylon as their bottom housing material. This classic choice in the keyboard switch design world is celebrated for its sound absorption qualities and ability to produce a fuller, deeper sound profile. Nylon's softer texture contrasts with the stiffer top housings, making it instrumental in enhancing the overall acoustics of the switches. Consequently, while the Caramel Latte's nylon base contributes to a rounder and subdued sound, the Gravel maintains this quality, underscoring how consistent bottom housing material leads to similar auditory traits in both switches regardless of the differences in their top housings.
In essence, the combination of different top housing materials with a unified nylon bottom creates a complementary tension between clarity and fullness in the sound profile of both switches. By leveraging the POK's smoothness with the Caramel Latte and the polycarbonate's sharpness with the Gravel, users can appreciate a nuanced auditory experience, highlighting the contrast between the two. Despite their differences in top housing, the use of nylon in both cases ensures that the fullness of sound remains a key characteristic, delivering a balanced performance that caters to varied preferences in typing feel and sound. Thus, while the character of each switch diverges, their shared bottom housing material facilitates a foundational element that echoes throughout their performance.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. However, the differences arise when looking at their bottom out forces; the Caramel Latte has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Gravel features a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that, while both switches provide a similar tactile experience up to the actuation point, the Caramel Latte will feel heavier when fully depressed. For typists or gamers who prefer a lighter overall feel for longer typing sessions, the HMX Gravel would likely be the more comfortable choice. In contrast, those who appreciate a more substantial push feel at the bottom may find the Huano Caramel Latte to be more satisfying. Overall, the Gravel is the lighter switch, whereas the Caramel Latte is the heavier option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, the Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Gravel switch has a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte provides a marginally deeper feel when pressed compared to the Gravel, making it potentially more suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial key press. On the other hand, the Gravel's shorter travel distance might appeal to gamers or those seeking faster response times, as it can facilitate quicker key actuations. In essence, while both switches have relatively shorter travel distances in relation to the traditional 4.0 mm standard, the Caramel Latte offers a more pronounced depth, appealing to those who favor a heartier typing experience, while the Gravel caters to a preference for snappiness and speed.
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 Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel 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
The sound profile of the Huano Caramel Latte switch is characterized by a bright, clacky tone, which can be quite pleasing for those who enjoy an audible feedback with each keystroke. This sound adds a layer of excitement to typing, making it feel lively and engaging. On the other hand, the HMX Gravel switch is not detailed in terms of sound; however, it's important to note that sound can greatly depend on the keyboard build, including the choice of board and keycaps. Therefore, while the Caramel Latte has a clear sound identity, the Gravel's audio characteristics remain unknown but could potentially resonate differently based on these external factors.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Caramel Latte offers a super smooth typing experience with a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, providing a satisfying resistance that balances feedback and ease of pressing. This makes it enjoyable for long typing sessions and gaming alike. Conversely, the Gravel switch features a medium-light actuation force that leans toward the lighter side, delivering a responsive and effortless typing experience. While both offer smoothness, the Caramel Latte leans towards a more robust typing feel due to its weight, whereas the Gravel may feel more nimble and quick under the fingers.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Gravel linear switches cater to distinct preferences in typing experiences. The Caramel Latte stands out with its bright, clacky sound and balanced feel, making it ideal for those who prefer audible feedback and a medium resistive feel. The Gravel, while lacking specific sound details, promises an exceptionally smooth experience with a lighter touch that may appeal to typists looking for speed and ease. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound, weight, or the overall typing experience, but both will provide satisfying results in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a slightly heavier switch that still remains within a manageable range, the Caramel Latte may be your go-to option, especially if you appreciate a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances your typing experience with its engaging auditory feedback. This switch is perfect for those who prefer a more tactile presence without compromising on smoothness, making each keystroke enjoyable. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch and prioritize responsiveness with a smoother feel, the HMX Gravel switch could be the better choice for you. Its lighter actuation force delivers an effortless typing experience, catering well to rapid typing or gaming scenarios where speed and comfort are critical. In essence, if you want an engaging auditory experience with a moderate bottom-out force, go for the Caramel Latte; however, if you're seeking a whisper-quiet switch that makes typing feel like gliding, opt for the Gravel. Each switch caters to different typing styles, so consider what aspects are most essential to you in your mechanical keyboard journey.
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