Huano Caramel Latte vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Huano Caramel Latte switch stands out with its medium weight of 50g bottom out, providing a bright and clacky sound profile that many typists find satisfying and engaging. This switch is revered for its smooth keystrokes, making it a popular choice for those who seek a balance between tactile feedback and auditory enjoyment. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus switch offers an ultra-light actuation force, making it a dream for those who favor swift, effortless typing. With a uniquely poppy and crispy sound signature, the Hibiscus delivers an unparalleled smoothness that sets it apart from many linear switches. Both switches have their distinct allure, appealing to different preferences in typing feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
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
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T3
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte and HMX Hibiscus switches both feature a nylon bottom housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound and provide a fuller auditory experience. This quality allows for a deeper, rounder sound profile when typing, making the switches feel smoother and more resonant. Both switches benefit from this nylon characteristic, resulting in a consistent typing experience that dampens noise effectively. As a result, users can expect a pleasant acoustic feedback to accompany their keystrokes, regardless of which switch they’re using, thanks to the shared material at the bottom.
In contrast, the top housing material diverges significantly between the two switches. The Huano Caramel Latte employs POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which is recognized for its exceptional smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it creates a slicker typing experience compared to the HMX Hibiscus’s nylon top housing. The POK material not only enhances the feel of the switch, producing a clacky and responsive typing sensation, but also contributes to the overall longevity of the switch itself, outperforming Nylon and POM in wear and shock resistance. This difference highlights the Caramel Latte's potential for a snappier, more tactile response versus the Hibiscus’s softer, more muted feedback.
Ultimately, while the bottom housings of both switches present an aligned experience in terms of sound and feel, the choice of top housing introduces distinct characteristics to each switch. Users who prioritize a robust and tactile feedback may prefer the Caramel Latte due to its advantageous POK top housing, whereas those seeking a softer and more traditional sound profile may find satisfaction in the HMX Hibiscus with its all-nylon construction. The interaction between the top and bottom housings in both designs ultimately shapes the unique auditory and tactile elements of each switch, catering to different preferences in the keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, we find notable differences in both metrics. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, while the Hibiscus boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, placing it in the light category. This means that the Hibiscus requires less force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Caramel Latte, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the heavier 45-gram actuation of the Caramel Latte might appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and feel a stronger push during keystrokes. Overall, if you are looking for a lighter switch, the HMX Hibiscus would be the better choice, while those seeking a slightly more forceful feedback might lean towards the Huano Caramel Latte.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, it is evident that the Caramel Latte offers a slightly longer travel distance at 3.6 mm, while the Hibiscus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of only 0.1 mm may seem minimal, but it can influence the feel and responsiveness during use. The Caramel Latte, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced key press and a sense of depth when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Hibiscus, being slightly shorter, could provide a more immediate feedback that gamers often seek for quicker response times. Therefore, if you desire a heartier typing experience, the Huano Caramel Latte would be the better choice, whereas the HMX Hibiscus may suit those who favor a snappier 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 Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus 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 Huano Caramel Latte linear switch has a bright and clacky sound profile, delivering an engaging auditory response with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus switch also produces a clacky sound but is characterized by a poppy and crispy tone. Both switches offer a delightful acoustic experience, but the Caramel Latte emphasizes a more straightforward clackiness while the Hibiscus adds an extra layer of pop and crispness to the sound. It's important to note that the overall sound produced by either switch can be influenced by the keyboard’s construction and the choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte provides a super smooth typing experience with a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, giving it a balanced and comfortable responsiveness. This makes it ideal for typists who enjoy a bit of resistance while typing. The HMX Hibiscus switch, on the other hand, features an ultra-light actuation force that makes it notably easier to press, surpassing 80% of all switches in terms of lightness. While both switches aim for smoothness, the Hibiscus leans towards a feather-light feel, suitable for those who prefer minimal effort for actuation.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and HMX Hibiscus linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Caramel Latte's bright clack and medium weight appeal to those who enjoy a classic typing experience, while the Hibiscus offers a unique blend of pop and lightness that might attract users looking for a more effortless touch. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you value a solid sound and a balanced feel or if you favor a lighter touch combined with a more vibrant auditory signature.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between Huano Caramel Latte linear switches and HMX Hibiscus linear switches, your choice should reflect your personal typing style and preferences. If you favor a medium-light weight with a slightly higher bottom-out force of 55 grams, the Caramel Latte is likely the better fit. It provides a smooth typing experience with a bright, clacky sound profile, making it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy a tactile feel and sound feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer something lighter with an even more effortless typing action at 48 grams, the HMX Hibiscus switches might be the ideal match for you. Their ultra-light actuation combined with a satisfyingly clacky, poppy sound signature allows for rapid keystrokes, which can be particularly appealing in fast-paced gaming or high-volume typing scenarios. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you value a more pronounced feedback with the Caramel Latte or the feather-light feel and delicate acoustic performance of the Hibiscus. Choose according to what enhances your experience most.
Mentioned in this article
