Huano Caramel Latte vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Jammy present two compelling options, each catering to distinct preferences and typing experiences. The Caramel Latte switch is distinguished by its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, offering a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the tactile feedback and provides a super smooth typing experience—perfect for those who enjoy auditory and tactile stimulation while typing. In contrast, the HMX Jammy boasts a softer, glittery nylon housing, delivering a more muted sound that contributes to a deeply satisfying typing experience, ideal for users who prefer a quieter workspace without sacrificing performance. Each switch has its unique appeal, depending on whether you prioritize sound and feedback or a smooth, subdued feel. 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
57g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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 Jammy, we see a distinct difference in the top housing, as the Caramel Latte utilizes POK (polyketone) and the Jammy employs nylon. The POK material in the Caramel Latte offers a notable smoothness, with a coefficient of friction of 0.04 compared to nylon's relatively higher friction characteristics. This means that the Caramel Latte's switches are designed for a smoother keystroke experience, which is complemented by POK's exceptional durability and wear resistance. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the HMX Jammy, while not as smooth in terms of friction, provides a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer construction and sound-absorbing qualities. Thus, while the Caramel Latte may deliver a snappier tactile experience, the Jammy offers a richer acoustics experience.
Both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, aligning their characteristics in this respect. The nylon material in both the Caramel Latte and Jammy contributes similarly to the overall sound profile when typing. Its softness helps absorb sound, leading to a more muted and rounded auditory experience when keys are pressed down. This shared attribute ensures that both switches will provide comparable sound quality during usage, minimizing any disparity in bottom-out sound. The effect of the bottom housing on the overall typing experience is crucial; therefore, users will find that both switches produce similar acoustic features when engaged.
Despite their differences in top housing materials, both the Huano Caramel Latte and HMX Jammy will manifest a harmonious blend of tactile and auditory experiences due to the commonality in their nylon bottom housing. The Caramel Latte’s POK top will deliver a more responsive feel during key releases, while the Jammy's nylon top will contribute a different acoustic signature to key releases but retain the soft sound profile at bottom-out. Thus, while each switch has its unique attributes based on the top housing material, their shared nylon bottom housing creates similar auditory experiences, allowing users to appreciate the characteristic sound and feel inherent to each model while enjoying complementary aspects from their designs.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, notable differences exist in actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Jammy requires a heavier actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, categorizing it as medium. This means that typists who prefer a lighter touch for extended usage will enjoy the Caramel Latte, while those seeking a more substantial feel may gravitate toward the heavier Jammy switch. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces allow for customizable typing experiences, catering to a variety of preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, the Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jammy has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This indicates that the Jammy switch may provide a more pronounced tactile experience due to its deeper travel, which some users might appreciate for its more substantial engagement. Conversely, the Caramel Latte's shorter distance can cater to those who favor quicker responsiveness, such as gamers seeking faster actuation. Ultimately, if you prioritize a lively, rapid typing experience, the Caramel Latte would be the ideal choice; however, if you prefer a more pronounced depth while typing, the HMX Jammy proves to be the better option.
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 Jammy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jammy 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 switch produces a bright, clacky sound profile that adds an enjoyable auditory element to the typing experience. This distinct sound can be especially appealing to those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX Jammy switch offers a more muted sound, which can be described as softer and deeply satisfying, making it less intrusive in a quiet environment. This difference in sound character can significantly impact the user's experience depending on their preferences for noise level and acoustic feedback during their typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switch is known for providing a super smooth typing experience, coupled with a medium weight of 50g for bottoming out, which many users find pleasurable and comfortable for prolonged typing. The Jammy switch, with its softer nylon housing, also offers a medium-weight feel but emphasizes a sense of satisfaction that might resonate more strongly with users who prefer a cushioned touch during key presses. Both switches share a moderate actuation force, making them approachable for newcomers while catering to slightly different preferences in tactile sensation.
Overall, while the Huano Caramel Latte and HMX Jammy linear switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences, both present a medium weight feel that makes them user-friendly for newcomers. If you're drawn to a brighter auditory experience, the Caramel Latte might be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a softer and more muted sound, the Jammy could suit your needs. Ultimately, both switches will deliver a smooth typing experience, making them great options for anyone looking to explore linear switches in mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, your choice should largely depend on your typing style and sound preferences. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a brighter, clackier sound profile that enhances your typing experience with every keystroke, the Caramel Latte is the ideal option for you. Its 55g bottom-out force makes it suitable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue, especially if you value a smooth and responsive feel. In contrast, if you desire a heavier switch with a deeper, more muted sound, the Jammy with its 63g bottom-out force will deliver a satisfying experience that feels robust and grounded. The soft, glittery nylon housing of the Jammy ensures a unique tactile feedback, perfect if you aim for a more subdued auditory experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a lighter, more vibrant feel or a heavier, more muted aesthetic as you navigate your keyboard choices.
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