Huano Caramel Latte vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Jelly both present compelling options, particularly for fans of linear switches. The Caramel Latte, with its medium 50g bottom-out weight and bright, clacky sound profile, delivers a delightful auditory experience while providing a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. This makes it ideal for typists who relish a lively soundscape alongside their typing. In contrast, the HMX Jelly offers a unique low-pitched, deep thocky sound that resonates with users seeking a more subdued audio feedback. With a lightweight 42g actuation force and superb factory lubrication, the Jelly emphasizes effortless key presses, making it an excellent choice for those prioritizing speed and comfort. Both switches have distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences and styles, 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
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
3.80 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 extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Jelly, one notable difference lies in the top housing. The Caramel Latte utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, which offers exceptional durability and smoothness, boasting a coefficient of friction of 0.04. In contrast, the HMX Jelly relies on a traditional nylon top housing known for its sound-dampening properties. While the POK material provides a sharper, more tactile experience when typing, contributing to a smooth and clacky sound profile, the nylon top housing creates a rounder and deeper sound. Thus, while both materials serve their respective purposes well, they cater to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback and auditory experience.
Both the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Jelly share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material not only enhances the overall durability of the switches but also plays a significant role in the sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a fuller, rounder sound when typing. Since both switches employ nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect similarly dampened sounds and tactile experiences at the point of bottoming out, emphasizing that the choice of material here contributes positively to auditory feedback.
In summary, while the top housing materials of the Caramel Latte and HMX Jelly differ significantly—POK versus nylon—the bottom housings are the same, both featuring nylon. This similarity ensures that both switches will provide a rich and muted sound profile during typing. However, the contrasting materials governing the top housing create a divergence in tactile feedback and sound characteristics during key release. Ultimately, whether one prefers the smooth pop of POK or the deep echo of nylon, both switches offer durability and sound quality through their combined materials, leading to distinct but equally rewarding typing experiences.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch offer different actuation and bottom out forces that cater to distinct user preferences. The Caramel Latte features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Jelly is lighter overall, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions might gravitate towards the HMX Jelly, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Caramel Latte. Conversely, the Caramel Latte provides a slightly heavier push feel, which may enhance the typing experience for those who favor a more substantial tactile feedback. Overall, if you value lighter keys for extended use, the Jelly is the preferable choice, while the Caramel Latte is better suited for those who enjoy a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch measures 3.6 mm, while the HMX Jelly linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference indicates that the Caramel Latte is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel, which can be particularly appealing to gamers seeking quicker actuation. In contrast, the Jelly's 3.8 mm travel distance provides a more substantial depth, potentially appealing to users who prefer a softer transition and a more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, those who favor speed and responsiveness may opt for the Caramel Latte, while those who appreciate a deeper key press may find the HMX Jelly to be more suitable.
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 Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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 switch delivers a bright, clacky sound profile that is well-suited for those who enjoy an audible typing experience. This lively acoustic characteristic can accentuate the satisfaction of every keystroke, making it enjoyable not just to the typist but also to those around them. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly switch produces a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound that offers a more muted and robust auditory experience. This sound profile tends to exude a sense of solidity with each keystroke, which might appeal to users looking for a more subdued yet pronounced feedback. The sound of each switch will also be influenced by the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and overall setup.
Regarding feel, the Caramel Latte is known for its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, providing a balanced resistance that makes for a smooth and satisfying typing experience. This combination of weight and smoothness caters well to users who prefer a reliable, tactile journey while typing. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switch features a lighter actuation force of 42g, which, paired with excellent factory lube, delivers a uniquely effortless feel. This switch allows for quick key presses with minimal resistance, making it ideal for fast typists who appreciate a light touch coupled with smooth actuation.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and HMX Jelly linear switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences, catering to different preferences. The Caramel Latte's bright sound and medium weight offer a lively feel, while the Jelly's deep thock and lightweight actuation create a softer, more effortless experience. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to whether you prefer a more pronounced typing sound and moderate resistance, or a subdued, smooth experience with a lighter touch. Regardless of the choice, users can expect a high-quality experience that is enjoyable for various typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch ultimately comes down to your preferences regarding weight, sound, and typing experience. If you enjoy a slightly heavier switch that offers a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams coupled with a bright, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte is likely the better option for you. Its smooth keystrokes and pleasing audio feedback can enhance your typing experience, making it particularly suitable for those who appreciate a tactile feel and auditory response while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with an even lower actuation force of 48 grams and a distinctive low-pitched, thocky sound signature, the HMX Jelly will be your go-to. Its super smooth typing feel, enhanced by excellent factory lube, makes it ideal for those who want a softer touch and a more muted audio experience during use. In the end, it really comes down to whether you favor a slightly heftier and brighter typing experience or a lighter touch with a deeper sound profile.
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