Huano Caramel Latte vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Lucky both present appealing options for keyboard enthusiasts, particularly within the realm of linear switches. The Caramel Latte, featuring a medium actuation force of 50g and a bright, clacky sound profile, excels in providing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that each keystroke feels satisfying and rewarding. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switches offer a unique touch with their softer, glittery nylon housings, delivering a lightweight and neutral typing experience that can be incredibly satisfying for those who prefer a gentler touch. While both switches cater to different preferences—whether you lean towards a more pronounced auditory feedback with the Caramel Latte or a velvety smooth experience with the Lucky—your choice ultimately depends on your personal typing style and preferences. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Lucky, the most striking contrast lies in the top housing. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing, which offers exceptional durability and a notably low coefficient of friction at 0.04. This material not only promotes smooth keystrokes but also contributes significantly to the overall sound profile of the switch, giving it clackiness. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer properties that dampen sound, resulting in a fuller and rounder auditory experience. While both materials cater to unique sound profiles, POK’s durability and smoothness contrast sharply with nylon's sound-absorbing qualities.
Interestingly, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Lucky feature nylon for their bottom housing, leading to similarities in their foundational characteristics. This consistent use of nylon ensures that both switches deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile, owing to the material's inherent softness and sound absorption capabilities. As such, users can expect a consistent response in terms of sound, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials. The nylon bottom housing also plays a critical role in the bottom-out feel during keystrokes, providing a cushion that enhances typing comfort, which is a shared advantage in both switch experiences.
Ultimately, the variances in the top housing materials between the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Lucky result in distinct auditory outcomes. While the Caramel Latte's POK top contributes to a more crisp and clacky sound when a key is released, the HMX Lucky's nylon top creates a softer, rounder sound profile. However, since both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, users will find that, despite the contrasting top materials, the overall tactile experience during keystrokes remains satisfying and consistent in terms of sound absorption and acoustic richness. This combination highlights how different housing materials can cater to diverse auditory preferences while still delivering a cohesive typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge, influencing their performance and user experience. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Lucky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the HMX Lucky is easier to press down, making it a more suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter touch, which can be beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming. Conversely, the Huano Caramel Latte, with its heavier forces, provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who favor a firmer feel. Overall, while the Caramel Latte is the heavier option, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces suggest that the two switches cater to distinct preferences in typing feel and overall user comfort.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option when compared to the HMX Lucky linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This 0.2 mm difference highlights the Caramel Latte's more responsive nature, appealing particularly to gamers who favor quicker key presses for enhanced performance. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Lucky switch may provide a more substantial and nuanced typing experience, catering to those who appreciate a deeper feel in their key presses. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and swift response times, the Caramel Latte would be the better option, while the Lucky switch might suit those who prefer a more traditional, hearty depth in their keystrokes.
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 Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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 is characterized by its bright, clacky sound profile, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. This clackiness often adds a lively element to typing sessions, enhancing the overall experience, especially in a busy environment. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switch is noted for its neutral sound, which tends to be softer and less pronounced. This can create a more subdued typing atmosphere, perfect for settings where minimal noise is preferred. Ultimately, both sound profiles can be influenced by the choice of keyboard construction and keycap materials, so users may have to experiment to find the best fit for their preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch stands out with a medium weight of 50g bottom-out, providing a solid and smooth typing experience. This weight strikes a balance that can appeal to both casual typists and those who value a bit of resistance in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Lucky switch offers a softer and more lightweight feel, which can feel particularly satisfying for prolonged typing sessions. Users might find the Lucky switch to be more forgiving, allowing for a more relaxed typing style. Although both switches offer a smooth experience, the choice between a medium weight and a lighter touch can significantly influence how enjoyable or effective each one feels during use.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and HMX Lucky linear switches provide unique and pleasurable typing experiences, but they cater to different preferences. The Caramel Latte excels with its bright sound and substantial weight, whereas the Lucky switch is softer and quieter, with a lightweight feel. For enthusiasts exploring these switches, trying them out on different keyboards and with various keycap options can reveal even more about their potential and how they might suit individual typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you prefer a smooth, satisfying feel with a medium-light actuation force, then the Caramel Latte switch is the ideal choice for you. It provides a delightful bright, clacky sound profile, making it excellent for both typing and gaming, especially if you enjoy audible feedback from your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you value a lighter touch and appreciate a deeper, neutral typing experience with a softer sound, the HMX Lucky switch may suit you better. Its lightweight design facilitates faster typing speeds and a subtle tactile enjoyment that many find appealing. Thus, consider how you use your keyboard: for a more engaging auditory experience, opt for the Caramel Latte, while for a quieter, feather-light feel, the Lucky would likely be your best bet.
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