Huano Caramel Latte vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Macchiato linear switches offer unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The Caramel Latte, with a medium weight of 50g bottom out, delivers a bright and clacky sound profile, creating a delightful auditory experience alongside its super smooth keystrokes. This switch is perfect for individuals who enjoy a tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience, making every press feel satisfying. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, also boasts a silky smooth typing experience but leans into a bouncier and feathery feel, appealing to users who prefer a lighter touch combined with a similarly bright sound profile. Both switches provide enjoyable and distinct experiences, making them great choices depending on your personal style and typing needs. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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 housing materials used in the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Macchiato switches show distinct properties that affect their performance and sound profile. The Caramel Latte features a polyketone (POK) top housing, known for its high durability and low friction coefficient of 0.04, which contributes to a smooth and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Macchiato's top housing is made of nylon, a more traditional material that offers a softer profile and enhanced sound absorption. While the nylon's coefficient of friction is slightly better at 0.03, it is the characteristics of the materials that truly set them apart: POK's strength and wear resistance make it a superior choice for switches that require a longer lifespan and smoother operation, whereas the nylon provides a distinctive sound quality that users may prefer.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Caramel Latte and HMX Macchiato switches utilize nylon, which further enhances their sound profiles. The properties of nylon allow for a deeper and fuller sound due to its higher absorbance of sound waves compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing materials means that both switches share an ability to provide a rounder sound when bottomed out. With nylon being a widely accepted choice for bottom housings, both the Huano Caramel Latte and HMX Macchiato display a consistent auditory experience, even if their top housing materials differ significantly.
The divergence in top materials between the two switches illustrates how each component interacts to shape the overall typing experience. In the Caramel Latte, the POK top adds an extra edge in durability and smoothness, particularly when releasing keys. On the other hand, the nylon top in the Macchiato accentuates the sound profile, creating a different, yet harmonious sensation when typing. While users can expect a deep, round sound from both switches due to their matching nylon bottom housings, the unique qualities of their top materials ensure that the tactile and auditory experiences will vary. These differences illustrate that even within the same family of materials, one can achieve distinct results based on the combination of housing types in mechanical switches.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, resulting in distinct typing experiences. The Caramel Latte has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Macchiato is lighter with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, classifying it as light. This means that users of the Macchiato switch will experience less resistance when pressing keys, making it a great choice for extended typing or gaming sessions due to its lower force requirement. Meanwhile, the Caramel Latte offers a slightly heavier push, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. With the differences in their forces, choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch measures 3.6 mm, while the HMX Macchiato linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Macchiato switch offers a longer travel distance compared to the Caramel Latte, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Gamers who favor quicker response times might lean towards the shorter 3.6 mm travel of the Caramel Latte, as it allows for faster actuation. Conversely, those who appreciate a deeper and more pronounced keypress might find the 4 mm travel of the HMX Macchiato more suitable for their typing or gaming experience. Overall, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding key feel and responsiveness.
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 Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato 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, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Macchiato linear switches produce a bright and clacky sound profile that appeals to users who prefer a more high-pitched auditory experience. The Caramel Latte is characterized by its high-pitched and clacky attributes, yielding a sharp, crisp sound with every keystroke, making it particularly engaging for those who enjoy the percussive feedback of their typing. Similarly, the Macchiato shares this clacky quality, also delivering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. As such, both switches will provide a satisfying auditory feedback, though the actual sound may vary based on the specific keyboard and keycap combination used.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Huano Caramel Latte is lauded for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance during key presses and releases. This smoothness makes typing effortless and enjoyable. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato offers its own silky smoothness but adds layers of bounciness and feathery lightness to the typing experience. The bouncy characteristic provides a spring-like feedback that adds a lively sensation with each key press, while the feathery touch reduces finger fatigue due to its light actuation force. Consequently, while both switches are undeniably smooth, the Macchiato provides additional tactile sensations that may appeal to users seeking a more dynamic typing experience.
Overall, both the Huano Caramel Latte and HMX Macchiato linear switches cater to users looking for a smooth and satisfying typing experience complemented by a bright, clacky sound profile. While both deliver silky sensations, the Macchiato enriches the experience with its bouncy and feathery attributes, making it suitable for those who appreciate a more lively feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference regarding the added tactile feedback offered by the HMX Macchiato, while fans of the Caramel Latte will enjoy a more straightforwardly smooth and satisfying experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Macchiato linear switches ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a switch that offers a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, combined with a clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte will likely suit you well. Its bright, crisp acoustics enhance the tactile experience, making each keystroke enjoyable and engaging, which is particularly beneficial for typists who relish auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter experience with a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, the HMX Macchiato is a fantastic choice. It not only retains the clacky sound signature that many users enjoy but also features a distinctly bouncy and feathery feel. This makes it an excellent option for long typing sessions, whether you're gaming, working, or studying, as it reduces finger fatigue and enables a smooth, effortless experience. In summary, both switches cater to different user preferences, and understanding your typing style and sound preference will guide you toward the right choice.
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