Huano Caramel Latte vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and HMX Perky present intriguing options, each with its own unique character. The Caramel Latte is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g bottom-out force and a bright, clacky sound profile, providing a smooth and engaging typing experience that enhances every keystroke. Conversely, the HMX Perky, with its softer and glittery nylon housings, offers a more neutral and deeply satisfying sensation while typing, thanks to its shorter travel distance, which allows for a more condensed typing experience. While both switches cater to linear preferences, the Caramel Latte shines with its acoustic feedback and tactile satisfaction, making it ideal for those who enjoy the auditory aspect of typing, whereas the Perky’s design lends itself well to a quicker, more fluid keypress that may appeal to users seeking efficiency and comfort. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Perky switches present intriguing contrasts, particularly in terms of their top housings. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which is recognized for its smoothness and exceptional durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, this material provides a notably slick feel, enhancing the switch's overall performance. Its strength and wear resistance, which significantly surpass POM and even Nylon, suggest that the Caramel Latte's switches are built to endure prolonged use while maintaining their tactile quality. In contrast, the HMX Perky adopts a traditional nylon for its top housing, known for its deeper, more rounded sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sounds effectively, contrasting sharply with the sharpness and smoothness afforded by the POK material in the Caramel Latte.
However, when examining the bottom housings of both switches, there is uniformity – both the Caramel Latte and HMX Perky incorporate nylon as their bottom housing material. This shared use of nylon eliminates the stark differences found in the top housings, ensuring similar auditory experiences when typing on these switches. The nylon composition translates into a softer landing feel and contributes to a full-bodied sound profile, emphasizing the softer, more muted notes inherent in nylon's nature. This commonality means that while the Caramel Latte may offer a distinct upper housing experience, in terms of sound and tactile feel on bottom-out, both switches will resonate similarly thanks to their nylon base.
While the differences in top housing materials give each switch its unique characteristics, ultimately, the nylon bottom in both designs ensures that a level of consistency is retained in the tactile experience. For users focused on the sensation of bottoming out, the switches will provide a comparable performance, where the nuances brought by the POK versus nylon can be more pronounced at release rather than at the point of actuation. As such, one can expect to enjoy a cohesive typing experience, leveraging the benefits of each housing material while still allowing for the personal preferences inspired by their respective designs.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Perky offers an even lighter feel, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. As a result, users who favor lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming will likely prefer the HMX Perky. On the other hand, the Huano Caramel Latte's slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Ultimately, while both switches have their unique merits, the Perky stands out as the lighter choice, whereas the Caramel Latte leans toward a heavier feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch measures 3.6 mm, while the HMX Perky linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This indicates that the Caramel Latte switch offers a deeper press, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Perky switch, with its shorter distance, could provide quicker response times, making it a favorable choice for gamers seeking rapid key actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences; those who appreciate the feel of a more pronounced depth may gravitate toward the Caramel Latte, while those looking for agility and quicker feedback might opt for the Perky.
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 Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky 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 linear switch produces a bright, clacky sound profile that many enthusiasts may find engaging and lively. This auditory aspect can provide a satisfying feedback loop while typing. On the other hand, although the specific sound characteristics of the HMX Perky linear switch are not explicitly detailed, it is known for a more neutral acoustic profile which might lend itself to a quieter typing experience. Due to the inherent variability of sound based on a keyboard's construction and chosen keycaps, both switches can present distinct auditory results, but in general, the Caramel Latte is likely to offer more auditory stimulation during use.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte linear switch boasts a medium actuation force of 50g at bottom out, contributing to a smooth and pleasurable typing experience that many users appreciate. In contrast, the HMX Perky features a softer feel, made possible by its nylon housings. This results in a typing sensation that some may find more comfortable, especially for prolonged use, though it is also noted for being deeply satisfying. While both switches aim to provide smooth keystrokes, the Caramel Latte leans towards a moderate weight that might be perceived as more pronounced, while the Perky offers a more subdued and potentially more comfortable touch.
Combining these insights, the Caramel Latte linear switch may cater to users who enjoy an engaging and responsive typing experience with a distinct sound, while the Perky switch offers a neutral and comfortable feel with potentially quieter acoustics. If you're seeking a lively auditory experience, you might gravitate towards the Caramel Latte, while those preferring a softer and more subdued touch may find the HMX Perky more appealing. Both switches have their unique strengths, allowing users to select based on personal preference, creating a fulfilling typing experience overall.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you’re seeking. If you prefer a medium-light switch that offers a bright, clacky sound profile and a smooth, pleasurable typing experience, the Caramel Latte is ideal for you, especially if you enjoy a bit of feedback in your keystrokes. Its 55-gram bottom-out force makes it great for those who like to feel a moderate resistance while typing, which can help reduce fatigue during long sessions. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter feel with a softer action and are looking for a condensed typing experience, the Perky might suit you better. With its 50-gram bottom-out force and a more neutral, deeply satisfying typing sensation, the Perky allows for effortless key presses, making it an excellent choice for those who value speed or may have lighter touch typing habits. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal comfort, typing style, and sound preferences, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard delivers the experience you desire.
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