Huano Caramel Latte vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Poro linear switches present enticing options for enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience. The Caramel Latte switches, with their medium weight of 50g bottom-out force, offer a robust feel accompanied by a bright, clacky sound profile that amplifies the joy of each keystroke, making them a great choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback during typing or gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switches stand out for their ultra-light actuation force, paired with silkily lubricated movements that ensure an effortlessly smooth glide. The Poro’s satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound further enhances its appeal, particularly for users who prioritize a quieter yet engaging auditory experience. While both switches are linear and cater to smooth key presses, their distinct characteristics might sway users depending on personal preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Poro switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their performance and sound profile. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK, or polyketone, for its top housing, which is recognized for its exceptional strength and low coefficient of friction at 0.04. This results in a smooth yet tactile feel during usage. In contrast, the Poro employs a classic nylon as its top housing material. While nylon possesses a slightly higher absorption capacity, contributing to a deeper and more muted sound, it lacks the dimensional stability and shock resistance of the Caramel Latte's POK top. As a result, the Caramel Latte offers a more precise and responsive typing experience, potentially enhancing the overall feel of the switch.
Both switch models use nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to similarities in sound and feel during operation. Nylon's softer properties ensure that both the Caramel Latte and Poro provide a fuller and more rounded auditory experience, as the material inherently dampens sound vibrations. This shared aspect of their bottom housings means that regardless of the distinctions in the upper halves, both switches will exhibit a cohesive deep sound when bottoming out. Consequently, while the Caramel Latte might excel in providing a snappier response due to its POK top, the bottom housing's nylon ensures that the overall typing experience retains a pleasing acoustic quality similar to that of the Poro.
In essence, the different top housing materials lead to contrasting tactile sensations and sound characteristics for both switch types. The Caramel Latte's POK top contributes to a livelier feel with a sharper auditory distinction, especially when releasing a key, while the Poro's nylon top maintains warmth and depth in sound, aligning with the mellow acoustics of its bottom housing. However, due to the shared nylon bottom across both models, users will appreciate a uniformly plush typing experience when the switches are pressed down. Therefore, the Caramel Latte and HMX Poro each offer unique benefits, but their shared bottom housing helps bridge the differences, allowing users to enjoy a similar sound quality regardless of the top housing material.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch exhibit notable differences in their bottom out forces while sharing the same actuation force. Both switches require 45 grams of force to actuate, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a moderate feel when initiating a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Caramel Latte reaches 55 grams, providing a heavier and more substantial typing experience, while the Poro bottoms out at a lighter 50 grams. This difference means that while both switches feel similar during the actuation phase, the Caramel Latte offers a stronger push at full depression compared to the Poro, which makes it easier on the fingers during prolonged use. Therefore, the Poro is the lighter option overall, catering more to those who prefer a less exertive typing experience, whereas the Caramel Latte is heavier, appealing to users who enjoy the sensation of a firmer and more resilient switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, it is evident that there is a slight difference between the two. The Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Poro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the shorter switch, offering a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers or those who prefer quicker actuation. On the other hand, with its 3.7 mm travel distance, the Poro provides a slightly deeper experience for users who enjoy a more substantial key press. As travel distances have become more varied in recent years, the choice between these two switches primarily depends on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in key actuation.
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 Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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 sound profile of the Huano Caramel Latte switch is characterized as bright and clacky, which can create an engaging auditory feedback with each keystroke, enhancing the typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch also shares a similar clacky quality, but it is noted for its ultra-light actuation force that may influence the overall auditory perception of the switch in a more pronounced manner. The sound produced by both switches can be influenced by external factors like the keyboard build and keycap choices, but users can generally expect a lively, pronounced sound when using either switch.
Regarding the feel, the Caramel Latte offers a medium weight of 50g bottom out, providing a balanced typing experience that many users may find satisfying. This weight strikes a good balance between providing enough resistance while still allowing for a smooth keystroke motion. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switch is distinguished by its meticulously lubricated mechanism, leading to a silky smooth glide that amplifies the sensation of ease during typing. While both switches provide a smooth typing experience, the Poro’s lighter actuation and lubrication might offer a slightly different tactile feedback compared to the weightier feel of the Caramel Latte.
In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte and HMX Poro linear switches deliver an enjoyable typing experience, with bright and clacky sound profiles and smooth keystrokes. While the Caramel Latte offers a medium resistance that many users appreciate, the Poro stands out for its lighter touch and lubrication for effortless gliding. In essence, users can anticipate a delightful experience from either switch, but personal preference for weight and texture will ultimately determine the best fit.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a balance between sound and feel, the Caramel Latte, with its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, provides a slightly heavier tactile sensation that many typists find satisfying. This switch excels in giving you a bright, clacky sound profile, making it an excellent option for both typing and gaming if you enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and an even smoother typing experience, the HMX Poro with its 50-gram bottom-out force might be your best bet. It features a silky feeling paired with a pleasingly clacky yet poppy sound profile, ideal for those who favor rapid keystrokes or prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In essence, you should select the Caramel Latte for a more robust typing experience and sound, while the Poro is suited to those looking for a lighter, smoother ride with less resistance. Your choice should ultimately reflect your typing habits and the ambiance you desire in your keyboard experience.
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