Huano Caramel Latte vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly affect your typing experience, and two popular linear switches to consider are the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX SU. The Huano Caramel Latte is acclaimed for its smooth action and a medium actuation force of 50 grams at bottom out, delivering a satisfying clacky sound that enhances the tactile experience, making it a great choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX SU boasts a full PA12 housing and a T5 stem, which contribute to its subtle yet relatively deep sound profile, catering to those who prefer a quieter operation without sacrificing performance. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on your typing style and preferences; the Caramel Latte is fantastic for those who enjoy a lively sound with each keystroke, while the HMX SU appeals to users seeking a more muted experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX SU, we observe a notable distinction in their top housing components. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK (polyketone) material for its top housing, which possesses a low coefficient of friction (0.04) that allows for smooth key presses. This results in a "clacky" sound and a highly durable switch, as POK's strength surpasses that of traditional materials like POM and Nylon in terms of wear resistance and shock absorption. In contrast, the HMX SU employs nylon for its top housing, a classic material known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound effectively. While both materials deliver quality performance, the difference in sound characteristics and tactile feedback could lead to distinct user experiences during typing.
The bottom housings of both switches are constructed from nylon, which adds an interesting layer of similarity despite the divergence in top materials. As noted, nylon is recognized for its sound-dampening qualities, creating a duller and rounder sound profile that users often appreciate. In both the Caramel Latte and the HMX SU, the nylon bottom housing enhances the overall auditory experience of the switch by providing a substantial, impactful feel when bottoming out. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the sound and feel when pressed, both switches benefit from nylon's unique characteristics in delivering a satisfying typing experience.
Overall, while the Caramel Latte and HMX SU possess differing top housing materials, the use of nylon as the common bottom housing establishes an underlying similarity in the sound output and typing feel. The POK top housing of the Caramel Latte contributes to a smooth, high-pitched auditory output, while the nylon top of the HMX SU emphasizes warmth and depth. As such, the types of materials chosen create a layered auditory and tactile profile for each switch. For enthusiasts seeking variety, the combination of these contrasting top materials with a consistent nylon bottom housing means different experiences can be achieved in terms of sound and tactile feedback while maintaining a shared foundation of comfort and durability.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch present an interesting comparison in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that users will experience a similar light feel when initiating a keystroke with either switch. However, they differ in their bottom out forces; the Caramel Latte has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the SU has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the HMX SU slightly lighter overall, as it requires less force to press all the way down compared to the Caramel Latte. For those who prefer a lighter switch for extended gaming or typing sessions, the HMX SU is the better choice, while the Caramel Latte may appeal to users who prefer the more substantial experience of a heavier bottom out feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance for both the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch is identical, measuring at 3.6 mm. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys equipped with either switch. With both switches having the same travel distance, their performance characteristics will likely feel comparable, making them equally effective for gaming or typing. As a result, individuals seeking either switch can anticipate uniformity in the key travel experience.
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 SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 switches produce a bright and clacky sound profile that many typists find satisfying and engaging. This lively auditory feedback can add an enjoyable dimension to the typing experience, making it feel more dynamic. Conversely, the HMX SU switches feature a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile. This deeper tone can provide a more refined auditory experience, creating a quieter and less intrusive clicking noise, which may be preferable in more muted environments or for users who enjoy a more understated acoustics.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switches are known for their medium actuation force of 50g bottom-out, contributing to a very smooth and pleasurable typing experience. Each keystroke feels consistent and reliable, enhancing overall comfort during extended usage. On the other hand, the HMX SU switches utilize a T5 stem, although the specifics of their tactile feel remain lesser-known. However, the quality of the full PA12 housing suggests durability and a solid typing foundation, which can contribute positively to the overall typing experience.
Taking all this information into account, both the Huano Caramel Latte and HMX SU linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. While the Caramel Latte provides an energetic and clacky sound with a smooth feel, the HMX SU delivers a subdued and deeper acoustic profile paired with a potentially robust typing experience. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, you might find satisfaction with either switch, each promising unique yet rewarding keystrokes.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between Huano Caramel Latte and HMX SU linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a medium-light actuation force and prefer a bright, clacky sound profile that offers a pleasurable, smooth typing experience, the Caramel Latte is likely the better choice for you. This switch is ideal for those who type a lot and want each keystroke to be satisfying without being overly stiff. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a 50-gram bottom-out force and a subtle, deeper sound profile, then the HMX SU might be more suitable. This switch might appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience with a gentler actuation force, making it perfect for extended typing sessions or quieter environments. By considering these key characteristics—actuation force, sound profile, and overall feel—you can select the switch that best aligns with your typing style and environment, ensuring an enjoyable experience with your mechanical keyboard.
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