Huano Caramel Latte vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Sunset Gleam can significantly impact your typing experience. The Caramel Latte is celebrated for its medium actuation weight of 50g and its distinctive bright, clacky sound profile, providing a wonderfully smooth keystroke that enhances both gaming and typing scenarios. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, commonly referred to as the Duck Duck switch, blends premium materials to deliver a subtle top-out feel and a satisfying clack, all while benefiting from HMX's renowned factory lube for a consistently refined experience. While the Caramel Latte is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback alongside a smooth typing sensation, the Sunset Gleam is perfect for users who prefer a balanced blend of tactile and auditory satisfaction with the added bonus of excellent lubrication. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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 Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Sunset Gleam, the most notable distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Caramel Latte employs a POK material known for its superior durability and a slightly higher coefficient of friction, resulting in a smooth and clacky sound during typing. This material's exceptional wear and shock resistance further enhance the performance of the switch, making it a preferred choice for those seeking longevity and a premium feel. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam features a polycarbonate top housing that not only provides a distinctively higher-pitched, crisper sound profile but also supports RGB lighting due to its translucency. While both housings serve the purpose of enhancing the typing experience, their differences in sound characteristics and aesthetic appeal set them apart.
In both switches, the bottom housing is crafted from nylon, which contributes to their shared sound profile. Nylon is recognized for its softer nature, allowing it to absorb more sound and resulting in a deeper, fuller typing experience. Since both the Caramel Latte and Sunset Gleam utilize nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a consistent auditory experience characterized by a rounder sound. This similarity means that regardless of the top housing materials, the bottom-out sound—produced upon pressing the keys—will have the same depth and warmth, leading to a familiar tactile feedback for users.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in these switches influences their overall performance and auditory feedback. The Caramel Latte's POK material, while smooth and durable, contrasts with the sharper sound of the polycarbonate top housing in the Sunset Gleam. However, both share the nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper final sound when typing. This interplay between the materials allows users to experience the benefits of variety while still enjoying a cohesively rich typing experience across different switches. Thus, whether one desires a clackier response or a sharper sound profile, both the Caramel Latte and Sunset Gleam present distinct choices based on individual preferences while maintaining a familiar bottom-out experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we can observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. 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 Sunset Gleam offers a lighter experience with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a clear choice for those who prefer a softer touch. This means that typists and gamers seeking a lighter switch to minimize fatigue during long sessions will likely find the Sunset Gleam more suitable. The Caramel Latte, on the other hand, provides a slightly more substantial feel, which may appeal to those who enjoy a heavier push for a more tactile typing experience. Overall, while both switches deliver distinct tactile experiences, the Sunset Gleam presents a lighter touch compared to the heavier Caramel Latte.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there is a slight difference to note. The Huano Caramel Latte boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the HMX Sunset Gleam has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, thus positioning it as the shorter switch. For gamers and users seeking quick response times, the slightly shorter distance of the Sunset Gleam may be more appealing. On the other hand, those who prefer a bit more depth and tactile feedback may lean toward the Caramel Latte. Ultimately, the choice between these switches can influence the overall typing or gaming experience depending on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam 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 switch is renowned for producing a bright, clacky sound profile, which brings a lively character to each keystroke. This sound is particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate an audible response from their keyboard, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch offers a more subtle top-out sound combined with a satisfying clack, thanks to its well-balanced materials and HMX's excellent factory lubrication. While both switches provide engaging auditory feedback, the Caramel Latte delivers a more pronounced clack, which could appeal to users seeking a more vibrant acoustics, while the Sunset Gleam's sound may be more understated and refined.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte boasts a medium weight of 50g bottom-out force, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience that allows for comfortable and effortless typing. Users can expect a pleasant fluidity with each key press, making it an attractive option for long typing sessions. The Sunset Gleam, on the other hand, also aims to deliver a smooth feel, bolstered by its effective factory lubrication. This attention to detail in the switch design promises a plush typing experience as well, emphasizing the ease of activation and overall responsiveness, which might rival the Caramel Latte. Therefore, while the two switches might differ in auditory characteristics, they can both provide a solid, enjoyable typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Latte stands out with its bright and clacky sound along with a smooth feel, while the Sunset Gleam offers a more subdued acoustic profile with a pleasing overall typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these two will depend on whether you prefer a more lively auditory experience or a slightly muted one, but in terms of tactile enjoyment, both switches promise a satisfying performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you appreciate a medium-light switch that delivers a smooth and clacky typing experience, the Caramel Latte might be the perfect choice for you. With a bottom-out force of 55 grams, it strikes a nice balance for those who like some resistance while still enjoying an engaging sound profile. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch for faster, more responsive keystrokes, the Sunset Gleam, with its 48-gram bottom-out force, offers a delightful typing experience that is equally smooth but with a slightly quieter and subtler sound. The factory lubrication enhances its performance, making it ideal for those who value a focused and refined keystroke feel. Ultimately, consider whether you lean more towards a lively sound and medium resistance or a light, subtle touch with excellent lubrication when making your choice between these two distinct switches.
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