Huano Caramel Latte vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two notable options to consider are the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Swift, both classified as linear switches. The Caramel Latte is renowned for its medium weight of 50g bottom out, delivering a bright, clacky sound profile that amplifies the joy of each keystroke with an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback alongside a responsive feel. On the other hand, the HMX Swift distinguishes itself with a deeper sound profile attributed to its full nylon housing, paired with a lighter 42g actuation force that makes it feel incredibly easy to press. This unique combination gives the Swift a silky, feathery touch that many users find delightful for both typing and gaming. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual preferences and needs.
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
3.90 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 extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Swift exhibit both similarities and differences that influence their overall performance and sound characteristics. The Caramel Latte features a top housing made from POK (polyketone), known for its exceptional durability and low coefficient of friction, allowing for a smooth keystroke experience. This contrasts with the Swift's top housing, which is made of nylon. While nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material, it does not provide the same level of wear resistance and shock absorption as POK. However, the choice of nylon in the Swift's housing contributes to a unique auditory experience, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing.
Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, reinforcing a shared characteristic that enhances the sound insulation and tonal qualities of the typing experience. The nylon bottom housing in both the Caramel Latte and the Swift absorbs sound effectively due to its softer plastic composition, leading to a duller and rounder sound. This shared material ensures that in both switches, the bottom-out sound and feel will be quite similar, creating a cohesive typing experience that mitigates sharp or harsh acoustic properties. Thus, despite the variation in the top housings, the alignment in the bottom housings solidifies a common auditory characteristic between the two switches.
Ultimately, the distinction in top housing materials between the Caramel Latte and the HMX Swift results in different tactile and auditory feedback during operation. The more rigid and frictionless POK in the Caramel Latte promotes a quick and smooth key press, whereas the nylon in the Swift creates a softer touch and sound dampening effect. These differences lead to nuanced variations in user experience, particularly when pressing and releasing the keys. Yet, the commonality in nylon used for the bottom housing ties the two switches together, making them both capable of delivering a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles based on their respective top housing materials.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch present a compelling comparison in terms of 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 Swift switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it one of the lighter options available. This difference means that users who prefer a softer and less tiring experience, such as those engaging in long gaming sessions or extended typing periods, may find the Swift more appealing. Conversely, the slightly heavier Caramel Latte might provide users seeking a more substantial feel a satisfying choice. Overall, the Swift switch offers a lighter feel compared to the Caramel Latte, making it a better fit for those prioritizing comfort and ease over a stronger push sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, the Caramel Latte measures at 3.6 mm, while the Swift has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that the Swift offers a more traditional depth which some users may find provides a more hearty feel, while the Caramel Latte's shorter travel distance caters to those seeking quicker response times, often favored by gamers. Therefore, for those who prefer responsiveness, the Huano Caramel Latte is the better choice, while the HMX Swift would be suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial keystroke. Overall, the Caramel Latte is the shorter option, and the Swift is the longer one, reflecting their differing design philosophies in catering to user preferences.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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 switch is characterized by a bright and clacky profile that produces a sharp, percussive sound on each keystroke. This lively auditory feedback can create an engaging typing experience, especially for users who enjoy the sound of their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Swift switch delivers a deeper sound profile thanks to its full nylon housing, which tends to provide a more subdued but still clear auditory experience. While the Caramel Latte offers a more pronounced brightness, the Swift's sound leans towards richness, creating a contrast in the audio signature of the two switches.
Regarding feel, the Caramel Latte switch boasts a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, which delivers a smoothly satisfying experience, although specifics on its tactile feedback are less defined. Conversely, the Swift switch, with its lighter 42g actuation force, offers an exceptionally easy-to-press experience that is both gentle and comfortable. Words like feathery, bouncy, and creamy aptly describe the Swift’s operation, as it provides a responsive feel that minimizes finger fatigue, making it an excellent choice for extended typing or gaming sessions.
In summary, both switches have unique qualities that can cater to different preferences. If you prefer a brighter sound and a medium-weight feel, the Caramel Latte might be ideal for you. However, if you're after a deeper sound profile with a lighter and smoother typing experience, the HMX Swift is likely more to your liking. Both switches, while differing in specific sound and feel characteristics, can create enjoyable typing experiences tailored to individual preferences, making the choice largely dependent on which qualities resonate with you the most.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switches and the HMX Swift linear switches will depend largely on your typing preferences and the overall experience you seek from your keyboard. If you appreciate a bit of resistance to your keystrokes, the Caramel Latte, with its medium-light 55g bottom-out force, will offer a satisfying balance of feedback and ease of use. Its bright, clacky sound profile enhances the experience, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a percussive sound as they type. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter touch to reduce fatigue during long typing sessions, the HMX Swift with a mere 50g bottom-out force may be your ideal switch. Its deeper sound profile accompanied by silky smoothness makes each keystroke feel effortless, which can be particularly beneficial during extensive gaming or writing endeavors. In essence, choose the Caramel Latte for a robust, engaging typing sound and tactile feel, while the Swift is the go-to option if you desire a feather-light touch that offers comfort and ease across prolonged periods of use.
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