Huano Caramel Latte vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly affect your typing and gaming experience. The Huano Caramel Latte, a linear switch, is cherished for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, clacky sound profile that delivers a super smooth typing experience, making each keystroke pleasurable for typists. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus, also a linear switch, is designed with gamers in mind, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm which caters to rapid-fire keyboard inputs, perfect for fast-paced gaming. While the Caramel Latte excels in providing a balanced feel for everyday use, the Vintage Citrus prioritizes speed and responsiveness, making it a strong contender for gamers seeking an edge in performance. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, notable differences emerge, especially in their top housings. The Caramel Latte uses POK, or polyketone, renowned for its exceptional strength, wear resistance, and low coefficient of friction, which contributes to a smooth and tactile typing experience. This material's durability, being 14 times stronger than POM and having superior shock resistance compared to nylon, positions it as a premium option. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes classic nylon for its top housing, which, while acknowledged for its softness and sound absorption qualities, does not match the robustness of POK. This inherent difference likely influences the overall sound profile and tactile feedback when typing, with the Caramel Latte providing a clacky sensation and dynamic response due to the properties of its POK material.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating a point of similarity that may unify certain acoustic qualities. As both the Caramel Latte and Vintage Citrus incorporate nylon in their bottom housing, they share the soft plastic's ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic leads to a duller and rounder auditory experience when the switch bottoms out. Since nylon's impact on sound is consistent across both models, one can expect a similar auditory feedback when these switches are activated, despite the differing top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of a robust POK top and a soft nylon bottom in the Caramel Latte creates a unique sound and feel distinct from the entirely nylon Vintage Citrus. While the nylon bottom ensures both switches achieve a satisfying bottom-out sound, the top housing variations—polyketone's smoothness versus nylon's softer profile—will distinctly influence the typing experience during the release of each key. Therefore, those seeking a clacky and dynamic response may gravitate toward the Caramel Latte, while those who prioritize a softer sound may prefer the Vintage Citrus, despite the shared nylon bottom housing that provides a common ground for both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, both offer a pleasant typing experience, but they do have some differences. The Caramel Latte has an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Vintage Citrus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. This means that the Caramel Latte is the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for those who prioritize longer typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Caramel Latte has a force of 55 grams while the Vintage Citrus is slightly lighter at 53 grams. Therefore, while both switches can be categorized as medium-light, users looking for a softer touch may prefer the Caramel Latte, whereas those desiring a more substantial feel might gravitate toward the Vintage Citrus due to its heavier actuation force. Overall, the Caramel Latte offers a lighter touch for quicker typing, while the Vintage Citrus provides a bit more resistance, appealing to different preferences in keyboard feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, it becomes clear that the Caramel Latte offers a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vintage Citrus features a shorter travel distance of 3.0 mm. This difference can have a significant impact on user experience. The Caramel Latte, with its greater depth, may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who appreciate a hearty press, making it ideal for typists who favor a more traditional feel. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, being the shorter option, is well-suited for gamers who seek quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. The choice between the two ultimately boils down to personal preference: if you lean towards responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus would be the better fit; however, if you prefer a deeper, more deliberate key press, the Caramel Latte would be your go-to switch.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 known for its bright, clacky sound profile, which makes it quite engaging, while the HMX Vintage Citrus features a similar bright, clacky sound profile as well. The similarity in sound can make both switches appealing for users who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback during typing or gaming sessions. However, it’s important to recognize that external factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps can also influence the overall sound experience, meaning that both switches could potentially yield similar acoustic results depending on the build.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte offers a smooth typing experience with a medium weight of 50g bottom-out, making it a comfortable option for long typing sessions while still providing enough resistance for controlled keystrokes. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed specifically for gaming, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which makes it ideal for rapid inputs. This lower actuation force can provide a distinctly lighter feel compared to the Caramel Latte, catering more to gamers looking for quick response times. Despite the differences in resistance and actuation distance, both switches are recognized for their smooth push feel, contributing to an enjoyable typing experience.
In summary, while the Huano Caramel Latte and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches share a similar bright and clacky sound profile, they diverge in terms of feel due to their different actuation forces and intended use cases. The Caramel Latte’s medium resistance appeals to typists seeking a balanced experience, while the Vintage Citrus’s lighter actuation is tailored for gamers prioritizing speed. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prefer an all-around typing switch or one optimized for gaming.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch boils down to your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and pleasurable typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a bright, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte would be an excellent choice for your typing and general use. Its tactile feedback can also enhance your day-to-day productivity, making it a solid option for those who spend long hours typing. On the other hand, if you're a gamer looking for quick response times and rapid-fire capability, the Vintage Citrus switch should be your go-to. With its incredibly low actuation force and engaging sound, it’s tailored for gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. Ultimately, the right switch for you will depend on whether you value a smooth, enjoyable typing experience or a swift, responsive feel that caters specifically to gaming. Make your choice based on how you intend to use your keyboard, and you're sure to enjoy whichever switch you decide on.
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