Huano Caramel Latte vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and HMX Xinhai linear switches emerge as two compelling options, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Huano Caramel Latte switch is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, clacky sound profile, providing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience that enhances productivity and pleasure alike. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch champions a more refined acoustic experience with its unique PA12 top housing, which offers softer acoustics, combined with a POM stem that delivers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. While the Caramel Latte provides a more vibrant auditory feedback that may appeal to those who enjoy a lively typing sound, the Xinhai’s subtle sophistication and precise performance could be more enticing for users seeking a quieter yet responsive typing feel. Both switches are excellent choices, but the right one for you ultimately hinges on your personal typing style and sound preference. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Xinhai, we find distinct differences in their top housings but similarities in their bottom housings. The Caramel Latte utilizes a POK (polyketone) material for its top housing, which boasts a low coefficient of friction (0.04) and exceptional durability, showcasing wear resistance that is 14 times stronger than that of POM. This choice of material contributes to a smooth and clacky switch experience, enhancing the tactile feedback when typing. In contrast, the Xinhai features a nylon top housing, a more traditional plastic known for its softer structure which absorbs sound rather than enhancing it. As a result, while the POK material offers a unique tactile experience with a crisp sound, the nylon is geared towards producing a deeper and fuller acoustic profile, resulting in a more muted key release sound.
Both the Caramel Latte and Xinhai incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a point of commonality in their design. The nylon in both switches functions similarly, contributing to a substantial sound profile that emphasizes a softer audio experience due to its absorbent properties. Given that both models share the same bottom housing material, the experience of bottoming out—where the key press is fully engaged—is equally deep and resonant in both switches. This consistency in bottom housing promotes an enjoyable typing sound, allowing typists to appreciate the characteristic “thump” that nylon provides when the switch is fully pressed down.
The differences between the switches primarily lie in their top housing materials, which lead to distinctive auditory characteristics when typing. The Caramel Latte's POK top housing enhances the clackiness of the switch, while the Xinhai's nylon top housing delivers a softer, rounder sound. When keys are released, the top housing material plays a crucial role, making the Caramel Latte produce a crisper disengagement, while the Xinhai results in a smoother, more subdued release sound. Despite these contrasting qualities, both switches can create a fulfilling typing experience, especially thanks to their shared nylon bottom housings, which ensure consistency in the overall sound and feel during use.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Xinhai boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. While the Caramel Latte requires slightly more effort to actuate and bottom out, the Xinhai offers a softer touch, catering to users who may type for extended periods without fatigue. Overall, if you're leaning towards a more substantial typing feel, the heavier Huano Caramel Latte may be better suited for you, whereas the HMX Xinhai will provide a more delicate and responsive keystroke for users who favor lightness.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, we find that the Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Xinhai measures 3.4 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feedback with each keypress. In contrast, the Xinhai's shorter travel distance could be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times and more rapid key activation. Both switches provide a linear feel, but the difference in travel distance suggests that if you enjoy a deeper key press, the Caramel Latte would be the better choice, whereas if speed is your priority, the Xinhai may be more suitable.
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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai 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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Xinhai linear switches, the Caramel Latte is noted for its bright and clacky sound, producing a crisper, more percussive auditory feedback with each keystroke. This makes it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a pronounced audio response while typing. In contrast, the Xinhai features softer acoustics thanks to its unique PA12 top housing, which lends itself to a distinctively higher-pitched resonance. While the Caramel Latte's sound is sharper and more vibrant, the Xinhai offers a subtle sophistication, delivering a less aggressive yet still appealing auditory experience. It's worth noting that the final sound will also be influenced by the keyboard's build and keycap choice, potentially bridging the gap between these two switches in sound quality.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte is celebrated for its smooth typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes that many typists find gratifying. This high level of smoothness enhances the overall comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch provides a bouncy sensation, reminiscent of a spring-like feedback that creates a lively typing experience. Additionally, the creamy aspect of the Xinhai adds a silky touch that promotes an effortless glide across keys, making it feel nearly buttery. While the Caramel Latte focuses on a smooth typing experience, the combination of bounciness and creaminess in the Xinhai switches offers a rich contrast that caters to different preferences in tactile feedback.
In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte and HMX Xinhai linear switches present unique auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different typing experiences. The Caramel Latte is characterized by its bright, clacky sound and smooth feel, while the Xinhai boasts a softer, higher-pitched sound combined with a bouncy and creamy tactile sensation. If you're seeking a sharper auditory feedback and smoothness, the Caramel Latte may be the preferred choice. However, those who enjoy a lively, nuanced feel with softer acoustics might gravitate towards the Xinhai. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on personal preferences and typing habits, but both switches are capable of delivering satisfying experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Huano Caramel Latte linear switches and HMX Xinhai linear switches largely depends on your preferences for both tactile feedback and auditory experience. If you appreciate a medium-light actuation force and enjoy a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the immersion of typing or gaming, the Caramel Latte switches will likely be your best bet. Their smooth feel makes every keystroke enjoyable, perfect for those who prioritize a lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom out force of only 45 grams and are seeking a more understated acoustic profile, the Xinhai switches would be the ideal choice. The unique design offers a bouncy and creamy sensation that provides a delightful rebound with each press, making them suitable for long hours of comfortable typing without fatigue. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how much you value sound dynamics versus a cushioned, smoother feel in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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