HMX Cheese vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the HMX Cheese and the Huano Strawberry Latte, both linear switches that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Cheese is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness, offering an ultra-light touch that is lighter than 90% of all switches, combined with a clacky and poppy sound signature that creates a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte leverages cutting-edge mold technology to deliver an exceptionally smooth typing feel while providing a balanced sound profile that strikes a fine line—neither overly quiet nor excessively resonant. Choosing between these two switches ultimately hinges on individual preferences for sound and feel; the Cheese may appeal to those who enjoy a more tactile and lively experience, while the Strawberry Latte could be ideal for users seeking a more muted yet smooth sensation. 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
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cheese and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches utilize distinct materials for their top housing, leading to varied acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The Cheese features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper, fuller sound. This is largely due to nylon's softer plastic makeup, which absorbs more sound compared to harder materials, providing a rounder and more subdued auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte employs a POK top housing, characterized by its smoothness and durability. While POK delivers a clackier and more audible sound, it differs in that it does not absorb sound in the way nylon does. Therefore, while both switches serve their function well, the Cheese promises a more muted typing experience, whereas the Strawberry Latte leans towards a sharper, more pronounced sound profile.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the HMX Cheese and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches utilize nylon, creating a parity between the two. The nylon material in the bottom housing contributes to producing that fulfilling, deeper sound profile when a key is pressed down, ensuring that both switches provide a consistent tactile sensation at the base level. Since both switches share this particular facet at the bottom, users can expect a similar auditory result upon bottoming out. This consistency in bottom materials allows users to enjoy a familiar experience whether typing on the Cheese or the Strawberry Latte, especially in terms of sound deadening and overall feel during key presses.
In summary, while the HMX Cheese and Huano Strawberry Latte switches share similarities in their bottom housing materials, they differ notably in their top housing, which impacts their sound profiles. The Cheese’s nylon top promotes a more subdued typing experience that caters to those who prefer a softer sound, while the Strawberry Latte’s POK top results in a smoother and more pronounced auditory feedback. Despite these differences in the upper housing, the benefits of nylon in the bottom housing ensure that both switches maintain a cohesive feel and sound when bottoming out, allowing typists to appreciate the unique attributes while still enjoying a familiar auditory environment.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, both exhibit light forces, but they differ slightly in their specifications. The Cheese switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, whereas the Strawberry Latte is lighter with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Strawberry Latte the lighter option overall, appealing to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for long sessions at work or gaming. In contrast, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Cheese switch may provide a more substantial feel for users who like a bit of resistance while typing. While the bottom out forces are somewhat close, the bottom out action of both switches remains relatively similar, offering comparable typing experiences for users preferring lighter switches, albeit with the Cheese delivering a marginally firmer feel upon bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there is a slight difference between them. The HMX Cheese has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Cheese the shorter option, offering a quicker response time which is often favored by gamers seeking efficiency in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte, with its longer travel distance, could provide a more satisfying and deliberate typing experience for those who enjoy more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should reflect your personal preference for either a quicker, more responsive feel or a more substantial pressing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
The Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte 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 HMX Cheese linear switch delivers a unique auditory experience characterized by a clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking an engaging typing experience that stands out with its lively tonal qualities. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch offers a more balanced sound profile, striking a sweet spot that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant. While the Cheese provides a distinctive sound that caters to those who enjoy a bit of sonic flair in their typing, the Strawberry Latte is more subdued, making it suitable for environments where noise might be a concern.
When examining the feel of these switches, the HMX Cheese is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness, providing a pristine typing experience that is incredibly light, appealing to users who appreciate a feather-light touch. This makes it stand out, especially for those who are accustomed to rapid typing or gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch also offers a super smooth operation, thanks to its latest mold technology. While both switches prioritize a smooth typing experience, the Cheese's ultra-light nature may create a more effortless feel compared to the Strawberry Latte, which, although smooth, may offer a slightly different tactile feedback owing to its weight balance.
Overall, both the HMX Cheese and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches cater to users looking for smooth typing experiences, yet they diverge in their sound characteristics and tactile sensations. The Cheese offers an engaging and lively auditory experience, while the Strawberry Latte provides a more refined sound that is easier on the ears. For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Cheese will suit them well, whereas users looking for a balanced experience may find the Strawberry Latte preferable. Ultimately, both switches will deliver satisfying results, though the choice between them will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel in your typing experience. If you gravitate towards a light and airy switch that provides a unique clacky, poppy, and crispy sound profile, the HMX Cheese is your go-to option. Its unmatched smoothness makes it particularly appealing for those who prioritize a delightful typing sensation and enjoy a bit of auditory feedback with their keystrokes. Conversely, if you prefer a switch that offers incredible smoothness but with a more balanced sound profile—which is neither overly loud nor too muted—the Huano Strawberry Latte would be the better choice for you. With only a slight variation in bottom-out force, you won't notice much difference in actuation weight, but the overall typing experience will feel distinct for each switch. Therefore, consider how sound and feel influence your daily typing or gaming tasks, and choose the switch that aligns most closely with your preferences for an enjoyable keyboard experience.
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