HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy linear options that often come up are the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Huano Strawberry Latte. The HMX Cloud is distinguished by its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams, making it ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a bright and engaging typing sensation, complemented by a silky smooth feel. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte embraces a super smooth typing experience, utilizing the latest molds from Huano to deliver a balanced sound profile that strikes a harmonious middle ground—neither too quiet nor excessively resonant. While the Cloud - 63.5g appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback and a firmer key press, the Strawberry Latte is designed for users who prioritize smoothness and consistency without overwhelming sound. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
When exploring the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Huano Strawberry Latte, it's important to note their varied approaches in terms of top housing composition, even as their bottom housings align on the same material—nylon. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic choice in switch design renowned for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This property allows nylon to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte's top housing is made of POK, or polyketone, which brings unique characteristics such as higher durability and a slightly increased coefficient of friction. This distinction in material choices affects the overall sound signature and feel during use, creating a contrasting experience that is defined primarily by the POK’s smoothness and clacking sound versus the muted profile of nylon.
While the top housing materials differ, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which maintains a consistent quality in the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound profile, just as described for both models. This similarity means that while the top housing influences the sound during key release—leading to the differences in auditory feedback—both switches will deliver a comparable low-end sound when bottoming out due to the nylon's absorbing properties. Users can expect a smooth, rounded sound due to this consistent use of nylon, affirming that even with different top materials, the bottoms will harmonize the auditory output in a remarkably similar manner, rounding off the overall typing experience.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Huano Strawberry Latte feature a harmonious blending of materials that shape the user’s experience distinctively while maintaining certain similarities. The divergent top housing materials—nylon for the Cloud versus POK for the Strawberry Latte—tailor the tactile sensations and sounds produced during use. However, the shared nylon bottom housing fortifies the typing experience by engendering a consistent sound behavior, illustrating that even with disparate materials, similar results can be achieved. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to preferences for sound and feel, emphasizing the nuanced impact of the materials employed.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences that cater to different user preferences. The Cloud switch has a higher actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that offers a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, appealing to users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Thus, the Cloud switch is the heavier option, while the Strawberry Latte is the lighter one. This variance means that with the Cloud switch, users may enjoy a more tactile feedback and resistance, while the Strawberry Latte will enable a quicker, less strenuous keystroke. As such, individuals should choose according to their typing habits—those favoring a heavier feel might prefer the Cloud, whereas those seeking ease and comfort in longer use might opt for the Strawberry Latte.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch to the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the differences are notable. The Cloud switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Strawberry Latte has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Strawberry Latte may be the better option due to its shorter distance, making it more suited for gamers seeking quick response times. On the other hand, those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes might lean toward the Cloud switch, which provides a more substantial travel experience. Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is the longer switch of the two, while the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch stands out with its clacky and high-pitched profile, creating a sharp, crisp, and percussive auditory experience. This makes it appealing to those who prefer a bright and lively typing sound, offering a tangible feedback with every keystroke. This characteristic can enhance the overall typing experience, particularly for users who enjoy the audible feedback that accompanies their inputs. In contrast, while specifics regarding the sound profile of the Huano Strawberry Latte switch are not detailed, it is mentioned to have a balanced sound profile that is neither overly quiet nor excessively resonant. This suggests that while the Strawberry Latte might not provide the same sharpness as the Cloud - 63.5g, it offers a more moderate auditory experience, appealing to those who prefer something more subdued.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as both bouncy and creamy. The bouncy quality provides a spring-like feedback that makes every keystroke feel lively and responsive, while the creamy aspect contributes a silky smooth typing experience as fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. This combination allows for a pleasurable typing sensation that is reminiscent of luxury mechanical switches. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available on the feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte switch, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison; however, the lack of definitive descriptors may indicate that its feel is more reserved and possibly more in line with typical linear switch experiences.
Ultimately, if you're seeking a switch that delivers an engaging and lively typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g with its clacky sound and bouncy, creamy feel will likely suit your needs. Conversely, if you prefer a more balanced sound, the Huano Strawberry Latte may provide a satisfying alternative, though its feel remains largely unspecified. Both switches will offer a degree of smoothness, but the Cloud - 63.5g leans toward a more dynamic and enjoyable feedback, while the Strawberry Latte offers a more neutral option. Your choice will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback and a vibrant feel or a more understated typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more tactile and auditory feedback when typing, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is likely the better option for you. With its medium-heavy 63.5g bottom-out force and clacky sound profile, this switch provides a lively and responsive feel that many enthusiasts find satisfying. It's ideal for those who appreciate a brighter, more pronounced typing experience and who don’t mind a bit of noise in their setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a focus on smoothness and refinement, the Huano Strawberry Latte with its 45g bottom-out force may be more to your liking. It offers a super smooth and balanced typing experience that is less noisy and more subdued, making it a great choice for quieter environments or for those who value a seamless feel over acoustic feedback. In the end, your choice should reflect your typing style, auditory preferences, and whether you prioritize a lively experience or a softer, quieter touch.
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