HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing options that cater to both tactile satisfaction and auditory experience. The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch is celebrated for its lighter actuation force and clacky sound profile, providing a bright and engaging typing experience that feels silky smooth under the fingers. This switch appeals to users looking for a fun, lively input method that combines comfort with an enjoyable acoustic signature. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch also features a linear profile but prides itself on its super smooth operation, benefiting from the latest molds in Huano’s production. Its balanced sound profile strikes a perfect middle ground, making it neither too quiet nor overly resonant, thus offering a pleasant typing experience without the extremes of sound. Both switches present unique advantages depending on your typing style and preferences; 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
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Huano Strawberry Latte, a significant distinction arises from their respective top housing materials. The Cloud's top housing is constructed from nylon, a classic choice revered for imparting a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic properties. This characteristic allows nylon to absorb more sound, producing a duller, rounded auditory experience that is often sought after by typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte uses POK material, or polyketone, which is recognized for its smoothness and durability. With a higher coefficient of friction than nylon, POK yields a unique clacky sound profile that differentiates it from the muted quality offered by nylon, resulting in contrasting auditory experiences when typing.
Examining the bottom housings, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Huano Strawberry Latte utilize nylon, creating a similarity that affects the overall sound and feel profile when typing. Nylon's inherent properties lead to a fuller sound here as well, reinforcing the characteristics established by the top housing. In terms of performance, the use of nylon in the bottom housing in both switches means that, regardless of the contrasts in top housing materials, users will experience a similar sound when the keys bottom out. This shared bottom housing material is particularly advantageous, as it maintains a cohesive acoustic signature while allowing the distinct impacts of the differing top materials to shine through.
Ultimately, the combination of a nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures a commonality in sound and feel during the act of typing. However, the differences in top housing materials create a diversified experience: the Cloud - 50g delivers a smooth, muted depth through its nylon, while the Strawberry Latte enhances the experience with the clacky, durable qualities of POK. Users can thus anticipate differing results based on the top material, but both switches will retain a consistent, fuller sound attributed to their shared nylon bottom. This interplay between materials not only influences the final typing experience but also allows for individual preferences to inform which switch a user might prefer, despite the similarities in their lower housing structure.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are evident differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Cloud - 50g features a 42-gram actuation force and a 50-gram bottom out force, while the Strawberry Latte has a slightly lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Huano Strawberry Latte the lighter option overall, which can lead to a more comfortable typing experience during extended sessions, appealing to users who prioritize ease of use. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, delivers a more substantial push feel, making it suitable for users who prefer a stronger feedback when typing or gaming. Ultimately, while both switches are on the lighter side relative to the keyboard market, their distinct forces offer different tactile experiences to accommodate diverse preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Strawberry Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Strawberry Latte the more responsive choice, which is often preferred by gamers seeking quicker reaction times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Cloud - 50g may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial key press and feel that connects them more deeply with the keyboard. Therefore, while both switches provide distinct user experiences, the Strawberry Latte offers the advantage of a faster response, whereas the Cloud - 50g delivers a more traditional and hearty depth in its keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 50g 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 - 50g 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch is renowned for its clacky sound profile, which tends to deliver a bright and engaging auditory experience for typists. This makes it an appealing choice for enthusiasts who appreciate a more resonant and lively sound while typing. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch provides a more balanced sound profile; it doesn't lean towards being too quiet or excessively resonant, offering a middle ground that can accommodate both casual users and those desiring a more nuanced auditory feedback without overwhelming noise. It's important to note that the final sound experience of either switch can be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 50g offers a silky smooth typing experience that contributes to its overall appeal, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. This smooth operation enhances the comfort and speed of typing, making it enjoyable for long sessions. The Strawberry Latte switch also boasts a super smooth feel, benefiting from the latest mold technology from Huano, further enhancing its reputation for delivering a seamless typing experience. Thus, both switches provide a satisfying tactile experience, making them suitable for both typing and gaming.
In conclusion, while the HMX Cloud - 50g and Huano Strawberry Latte switches differ in their sound profiles—one being clacky and bright, while the other is more balanced—they both excel in delivering a smooth keystroke feel. Choosing between them may ultimately come down to personal preference regarding sound, as both offer a delightful typing experience. Whether you gravitate towards the lively noise of the Cloud - 50g or the more subdued but pleasant acoustics of the Strawberry Latte, either switch will provide satisfactory performance for your mechanical keyboard needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding typing experience, sound profile, and desired feel. If you enjoy a clacky sound and are looking for a bright typing experience that offers a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 50g switch may be the ideal choice for you. Its light bottom out force of 50 grams makes it particularly suitable for extended typing sessions where you might appreciate the alacritous feedback and lively acoustics. On the other hand, if you favor a more balanced sound profile that isn't too quiet but still avoids excessive resonance, the Strawberry Latte is a compelling option. With an even lighter bottom out force at 45 grams and advanced mold technology from Huano, this switch emphasizes super smooth actuation, making it suitable for users who prioritize a seamless typing experience without any harsh audio feedback. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the attributes that most resonate with your typing style and personal comfort.
Mentioned in this article
