HMX Deep Navy vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches each offer distinctive advantages that cater to various typing preferences. The Deep Navy is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and full nylon construction, providing a luxurious tactile experience with every keystroke. Its Ly stem contributes to an impressively smooth action, making it ideal for gamers and typists who crave a responsive feel. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is engineered for super smooth performance, utilizing the latest molds from Huano to achieve a balanced sound profile that strikes a harmonious blend between subtlety and clarity. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a quieter typing experience without sacrificing too much auditory feedback. Both switches present compelling options depending on whether you prioritize sound and construction quality or a balanced auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and Huano Strawberry Latte switches exhibit a contrasting approach to housing materials, particularly with regards to the top housings. The Deep Navy utilizes nylon, a classic material widely appreciated for its sound-dampening properties. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound more effectively, contributing to a deeper and fuller acoustic profile during typing. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte employs POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which, while slightly higher in friction compared to nylon, excels in durability and smoothness. POK's superior wear resistance—about 14 times stronger than POM—combined with its shock resistance, creates a distinct typing experience characterized by a clacky sound. Therefore, while both switches aim to provide satisfying acoustic feedback, the fundamental difference in material results in varied auditory and tactile experiences.
Both models utilize nylon for their bottom housings, highlighting a shared commitment to ensuring a rich sound profile when typing. The use of nylon in both cases means that users can expect a similar acoustic character from the bottom housing, where the material's softness contributes to the overall sound and feel upon bottoming out. This consistency in material choice ensures that regardless of the disparities in the top housing, the overall typing experience retains certain core attributes that typists value: a rounder sound and a more cushioned bottom-out feel.
While there are notable differences in the top housings' properties, the similar choice of nylon for the bottom housing means that users of both the HMX Deep Navy and Huano Strawberry Latte switches will encounter a blend of sound and feel that reflects the characteristics of nylon. The nuanced interplay between the top and bottom housing materials in these switches not only shapes their sound profiles but also enhances overall durability and tactile feedback. Ultimately, whether one prefers the richer soundscape of the Deep Navy or the smooth, responsive typing of the Strawberry Latte, both switches fulfill the essential requirements for a satisfying user experience through their thoughtful use of diverse materials.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions. The Deep Navy requires an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Strawberry Latte has a slightly lighter actuation force of 35 grams, with the same bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that users will find the Strawberry Latte to feel lighter when initially pressing the key, while both switches bottom out at the same force, providing a similar feel in terms of resistance when fully pressed. Therefore, for those who prefer a lighter touch, the Strawberry Latte is the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more robust typing experience with a stronger actuation force may find the Deep Navy more appealing. Ultimately, while both switches offer a comfortable experience for extended use, their individual actuation forces cater to different preferences among typists and gamers.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience the same amount of travel with either switch. As a result, both switches offer similar tactile feedback and overall feel during use, making them equally suitable for preferences where travel distance is a key consideration. Since their travel distances are the same, users can expect comparable performance when utilizing these switches in their keyboard setups.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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 Deep Navy linear switch offers a rich, sharp sound profile, thanks to its full nylon construction. This contributes to a more pronounced auditory experience with each keystroke, making it a distinct choice for users who enjoy a more resonant sound when typing. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte provides a balanced sound profile that sits comfortably between quiet and overly resonant. This makes it less intrusive than the Deep Navy, appealing to those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback without compromising too much on character.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch provides a silky smooth experience with every keystroke, attributed to its Ly stem design. This smoothness can be particularly satisfying for users who appreciate a gliding sensation when typing. The Strawberry Latte, on the other hand, also emphasizes smoothness, as it utilizes the latest molds from Huano, which ensures a consistently pleasurable typing experience. Both switches excel at providing a buttery feel, making them suitable for long typing sessions and gaming alike.
Overall, both the HMX Deep Navy and Huano Strawberry Latte offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Deep Navy is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory signature, while the Strawberry Latte caters to those who prefer a balanced sound combined with smoothness. Despite their differences, both switches deliver an exceptional typing experience, so you can expect satisfying performance whether you choose one or the other.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a rich, sharp sound profile and a silky smooth typing experience, the Deep Navy may be the right choice for you. Its full nylon construction contributes to a high-quality feel and sound, making it an excellent option for users who enjoy audibly satisfying keystrokes during their typing sessions. On the other hand, if you seek a more balanced sound that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant, coupled with exceptional smoothness, the Strawberry Latte is apt for you. This switch offers a versatile auditory experience and is ideal if you use your keyboard for a mix of gaming and typing, allowing for a comfortable and enjoyable experience across various activities. Ultimately, consider how sound and feel align with your needs; the Deep Navy is perfect for a more pronounced auditory feedback, while the Strawberry Latte excels in delivering a well-rounded and smooth experience.
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