HMX EMO vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the HMX EMO and the Huano Strawberry Latte can significantly impact your typing experience. The HMX EMO switch is celebrated for its lively, clacky feel and ultra-light 46g bottom-out force, delivering an effortless and bouncy typing sensation that many find exhilarating. This exceptional factory-lubed switch is ideal for users who enjoy a more dynamic and tactile approach to typing. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is known for its silky-smooth action, utilizing state-of-the-art molds to create a balanced sound profile that strikes a happy medium—not too quiet, yet not overly resonant. This makes it a great choice for those seeking a subtle typing sound while enjoying a seamless keystroke experience. Ultimately, while both switches cater to typists who appreciate linear feel, their unique characteristics can cater to different preferences. 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
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
Polycarbonate
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-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Huano Strawberry Latte exhibit notable differences, particularly in their top housing compositions. The EMO utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile along with enhanced resonance, which is ideal for users seeking clarity in auditory feedback. This material's translucency also makes it a suitable choice for those who use RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination effects. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a POK (polyketone) top housing that is celebrated for its durability and smoothness, due to its superior wear and shock resistance. While both housings are designed to enhance the overall switch performance, the EMO leans more towards a crisp auditory experience, while the Strawberry Latte may provide a clackier feel due to its smoothness.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, it's noteworthy that both the HMX EMO and the Huano Strawberry Latte utilize nylon, a classic choice in switch design. Nylon’s properties contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, primarily due to its softer plastic composition, which tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it. As both switches share this material for the bottom housing, the typing experience in terms of sound when bottoming out will be quite similar, providing users with a cohesive auditory feedback and tactile sensation. This common ground in bottom housing contributes to the overall seamless experience offered by both switches despite differences in the top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials and the shared nylon bottom housing leads to distinct yet complementary switch profiles. The HMX EMO's polycarbonate top enhances clarity and resonance, effectively lightening the sound quality when releasing a key. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte's POK top adds to a smoother experience while offering durability without compromising on sound. Gathering attributes from each material, users will perceive variability in the auditory and tactile feedback that ultimately shapes their typing experience; however, common elements like the nylon bottom housing ensure some level of familiarity and consistency in sound profile across both switches.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable options for users who prefer a softer typing experience. The EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Strawberry Latte features a slightly lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Strawberry Latte requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it ideal for those who seek prolonged comfort during typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the EMO's actuation force is heavier, which may appeal to users looking for a bit more resistance in their keystrokes for a more substantial feel. Both switches are considered light in overall force; however, when comparing them, the Huano Strawberry Latte is the lighter option, while the HMX EMO is the heavier choice.
Travel distance
The comparison between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch reveals a slight difference in travel distance, with the EMO measuring 3.5 mm and the Strawberry Latte at 3.6 mm. This means that the EMO offers a shorter travel distance, while the Strawberry Latte provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance. For gamers and those seeking quicker response times, the HMX EMO may be the more appealing choice due to its shorter travel, facilitating faster actuation. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience might lean towards the Strawberry Latte, as its longer distance provides a more pronounced tactile feel. While both switches are relatively close in measurement, the distinct preferences for either responsiveness or depth make each switch suitable for different user experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO 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 EMO switch is characterized by a lively, clacky tone that enhances the typing experience, providing auditory feedback that many find satisfying. This distinct sound profile can be quite engaging and promotes a vibrant typing atmosphere. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch presents a balanced sound profile; while it is not overly quiet, it avoids excessive resonance, making it suitable for environments where noise control is a concern. Both switches can exhibit varying sound qualities based on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but the EMO will typically offer a more pronounced clack compared to the more muted yet present sound of the Strawberry Latte.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO significantly stands out with its feather-light 46g bottom-out force, creating an effortlessly bouncy typing experience that feels both satisfying and smooth. The factory lubrication enhances this sensation, making each keystroke feel fluid and enjoyable. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is noted for its super smooth keystroke due to Huano's latest molds, providing a different but equally pleasant tactile experience. While the EMO leans towards a lively and responsive feel, the Strawberry Latte offers a more consistent and glide-like response, appealing to those who prefer a slick typing surface.
In conclusion, the HMX EMO and Huano Strawberry Latte switches each provide unique auditory and tactile experiences suitable for different typing preferences. The EMO's lively clackiness and bouncy feel contrast with the Strawberry Latte's balanced sound and smooth keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice may come down to whether you prefer an engaging audio experience with a lighter touch or a more balanced sound and consistent smoothness in feel. Regardless of your preference, both switches cater to the diverse needs of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, ensuring you can enjoy a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you seek a lively typing experience with a slightly clacky feel, the HMX EMO may be your best bet, especially if you appreciate a light actuation force and an effortless bounce that enhances your speed and enjoyment while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a super smooth and balanced sound profile that keeps the auditory experience pleasant without being overly muted or resonant, the Strawberry Latte might suit you better, particularly given its refined design and consistent performance. Both switches offer light bottom-out forces and cater to those who enjoy linear typing experiences, but your decision should reflect whether you lean towards a more stimulating or soothing typing environment.
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