HMX Gravel vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Gravel and Huano Strawberry Latte present two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The Gravel switch is widely celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined feel, offering a medium-light actuation force that promotes a responsive and nearly effortless typing experience; it's perfect for those who value a seamless flow while typing. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte impresses with its super smooth action and a balanced sound profile that sits comfortably between being too quiet and overly resonant, appealing to users who appreciate auditory feedback without distraction. While both switches cater to the linear preference with slight variations in feel and sound, they each offer unique features that may influence your choice. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
POM
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
When comparing the HMX Gravel and the Huano Strawberry Latte, a key distinction lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Gravel boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency, allowing for a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for those who wish to enhance their RGB lighting experience, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, which, while offering durability and a smooth typing experience, delivers a different tonal quality. The POK material's unique properties provide a clacky sound, yet it lacks the same level of visual transparency associated with polycarbonate. Therefore, while both top housings aim for clarity and performance, they diverge in the auditory experience and visual aesthetics they offer to users.
Interestingly, the bottom housings of both switches are constructed from nylon, a classic material recognized for its deep and full sound profile. This is where they converge, as nylon's softer nature absorbs sound waves, resulting in a more muted acoustic experience. Whether one is typing on the Gravel or the Strawberry Latte, users can expect a similar deep and rounded bottom-out sound, providing consistency in that aspect. Although the top housings contribute differently to the overall auditory experience, the shared nylon bottom ensures that both switches will produce a satisfying typing feel and sound profile when the keys are fully pressed down.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of both switches creates a distinct yet complementary audio profile. The mix of a stiffer polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom in the Gravel may lead to a sharper sound when releasing keys, while the POK top in the Strawberry Latte emphasizes a smooth, clacky response. This differentiation means that upon bottoming out, users will experience a deeper resonance from the nylon, while the top housing influences the sound's character upon keystroke release. As a result, while both switches fulfill the essential requirements of sound and feel, they do so through a unique interplay of materials, thereby catering to diverse user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, it is clear that both options offer light pressure, but the Strawberry Latte is lighter overall. The Gravel has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Strawberry Latte features a lower actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a softer touch will find the Strawberry Latte more appealing for extended typing or gaming sessions. Despite the Gravel's slightly higher forces, both switches are classified as light, which allows for a comfortable experience during prolonged use. Overall, those who favor a lighter touch should lean toward the Strawberry Latte, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may still find the Gravel suitable, albeit heavier.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the Gravel features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Strawberry Latte has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Strawberry Latte may offer a more pronounced bottoming out sensation, appealing to those who prefer a deeper feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Gravel's shorter travel distance could provide a faster response time, ideal for gamers looking for quick keystrokes. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Gravel would be the better choice, but if you enjoy a more substantial depth in each keypress, the Strawberry Latte stands out as the superior option with its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel 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
The HMX Gravel switch offers a typing experience characterized by its smoothness and refined sound profile, which balances between being noticeable without being overly harsh. Although the specific qualities of the sound are not detailed for the Gravel, its emphasis on smooth operation suggests a potentially pleasant auditory experience. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch strikes a middle ground in terms of sound; it features a balanced profile that is not overly quiet yet lacks harshness. This suggests that while both switches may provide a satisfying audio feedback during typing, the Gravel could lean slightly towards a more nuanced sound depending on the keyboard and components used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Gravel switch is renowned for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, coupled with a medium-light actuation force that makes it easy to type quickly with minimal effort. This results in a relaxed and enjoyable typing experience, particularly for those who may type for extended periods. The Huano Strawberry Latte switch also boasts a smooth feel, thanks to advancements in mold technology, complemented by a responsive action that further enhances the typing experience. Both switches cater to users looking for a responsive yet light touch, ultimately leading to a typing feel that encourages prolonged use.
In summary, both the HMX Gravel and Huano Strawberry Latte switches present compelling choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Gravel is celebrated for its refined smoothness and light actuation, while the Strawberry Latte boasts a balanced sound and excellent smoothness attributed to modern manufacturing techniques. While they exhibit some differences in sound nuances and certain elements of feel, both options are designed to provide an enjoyable and responsive typing experience. Therefore, users will find that they can achieve a satisfying performance with either switch, reliant on personal preferences and the overall keyboard setup chosen.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with a slightly firmer feel—perfect for extensive typing or gaming sessions—then the Gravel switch, with its 50 grams bottom-out force, would be a suitable option for you. It provides a satisfying typing experience without being overly heavy, making it great for repetitive tasks where comfort and responsiveness are key. On the other hand, if you prefer the lightest touch with a balance of sound that isn’t too loud or too quiet, the Strawberry Latte switch, which has a slightly lower bottom-out force of 45 grams, may be the better fit. Its smoothness and moderate sound profile could enhance your overall experience if you favor a lighter actuation combined with a more versatile auditory feedback. Therefore, reflect on the contexts in which you’ll be using your keyboard and what aspects of feel and sound matter most to you, as this will guide you in selecting the switch that best aligns with your typing style.
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