HMX Jelly vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jelly and Huano Strawberry Latte both stand out as compelling options for linear switch enthusiasts, yet they offer distinct experiences. The HMX Jelly is particularly renowned for its low-pitched, deep thock sound signature, creating a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists enjoy. With a lightweight 42g actuation force and excellent factory lubrication, it ensures a smooth keypress, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle tactile feel with every stroke. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte also delivers a buttery smooth experience, thanks to its state-of-the-art molds. It boasts a balanced sound profile that falls right in between being silent and overly resonant, appealing to users who seek a versatile auditory experience that doesn’t intrude on their typing or gaming sessions. Both switches excel in providing a pleasant typing experience, but they cater to slightly different preferences in sound and feel. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
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 extended single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Huano Strawberry Latte, a clear distinction arises in their top housings. The HMX Jelly utilizes nylon for its top housing, a classic material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature allows for greater sound absorption, leading to a rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte opts for POK, or polyketone, which provides a smoother typing experience due to its low coefficient of friction. While nylon contributes a more muted and dynamic sound, POK enhances the overall typing experience with its clacky, high-pitched tones. This contrast in materials suggests that although both switches can deliver satisfying auditory feedback, the HMX Jelly may favor a deeper sound, while the Strawberry Latte tends towards a brighter, punchy sound.
The bottom housings of both the HMX Jelly and Huano Strawberry Latte, however, share a commonality as both are made from nylon. This choice in material leads to a consistent deeper sound profile regardless of the top housing used in each switch. Nylon's ability to absorb sound characteristics helps to ensure that both switches provide a rounded and full auditory experience during use. Because the bottom housing largely impacts the sound and feel when bottoming out, users can expect similar performance in this aspect, regardless of the differences present in their respective top housings. Ultimately, this means both switches draw on nylon's properties to create a united auditory presence.
In summary, while the HMX Jelly and Huano Strawberry Latte differ significantly in the materials of their top housings, the similarity in their bottom housing ensures a united experience in terms of sound quality. The Jelly’s nylon top offers a deeper sound due to its softer construction, while the Strawberry Latte’s POK material enhances the typing experience with its smoothness and durability. Nevertheless, the presence of nylon in both bottom housings ties these two switches together, resulting in a satisfying, rounded sound profile during typing, regardless of the top housing's distinct characteristics. Thus, while their sound profiles upon releasing keys may differ, the overall audible experience will still reflect the deeper tones attributed to nylon, creating a bridge between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Jelly switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Strawberry Latte switch is slightly lighter, requiring only 35 grams to actuate and having a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming, the Strawberry Latte is the more suitable option. In contrast, the HMX Jelly, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, provides a more substantial feel, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push. Both switches are on the lighter side overall, but the Strawberry Latte is the lighter of the two.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there is a noticeable difference between the two. The HMX Jelly features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Jelly offers a slightly deeper press, which may be preferable for users who enjoy a more tactile feel during their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte's shorter travel distance can provide quicker response times, making it an appealing choice for gamers seeking rapid action. The distinction between the two implies that those who favor a hearty depth should gravitate towards the Jelly, whereas those who prioritize responsiveness would likely prefer the Strawberry Latte.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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 Jelly linear switch delivers a low-pitched, deep, thocky audio signature that many users find pleasant and satisfying. This sound is complemented by the switch's excellent factory lubrication, which contributes to a smoother experience while typing. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound profile, falling somewhere in between quiet and overly resonant. This characteristic allows it to provide a distinct tactile presence without overwhelming noise, making it a suitable choice for those who appreciate a subtle auditory feedback as they type.
When it comes to feel, the Jelly switch stands out for its super smooth actuation, attributed to its lightweight design with a 42g actuation force. This allows for a seamless typing experience, making it particularly attractive for users who prioritize speed and fluidity. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte is also praised for its smoothness, which is enhanced by the latest mold technology from Huano. While specific actuation force details are not provided, it's safe to say both switches aim to deliver an equally enjoyable linear feel, catering to users who prefer a lightweight touch.
In summary, both the HMX Jelly and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches bring their unique qualities to the table. The Jelly is characterized by its deep thocky sound and lightweight, super smooth feeling, while the Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound profile with equally impressive smoothness. Although their sound signatures differ, both switches provide a satisfying tactile experience, making them excellent choices for those who enjoy linear keyboard switches. Ultimately, your choice might depend on whether you prefer the pronounced audio of the Jelly or the more muted yet clear response of the Strawberry Latte.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, your decision should be guided by your personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as your intended use. If you prioritize a satisfying auditory experience with a low-pitched, thocky sound signature, alongside a smooth and lightweight key feel, then the Jelly switch could be more to your liking, especially for gaming or typing where you appreciate that deep resonance and tactile enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced sound profile that strikes a good middle ground—not too quiet but not overly resonant—while still prioritizing a super smooth keystroke, the Strawberry Latte would be an excellent choice. Its slightly lighter bottom-out force makes it an appealing option if you want a switch that requires less effort for actuation, which might be especially beneficial for prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what experience you seek from your keyboard, whether it's the rich sound and smooth action of the Jelly or the subtle yet satisfying feedback of the Strawberry Latte.
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