HMX Lucky vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky 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 Lucky and Huano Strawberry Latte offer two compelling options for those who prefer linear feel. The Lucky switch stands out with its softer, glittery nylon housings, providing a lightweight typing experience that many users find delightfully neutral and satisfying. Meanwhile, the Strawberry Latte switch captivates with its ultra-smooth actuation, created using the latest molds from Huano, which contribute to a balanced sound profile that strikes a harmonious chord between being not too quiet yet not overly resonant. Both switches cater to different user preferences—whether you prioritize the softer touch of the Lucky or the refined smoothness of the Strawberry Latte, you have some exciting choices at your fingertips. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
POM
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 double-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Lucky and the Huano Strawberry Latte exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, setting the stage for contrasting tactile experiences. The Lucky's top housing is crafted from nylon, a traditional material known for its sound-absorbing qualities. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing, making it ideal for users who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte employs a POK (polyketone) top housing, which offers a smoother typing experience. With a slightly higher coefficient of friction than nylon, POK enhances the switch's smoothness while contributing to a clackier sound. Thus, while both materials provide distinct auditory and tactile results, the nylon of the HMX Lucky leans towards a softer, muted interaction, whereas the POK of the Strawberry Latte offers more pronounced feedback.
Both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, leading to a shared acoustic signature in terms of the bottom-out experience. With nylon being a classic choice, both the Lucky and Strawberry Latte will deliver a rounded and deeper sound profile during keystrokes. This commonality ensures that when pressed, users of either switch will experience a similar impact on sound and feel, emphasizing the importance of the bottom housing in shaping the overall typing experience. Here, the properties of nylon shine through, making both switches feel familiar in that respect.
Nevertheless, the disparities in the top housings mean that these switches will ultimately produce varied performances despite sharing the same bottom material. The combination of a clackier POK top housing in the Strawberry Latte and the sound-dampening properties of the nylon in the Lucky creates a unique context for each switch. Users will notice that while both offer plush feedback when bottoming out, the sound upon release is distinctly different: a more pronounced clack for the Strawberry Latte and a muted thud for the Lucky. Thus, while the physical advantages of the nylon bottom housing unify their performance in some respects, the top housings of the two switches fundamentally shape and differentiate the user experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch to the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Lucky switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Strawberry Latte switch features a slightly lower actuation force of 35 grams and a higher bottom out force of 45 grams. Thus, the Strawberry Latte is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, but the Lucky is lighter overall by way of bottom out force. For users who prefer a softer touch while typing, both switches offer a similar experience with just slight variations in force. Ultimately, those seeking a more substantial typing feel might lean towards the heavier bottom out force of the Strawberry Latte, while those who appreciate a lighter switch may find the Lucky switch more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, we find that the Lucky features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Strawberry Latte offers a slightly shorter distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're someone who favors a more responsive keystroke, the Strawberry Latte might be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times, especially favored by gamers. Conversely, if you prefer a switch that provides a more substantial feel with some depth to each keypress, the HMX Lucky would be more suitable with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference; if you lean towards a brisker typing experience, the 3.6 mm of the Strawberry Latte will deliver that responsiveness, whereas the 3.8 mm of the Lucky caters to those who appreciate a more deliberate keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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 Lucky linear switch is characterized by its softer, glittery nylon housings, which contribute to a sound profile that is likely more muted and smooth. This makes it suitable for a quieter environment, without overwhelming resonance. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch is noted for its balanced sound profile, making it neither too quiet nor excessively loud. While it provides a satisfying auditory experience, the overall sound will also depend on the specific keyboard and keycaps used, meaning that both switches can produce pleasant sounds that cater to different preferences.
Regarding feel, the Lucky switch offers a lightweight and neutral typing experience that leans towards being deeply satisfying. This makes it accessible for prolonged typing sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte switch is recognized for its exceptional smoothness, a quality emphasized by the latest molds from Huano. This smooth action enhances the typing experience, making it feel effortless and providing a premium tactile sensation that can be especially enjoyable for gamers and typists alike.
In summary, while both the HMX Lucky and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches bring unique qualities to the table, they cater to different user preferences. The Lucky focuses on a softer sound and a neutral feel, suitable for those seeking a quieter typing experience, whereas the Strawberry Latte delivers a balanced sound and an exceptionally smooth typing action. Each switch has the potential to provide an enjoyable experience, with different auditory and tactile characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their specific needs or blend their attributes for a customized setup.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter touch and a softer response, the Lucky switches may be the ideal choice for you. Their low bottom-out force of 43 grams and softer nylon housing combine to provide a smooth, neutral typing experience that feels both satisfying and effortless. This makes them especially suitable for long typing sessions where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you prioritize a slightly more balanced sound profile and a touch of extra resistance in your keystrokes, the Strawberry Latte switches, with their 45-gram bottom-out force, will likely serve you better. Known for their super smooth action and the latest mold technology from Huano, they strike a midpoint between being pleasantly audible without being too resonant—perfect for an office setting or gaming environment where you don’t want to disturb others. Thus, weigh these factors carefully to find the switch that aligns best with your typing style and needs.
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