HMX Perky vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between two popular options: the HMX Perky and the Huano Strawberry Latte, both of which are linear switches. The HMX Perky is renowned for its softer, glittery nylon housings, providing a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience with a shorter travel distance that allows for a more condensed interaction. This makes it an attractive choice for users who prefer a smooth, efficient typing feel, especially during extended sessions. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a remarkably smooth keystroke due to its use of the latest available molds from Huano, delivering a balanced sound profile that sits comfortably between a soft whisper and an overbearing resonance. This switch appeals to typists who enjoy an auditory feedback without distraction and appreciate the refined sensitivity it brings. Both switches have their unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Perky and the Huano Strawberry Latte, a clear distinction emerges in their top housings. The Perky utilizes nylon for its top housing, a classic material known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic is due to nylon being a relatively softer plastic, which dampens vibrations and results in a more muted auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is crafted with POK material, or polyketone, which is noted for its durability and smooth texture. POK's higher coefficient of friction means it provides a different tactile feel compared to nylon, leading to a more clacky sound that can offer a sharper, more pronounced auditory feedback when typing.
However, an interesting parallel can be drawn when considering the bottom housing for both switches. Both the HMX Perky and Huano Strawberry Latte employ nylon for their bottom housings, reinforcing a consistent sound profile that leans towards the deeper, rounder tones characteristic of nylon. This similarity allows the switches to achieve a level of auditory continuity despite their contrasting top materials. As a result, when typing on either switch, users can expect the familiar sound of soft nylon in the bottom housing to dominate the bottom-out sound, which contributes to a cohesive auditory signature across both models.
In summary, the difference in top housing materials—nylon for the Perky and POK for the Strawberry Latte—creates distinct typing experiences. The nylon of the Perky produces a softer, fuller sound, while the POK of the Strawberry Latte delivers a smoother and more clacky sensation. Regardless of these differences, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches will have similar qualities in terms of sound absorption and feel during bottoming out, allowing users to enjoy complementary experiences when using either keyboard. This blend of contrasting top materials with a shared bottom housing illustrates how the interplay between different plastics can influence the overall performance and acoustic character of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Perky linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, both can be categorized as light switches with notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Perky switch features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Strawberry Latte has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Strawberry Latte not only the lighter option in terms of actuation force but also slightly lighter overall when looking at bottom out force. Consequently, users who prefer a gentler touch and longer typing sessions may find the Strawberry Latte more forgiving. The Perky, while still light, provides a slightly firmer push that might offer a more substantial typing experience for those who favor a stronger feedback when keystrokes are activated. Overall, the differences in force make these switches suitable for different preferences, with the Strawberry Latte catering to lighter touch typists and the Perky appealing to those who enjoy a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Perky linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the Perky has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Strawberry Latte features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're seeking a switch that provides a more responsive key press, the Perky would likely suit your preferences better due to its shorter travel distance, which can enhance reaction times—an advantage particularly favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a deeper keystroke, providing a more pronounced tactile experience. Thus, the Perky offers a more immediate response, while the Strawberry Latte may feel more satisfying for those who enjoy the sensation of a longer press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky 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 Perky linear switch is characterized by a soft and subdued auditory profile, controlled by its nylon housings, which helps create a more muted keystroke noise. This complements the typing experience, allowing for focused work without significant distractions from sound. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches have a balanced sound profile that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant. This characteristic strikes a pleasing middle ground, providing audible feedback without overwhelming the user, which makes it suitable for environments where some noise is acceptable.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Perky is engineered for a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, aided by its softer nylon material. The shorter travel distance of the switch ensures a more condensed keystroke, enhancing speed and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches boast a super smooth action, thanks to the latest molds that Huano has employed. This smoothness contributes to an enjoyable and fluid typing experience, potentially making it easier to type for extended periods without fatigue.
Overall, both the HMX Perky linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch provide unique experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Perky offers a softer sound profile and a condensed typing journey, the Strawberry Latte delivers a balanced auditory experience with buttery smooth keystrokes. Both switches cater to users looking for quality linear feedback, so choosing between them will largely depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Perky linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, your preferences will largely depend on your typing style and desired features. If you prefer a slightly lighter actuation force with a neutral and deeply satisfying feel, the Perky might be the better choice for you. Its glittery nylon housing enhances the overall aesthetic and offers a condensed typing experience due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for fast-paced typists or gamers who appreciate quick keystrokes. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that emphasizes smoothness and a balanced sound profile, the Huano Strawberry Latte hit all the right notes. With its light 45-gram actuation force and the latest mold technology, this switch provides a very satisfying tactile experience along with a sound that falls comfortably in the middle—not too loud nor overly quiet. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the specific qualities you prioritize in a switch, be it a condensed, satisfying feel with the Perky or the smooth, balanced experience offered by the Strawberry Latte.
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