Huano Strawberry Latte vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Huano Strawberry Latte and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Strawberry Latte and the HMX SU both offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Huano Strawberry Latte is renowned for its exceptionally smooth action, thanks to the latest molds used in its manufacturing, providing a sound profile that strikes a balance between pleasingly audible and quietly subtle. This makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a tactile yet unobtrusive typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX SU switches are designed with a full PA12 housing and a T5 stem, delivering a subtly deep sound profile that might appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. With both switches classified as linear, they promise a consistent keystroke without tactile bumps, which some users might find freeing. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Strawberry Latte and the HMX SU, the most notable divergence lies within the top housings. The Strawberry Latte utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which is renowned for its low coefficient of friction and remarkable durability, boasting wear resistance considerably higher than traditional materials like POM. The POK's smooth texture contributes to a gliding feel during typing, while its shock resistance enhances overall durability. In contrast, the HMX SU features a nylon top housing, a longstanding choice among switch enthusiasts, which provides a different tactile experience. While nylon is softer and contributes to a deeper sound profile, the POK's hardness and durability create a distinct clackier and smoother typing experience. As a result, while both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience, the POK's properties could lead to a more responsive feel, while nylon's absorption contributes a warmer sound.
On the bottom housing front, both the Huano Strawberry Latte and the HMX SU utilize nylon. This unifies the sound profile of both switches, yielding a deeper and fuller auditory experience due to nylon’s inherent qualities. Nylon's ability to absorb sound effectively means both switches will likely produce less harshness and more rounded tones when a key is pressed. This consistency in bottom housing materials ensures that users can expect a similar sound characteristic, creating a bridge between the two models despite their differences in top housing materials. The characteristics imparted by nylon, such as shock absorption and a softer feel when typing, will certainly be present in both switches, leading to a complementary effect with the varied top housings.
Additionally, when considering the overall performance, the combination of POK in the Strawberry Latte's top housing and nylon in both models results in different key responses. The specialized properties of POK could potentially elevate the release and responsiveness of the key press, while nylon's characteristics in both switches will provide a consistent foundation for sound dampening. Therefore, while the two switches differ in their top materials, the unified use of nylon in the bottom housing establishes a common auditory and tactile experience that typists can anticipate, aligning the overall feel and sound in a way that allows users to enjoy either model for different reasons. Whether one prefers the slick, smooth operation of POK or the warm, rounded sound profile of nylon, each switch ultimately offers unique qualities that can cater to various typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, noticeable differences arise that cater to different user preferences. The Huano Strawberry Latte has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who favor a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX SU switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Therefore, if you prefer a lighter switch, the Strawberry Latte is the better choice, while the HMX SU offers a heftier feel for users seeking more resistance in their keystrokes. Overall, these differences highlight the switches' suitability for different user preferences, with the Strawberry Latte providing a softer typing experience compared to the more robust feel of the HMX SU.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch are both identical at 3.6 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar key feel when pressing down on either switch. This consistency in travel distance allows for a uniform typing experience, making both switches suitable for those who prefer a specific tactile feedback. Since both switches have the same travel distance, they will deliver comparable results in terms of actuation and responsiveness, providing users with predictable performance whether using one switch or the other.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU 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 Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch presents a balanced sound profile that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant, making it suitable for various typing environments. This quality allows it to be versatile, whether in a shared workspace or a personal setting. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch is characterized by a subtly deep sound profile created by its full PA12 housing combined with the T5 stem. This can result in a more muted yet rich auditory experience, lending itself to a smooth typing ambiance. While both switches may produce different auditory experiences, it’s worth noting that the final sound will also depend on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, allowing users to tailor their auditory experience further.
Regarding the feel, the Strawberry Latte is recognized for its super smooth action, attributed to the latest molds from Huano, which offers seamless press and release dynamics. This smoothness contributes to a highly satisfying typing experience, ideal for both rapid typing and gaming. Meanwhile, the HMX SU linear switch also delivers a smooth feel due to its construction, promising a consistent keystroke throughout its travel. Both switches appeal to those who prefer a linear switch, ensuring users will experience a smooth and enjoyable typing sensation regardless of their choice between them.
In conclusion, both the Huano Strawberry Latte and the HMX SU linear switches offer unique yet desirable qualities suited for different preferences. The Strawberry Latte's balanced sound profile and super smooth action make it a great all-around choice, while the SU's subtle depth in sound and consistent feel cater to users who prefer a specific auditory richness. Ultimately, you can expect similar results in terms of their linear action, and the choice between them may come down to personal preference in sound and specific characteristics that align with your typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, you'll want to consider your personal preferences in both sound and feel, as well as what you primarily plan to use your keyboard for. The Strawberry Latte is ideal for you if you favor a smoother keystroke experience due to its ultra-smooth feel and balanced sound profile that doesn't overwhelm the auditory senses. Its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it particularly suitable for fast-paced gaming or extended typing, as it requires less effort to activate. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a deeper sound profile, the HMX SU might be the better option for you. With its 50-gram bottom-out force and PA12 housing, it provides a more substantial typing experience and a subtle yet rich auditory feedback, which can be satisfying for typists who enjoy a tactile connection with their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a smooth and lighter experience like that of the Strawberry Latte or a more substantial and deeper sound profile that the HMX SU offers.
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