Huano Strawberry Latte vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Huano Strawberry Latte and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Strawberry Latte and the HMX Sunset Gleam both represent excellent options within the realm of linear switches, each bringing unique characteristics to the table. The Huano Strawberry Latte is celebrated for its buttery smooth keystroke, utilizing advanced molds to deliver a balanced sound profile that strikes an ideal chord—not too quiet, but never overly resonant, making it great for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, affectionately known as the Duck Duck switch, boasts a carefully crafted blend of materials that provide a subtle top-out feel combined with a satisfying clack, enhanced by HMX’s renowned factory lube. While the Strawberry Latte promotes a soothing typing experience, perfect for long hours of use, the Sunset Gleam offers a tactile, engaging sensation that caters to those who enjoy auditory feedback with each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
The Huano Strawberry Latte and HMX Sunset Gleam switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their performance and sound profiles. The Strawberry Latte's POK (polyketone) top housing is renowned for its smoothness and durability, boasting a coefficient of friction of 0.04—higher than the LY hosting material. This results in a lighter and more responsive keystroke. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam features a polycarbonate top housing known for its stiffer composition, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. While both materials contribute to high-quality performance, the Strawberry Latte's focus on durability and smoothness contrasts with the Sunset Gleam's emphasis on sound clarity and resonance.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, as they both utilize nylon. This classic material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, common in soft plastics, which absorb sound rather than reflect it. The similarity in the bottom housing allows both switches to achieve a rounded and muted auditory experience, enhancing the feel of each keystroke. This characteristic is crucial since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out feel and sound when a key is pressed fully down. Hence, regardless of the differences in the top housing, both switches retain a unified sound signature in their bottom housing, resulting in a consistent user experience across both models.
Ultimately, the combination of the different top housing materials with the shared nylon bottoms results in unique yet harmonized outcomes. While the Strawberry Latte offers a smooth and durable operation through its POK top, the Sunset Gleam emphasizes sound clarity and aesthetic appeal via its polycarbonate design. The nylon bottoms ensure that both switches share a common auditory foundation, providing that deeper sound profile that many typists appreciate. Therefore, typists can expect satisfying results from either switch, with the distinctions mainly evident during the upstroke due to the differing top materials.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their distinct typing experiences. The Strawberry Latte has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it feel softer and potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam features a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Both switches are classified as light, but the Strawberry Latte is the lighter option, which could be more appealing for those looking for a less strenuous typing experience. Overall, while both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preferences regarding weight and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Strawberry Latte the longer option by 0.1 mm, offering a bit more depth under your fingers compared to the Sunset Gleam. For gamers who prioritize speedy response times, the Sunset Gleam’s shorter travel distance may be more appealing, providing quicker actuation. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial tactile sensation while typing, the Strawberry Latte would be the preferred choice, delivering a fuller pressing experience. Therefore, the decision between these two switches largely hinges on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing feel.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 profile; it strikes a harmonious chord that is neither overly quiet nor excessively resonant, falling comfortably in the middle ground of auditory feedback. This makes it suitable for a variety of environments, ensuring that typing is audible without becoming disruptive. Meanwhile, the HMX Sunset Gleam excels in this aspect by combining quality materials that contribute to a subtle top-out followed by a satisfying clack, thanks to the excellent factory lubrication from HMX. This leads to a more pronounced auditory experience with a pleasant and refined 'ping' at the end of each keystroke. Both switches will yield satisfying sound experiences in different contexts, depending on personal preference.
When it comes to feel, the Strawberry Latte linear switch is noted for its super smooth operation, made possible by the latest molds from Huano. This creates an exceptionally fluid typing experience with minimal resistance, making it enjoyable for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam offers a distinctly pleasing tactile sensation, further enhanced by the factory lube that contributes to its smooth travel. Although both switches are linear, the Sunset Gleam may provide a slight edge in terms of a refined touch due to its materials and lubrication, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Huano Strawberry Latte and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches bring unique qualities to the table. The Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound and smooth feel that is apt for versatility, while the Sunset Gleam provides a more pronounced auditory experience along with a satisfying tactile response due to its specialized materials and factory lubrication. Depending on your preferences, both switches will deliver satisfactory results, but each has nuances that will cater to different typing styles and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a super smooth typing experience with a lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Strawberry Latte is an excellent option. Its balanced sound profile strikes a middle ground—neither too quiet nor overly resonant—which makes it suitable for both office environments and casual gaming. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly firmer feel with a 48-gram bottom-out force and enjoy a subtle yet satisfying sound when typing, the Sunset Gleam is a better fit. Known for its quality factory lubrication and a delightful “clack” that enhances the typing experience, it can inject a bit of character into your workflow while still providing a smooth keystroke. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you: the airy lightness and sound balance of the Strawberry Latte or the enhanced tactile feedback and pleasing acoustics of the Sunset Gleam. Each switch has its unique charm, so choose the one that resonates with your typing style and preferences.
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