Huano Strawberry Latte vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Huano Strawberry Latte and the HMX Swift 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 Swift offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences. The Strawberry Latte is revered for its super smooth keystrokes, benefiting from the latest mold technology from Huano. Users appreciate its balanced sound profile — while not too quiet, it also avoids excessive resonance, making it suitable for both gaming and typing in various environments. In contrast, the HMX Swift delights users with its deeper sound signature and silky-smooth feel, thanks to its full nylon housing and 42g actuation force. This switch is often described as easy-to-press and feathery, offering an inviting tactile experience. Ultimately, whether you prefer the balanced acoustics of the Strawberry Latte or the bouncy, creamy feel of the Swift, each switch brings unique characteristics to the table. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
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 extended spring
Housing materials
The Huano Strawberry Latte and the HMX Swift utilize different materials for their top housings, which influences their overall performance and sound profiles. The Strawberry Latte's POK (polyketone) top housing provides a smooth operation with a coefficient of friction of 0.04, making it one of the sleekest materials for switch design. Its remarkable durability, with wear resistance 14 times stronger than POM, and enhanced shock resistance compared to both Nylon and POM contributes to a more robust and dependable switch feel. In contrast, the Swift features a Nylon top housing, a material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This inherent softness allows the Nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a rounder auditory experience. While the POK top of the Strawberry Latte ensures a swift and smooth actuation, the nylon used in the Swift brings a different acoustic character to the switches.
When we look at the bottom housings of both switches, we find a consistent use of Nylon. Both the Huano Strawberry Latte and the HMX Swift utilize this classic switch housing material, reinforcing the qualities that Nylon brings to the table. This shared material choice means that when the switches are pressed, users will experience the familiar characteristics of Nylon, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing properties. The performance of the bottom housing in both switches affects how the switches feel when bottoming out, lending a certain smoothness and sound quality to the user experience.
In summary, the contrast in the top housing materials of the Huano Strawberry Latte and the HMX Swift illustrates the divergent paths taken by each switch in their design philosophy. The POK top housing of the Strawberry Latte is designed for smoothness and durability, which benefits actuation speed, while the Nylon top housing of the Swift prioritizes acoustic depth and warmth. However, the similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches maintain a consistent performing experience regarding sound and feel when pressed. Hence, regardless of the difference in their respective top housings, both switches can produce satisfying results through their shared Nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, both demonstrate relatively light actuation forces, though there are some differences worth noting. The Strawberry Latte switch has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Swift switch features a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Huano Strawberry Latte is the lighter option, which may appeal to users who prefer longer typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the HMX Swift, being slightly heavier, may provide those who favor a more substantial and tactile typing experience with a gratifying push feel. Overall, while both switches are considered light, the Strawberry Latte offers a marginally lighter touch, making it better suited for users prioritizing comfort during extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Strawberry Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Swift features a slightly greater travel distance of 3.9 mm. This 0.3 mm difference highlights how the Strawberry Latte provides a somewhat shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking quicker key responses. In contrast, the Swift’s longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a deeper, more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, your choice between these switches should reflect your personal typing or gaming preferences, aligning either with the more responsive feel of the Strawberry Latte or the richer depth of the Swift.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch offers a balanced profile that strikes a harmonious median between being noticeable and not overly resonant. While it's not silent, its moderate sound level allows for a pleasant typing experience without being intrusive. In contrast, the HMX Swift switch features a deeper sound profile attributable to its full nylon housing, which contributes to a richer auditory experience. Notably, this deeper sound offers a distinct advantage over higher-pitched switches, potentially appealing to those who prefer a more robust audio feedback without the harshness that sharper sounds can sometimes bring.
Regarding feel, the Strawberry Latte is recognized for its silky smoothness, likely enhanced by advanced manufacturing techniques. This smoothness in actuation allows for a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch is characterized by its exceptionally light resistance, making it easy to press. Its delicate 42g actuation force ensures that users can type with minimal effort, reducing finger fatigue during long sessions. The Swift's remarkable bounciness adds to its appeal, providing an elastic feedback sensation that enhances engagement with each keystroke. Additionally, the creamy texture complements the overall typing experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys.
In conclusion, both the Huano Strawberry Latte and HMX Swift linear switches excel in delivering an enjoyable typing experience, albeit through different auditory and tactile qualities. While the Strawberry Latte emphasizes a more balanced sound and silky touch, the Swift leans towards a richer auditory profile paired with an incredibly light and responsive feel. Depending on personal preference, users can expect to find satisfaction with either option, as they both aim to minimize fatigue while maximizing comfort and enjoyment during typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, whether choosing the smooth richness of the Strawberry Latte or the bouncy ease of the Swift, both switches provide an excellent foundation for a premium mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Strawberry Latte and the HMX Swift linear switches, you should consider your personal typing style and sound preferences. If you appreciate a lightweight switch that offers a smooth and balanced typing experience, the Strawberry Latte may be the better choice for you. Its bottom-out force of 45 grams, combined with its super-smooth action and moderate sound profile, makes it ideal for someone who values ease of use without sacrificing auditory enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a bit more resistance with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, the HMX Swift could be more suitable. Its deeper sound profile, silky smooth feel, and easy-to-press design cater well to those who want tactile feedback and comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you lean towards the delicate, balanced experience of the Strawberry Latte or the deeper, more robust typing feel presented by the Swift. Both are fantastic options, but understanding your preferences will help you pick the switch that aligns best with your desires.
Mentioned in this article
