Huano Strawberry Latte vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Huano Strawberry Latte and the HMX Twilight 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 Twilight stand out as two compelling linear options, each catering to different preferences. The Strawberry Latte is renowned for its super smooth feel, benefiting from the latest molds by Huano, and strikes a balanced sound profile—neither too quiet nor overly resonant—making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who appreciate responsiveness without being overly distracting. In contrast, the HMX Twilight features an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, providing a slightly quieter sound while still preserving the signature clacky characteristics that HMX switches are known for, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback in their typing experience. While both switches excel in their own right, allowing users to tailor their keyboard experience, it's crucial to look beyond these general features to truly identify which switch aligns best with your personal typing style and preferences. Let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you make the best decision for your needs.
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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Strawberry Latte and the HMX Twilight switches, one notable difference lies in the choice of materials for the top housings. The Strawberry Latte utilizes POK, or polyketone, which is known for its exceptional smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it allows for a smooth typing experience while providing strong wear and shock resistance. In contrast, the HMX Twilight features a nylon top housing, a more traditional choice that absorbs sound and creates a deeper, fuller typing sound profile. While both materials function effectively in switch housings, the POK material contributes to a “clacky” feel that can enhance the overall typing experience, whereas nylon provides a softer, more muted acoustical characteristic.
Both switches share a common ground in their bottom housings, as both the Strawberry Latte and Twilight utilize nylon. This similarity allows them to achieve a deeper and rounder sound profile when typing, as nylon's softer texture absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, while the top housings differ in terms of material and the auditory experience they create, the matching nylon bottom housings ensure that both switches deliver richness in sound. The nylon's classic qualities contribute to the overall performance of the switches, offering a solid foundation for the tactile experience regardless of the top housing material.
The differing materials in the top housings lead to nuanced user experiences that impact both sound and tactile feedback. While the POK top housing of the Strawberry Latte may offer a smoother keypress and a more pronounced sound when releasing the key, the nylon top housing of the Twilight promotes a sonorous typing experience characterized by its softer touch. Despite these differences, the presence of nylon in both switches' bottom housings plays a pivotal role in creating similar resonant qualities during key presses, ensuring that both switches remain competitive in acoustic performance. The interplay of these distinct materials allows users to choose a switch that best suits their preferences for feel and sound, while still maintaining some shared characteristics.
Weight
The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch both offer a light typing experience, but they differ in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The Strawberry Latte has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, whereas the Twilight features a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Strawberry Latte the lighter option, ideal for users who prefer less resistance for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Twilight, being the heavier switch, may provide a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a firmer push when engaging with their keyboard. Overall, users seeking a more tactile experience may gravitate towards the Twilight, while those looking for ease of use across long durations would appreciate the lighter Strawberry Latte.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the differences are quite clear. The Strawberry Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Twilight offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. Consequently, those seeking a more responsive feel conducive to fast-paced gaming may gravitate towards the Strawberry Latte due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker actuation. Conversely, the HMX Twilight, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial depth, providing a less abrupt experience when pressing keys. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Strawberry Latte is the shorter option, and the Twilight is the longer one, reflecting the varying needs of users in terms of tactile feedback and responsiveness.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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 features a balanced sound profile that strikes a pleasing middle ground—not overly quiet, yet not excessively resonant, making it a versatile choice for various environments. This consistency allows for a satisfying auditory experience without causing disruption. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch offers an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which contributes to a slightly quieter sound output while preserving the characteristic clackiness associated with HMX switches. While both switches provide recognizable auditory cues, the Strawberry Latte may offer a bit more presence, whereas the Twilight leans towards a more subdued profile.
When it comes to feel, the Strawberry Latte is renowned for its super smooth operation, attributed to the latest manufacturing techniques from Huano, ensuring an exceptionally pleasant typing experience that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight switch emphasizes its clacky nature, which can introduce a different tactile feedback that some users might find exciting. While each switch has its distinct characteristics, the smoothness of the Strawberry Latte and the clacky feel of the Twilight present different tactile experiences, catering to various preferences.
In summary, both the Huano Strawberry Latte and HMX Twilight linear switches have their unique sound and feel qualities. The Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound profile and super smoothness for a more traditional typing experience, while the Twilight presents a slightly quieter operation and tactile clackiness paired with a longer travel distance. Thus, your choice between these switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences regarding sound and feel, but both can yield enjoyable outcomes in their respective contexts.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Strawberry Latte and the HMX Twilight linear switches will largely depend on your personal preferences regarding force, sound profile, and overall feel. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a super smooth keystroke and strikes a balance with a moderately balanced sound, then the Strawberry Latte would be an excellent fit for you. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it especially appealing if you favor rapid typing or gaming sessions where speed is essential. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly firmer feel with a 50-gram actuation force, and you’re drawn to the experience of extended travel—3.85mm, to be exact—that the Twilight offers, then opt for this switch. It combines a quieter sound profile while keeping that signature clackiness, which can be satisfying for both typing and gaming. Therefore, your decision may hinge on how you prioritize these attributes: smoothness and lightness with the Strawberry Latte or a slightly firmer and quieter experience with the Twilight.
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