Huano Strawberry Latte vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Huano Strawberry Latte and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Strawberry Latte and HMX Vintage Citrus both offer unique experiences despite sharing the linear switch classification. The Strawberry Latte is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth action, utilizing the latest molds from Huano to provide a balanced sound profile that's neither too quiet nor overly resonant—perfect for users who enjoy a refined typing experience without distracting noise. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus is designed specifically for gamers, featuring an impressively low actuation force of just 1mm, enabling rapid-fire inputs that are great for fast-paced gaming. This switch also delivers a bright, clacky sound that some gamers may find exhilarating. Each switch caters to different preferences: the Strawberry Latte for those seeking a smoother, more balanced typing feel, while the Vintage Citrus prioritizes speed and auditory feedback. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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-staged spring
Housing materials
The Huano Strawberry Latte and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches utilize different materials for their top housings, setting them apart in terms of performance and acoustic properties. The Strawberry Latte features a POK top housing, a material noted for its exceptional strength, smoothness, and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK is designed to provide a seamlessly smooth experience while typing, surpassing many traditional materials in terms of wear and shock resistance. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus employs a nylon top housing, a well-established choice known for its softer nature that enhances the sound profile. Nylon dampens vibrations effectively, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound during key presses, which offers a distinct auditory experience compared to the clacky and sharp sounds associated with POK.
Both the Strawberry Latte and the HMX Vintage Citrus use nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in shared characteristics that influence the overall sound and feel of the switches. Since nylon is a softer plastic, the bottom housing of both switches helps in creating a fuller sound profile, absorbing sound to produce a more mellow auditory feedback. This commonality ensures that despite the differences in the top housing materials, users will experience a similar depth of sound, contributed by the nylon bottom housing. This coalescence in material allows both switches to cater to enthusiasts looking for a rich acoustic experience, even though the tactile and auditory responses may vary due to the disparities in the top housing.
In practical terms, the combination of a POK top and a nylon bottom for the Strawberry Latte generates a unique feel characterized by crispness in the release and warmth upon bottoming out. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus, with its all-nylon construction, yields a more subdued and cohesive acoustic profile. While users may appreciate the enhanced durability and smoothness of the Strawberry Latte, those favoring an enriched sound might gravitate towards the Vintage Citrus. Ultimately, both switches provide compelling alternatives that cater to distinct preferences in feel and audio character, showing how differing top housings can create a unique switch experience while sharing foundational elements through their nylon bottom housings.
Weight
The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch present a distinctive comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Strawberry Latte is designed to be lighter, requiring 35 grams of force to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, which can benefit users who prefer to type for extended periods without fatigue. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus requires a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference means that while both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, those who enjoy a more substantial push feel or are accustomed to heavier switches might prefer the Vintage Citrus for its greater resistance. Overall, the Strawberry Latte is the lighter option, making it ideal for prolonged use, whereas the Vintage Citrus caters to those looking for a firmer tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Strawberry Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a deeper option that can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who enjoy a hearty depth in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, which aligns more closely with the preferences of gamers seeking faster response times and a snappier feel. This means that if you're looking for a switch that allows for quicker actuation, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, your decision may hinge on whether you prioritize responsiveness or a more pronounced depth in your typing experience.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 offers a balanced sound profile that strikes a good middle ground — it isn’t too quiet, yet it doesn’t produce excessive resonance, making it a versatile choice for various environments. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch stands out with its bright, clacky sound profile, tailored explicitly for gamers who may prefer the more pronounced audio feedback during intense gameplay. While both switches have distinct sound characteristics, the overall acoustic experience can still vary based on the keyboard build and keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the Strawberry Latte is celebrated for its super smooth operation, thanks to Huano's latest mold technology, which contributes to a seamless keypress experience. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus is designed to facilitate rapid inputs with an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, providing a remarkably smooth push feel, which is particularly beneficial for gamers looking for quick response times. While both switches aim for a smooth feel, the actuation force difference makes the Vintage Citrus more specialized for speed, whereas the Strawberry Latte offers a broader appeal for general typing and gaming alike.
To conclude, the Huano Strawberry Latte and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches each present distinct auditory and tactile characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Strawberry Latte’s balanced and moderately resonant sound combined with its ultra-smooth push makes it suitable for a wide range of uses. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus’s clacky sound and quick actuation cater specifically to gamers seeking rapid response and engagement. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether the user prioritizes a versatile typing experience or a specialized gaming performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences as a typist or gamer. If you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth feel, the Strawberry Latte's 45-gram bottom out force is excellent for long typing sessions or casual gaming, where comfort and ease of keystrokes are paramount. Its balanced sound profile adds a pleasant auditory experience without being too intrusive, making it suitable for shared environments. On the other hand, if you’re a gamer looking for speed and responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus should be your go-to option. With a slightly firmer 53-gram bottom out force and a fast 1mm actuation distance, it excels in rapid-fire scenarios, while its bright, clacky sound can enhance the excitement of gameplay. The unique feel of the Vintage Citrus enhances the tactile engagement during intense gaming sessions, giving you the feedback you need to perform your best. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize comfort and smoothness with the Strawberry Latte or the speed and feedback offered by the Vintage Citrus.
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