Huano Strawberry Latte vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Huano Strawberry Latte and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choices can significantly influence both the typing experience and overall aesthetics of your setup. The Huano Strawberry Latte switch stands out with its super smooth feel and a balanced sound profile that strikes a harmonious chord—not too quiet, yet not overly resonant, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a refined and unobtrusive typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch brings a unique character to the table, featuring a PA12 top housing that enhances its softer acoustic profile, paired with a POM stem that delivers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This blend results in a bouncy, clacky, and creamy feel that many gamers and typists might find appealing for its dynamic feedback. While both switches share a linear classification, they cater to different preferences in tactile feedback and sound. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Huano Strawberry Latte and the HMX Xinhai both incorporate nylon in their bottom housing, which allows for similar acoustic characteristics. The nature of nylon as a softer plastic means that both switches will generate a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This softer composition helps in sound absorption, leading to a rounder and duller auditory experience that many typists may appreciate. While the Xinhai's bottom housing and the Strawberry Latte’s bottom housing are identical in material, their top housings differ significantly, with the Strawberry Latte utilizing polyketone (POK) for its top housing, resulting in distinct tactile and auditory outcomes depending on which switch you are using.
The POK material used in the Strawberry Latte's top housing presents several advantages over the nylon top found in the Xinhai. POK offers a higher coefficient of friction, making it one of the smoothest materials available for switch housing, while also boasting remarkable durability with wear resistance significantly superior to that of POM materials. This leads to a particularly satisfying "clack" sound upon release, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the nylon top of the Xinhai, while providing similar sound absorption qualities to its bottom housing, may yield a softer engagement and reduce the sharpness of the sound profile compared to the Strawberry Latte, which is more likely to produce a crisper auditory feedback due to its POK material.
Ultimately, while both switches share nylon in their bottom housings, resulting in their shared deep and absorbing sound profile, the variation in their top housings creates different overall auditory experiences. The durable and smooth properties of the POK top on the Strawberry Latte will likely lead to a more dynamic range of sounds, particularly when releasing the key, while the Xinhai will produce a more muted sound. Thus, although each switch will provide a pleasing typing experience, the tactile and acoustic nuances induced by their differing top housings can offer a distinct feel and sound experience for users who are keenly aware of such subtleties.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, we find some notable similarities and slight differences. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that they both provide a similar level of resistance when pressed all the way down. However, in terms of actuation force, the Strawberry Latte has a slightly lighter actuation force of 35 grams compared to the 37 grams of the Xinhai switch. This means that overall, the Strawberry Latte requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it a potentially better choice for users seeking a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Xinhai, with its heavier actuation force, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while both switches offer the same level of bottom out resistance, the Strawberry Latte provides a gentler actuation, catering to different user preferences in weight and feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is clear that they differ. The Strawberry Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Xinhai features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive key press, the Xinhai might be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which is often favored by gamers seeking quick response times. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial feel and depth while typing, the Strawberry Latte, with its longer travel distance, would likely provide a more satisfying experience. In summary, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the 3.4 mm of the HMX Xinhai, allowing users to choose based on their preference for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai 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 showcases a balanced sound profile that is neither overly quiet nor excessively resonant. This versatility makes it appropriate for various environments, allowing users to enjoy a pleasant typing experience without causing distractions. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai switch leans towards a clacky sound signature, producing a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. This sharper acoustic quality is characterized by a distinctively snappy feedback that can enhance the overall typing experience, though it may be more prominent in certain setups depending on the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Strawberry Latte is known for its super smooth action, providing an effortless typing experience that many users appreciate. This smoothness allows for a seamless transition between keystrokes, making it ideal for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch features both bouncy and creamy characteristics. The bouncy feel offers a spring-like feedback that adds a lively sensation to each keystroke, while the creamy experience ensures a smooth and buttery typing surface, as if your fingers are gliding effortlessly across the keys. This combination can appeal to users who enjoy dynamic and tactile sensations while typing.
Overall, both switches cater to specific preferences in sound and feel. The Huano Strawberry Latte is perfect for those who prefer a balanced auditory experience with a focus on smoothness. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai provides a more engaging auditory feedback with its clacky sound and a lively tactile feedback with its bouncy and creamy qualities. Depending on what you are looking for, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, promising satisfaction for different types of users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your specific preferences in typing experience and sound profile. If you prioritize a super smooth feel with a balanced sound that isn't overly loud or faint, the Strawberry Latte is an excellent choice. Its light bottom-out force of 45 grams allows for comfortable, fatigue-free typing, ideal for those who spend long hours at the keyboard or simply prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, if you desire a more dynamic acoustics experience with a clackier sound and a bouncy, creamy feel, the Xinhai switch might be more to your liking. Its unique PA12 top housing contributes to a crisp resonance, making it perfect for users who appreciate a lively and responsive feedback sensation while typewriting. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, sound preference, and the specific keyboard experience you wish to achieve.
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