The HMX Lanikai and Huano Caramel Latte V2 switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature POM stem material, standard stem shape, 2 mm pre-travel, however, they come with different top housing (PA66 Nylon vs POK), bottom housing (P2 vs PA66 + 30% fiberglass), spring (single-stage extended KOS vs 22 mm single-stage extended stainless steel), actuation (43 g vs 45 g), bottom-out force (53 g vs 55 g), total travel (3.70 mm vs 3.60 mm). That said, they are not too similar. Let's check out this side-by-side specs rundawn with details, availability -- and even current prices -- to figure out which one fits you the best!
The HMX Lanikai is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA66 Nylon top housing, P2 bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a single-stage extended KOS spring. The 43g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 53g bottom-out occurs at 3.70mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by XLLAB. Manufactured by HMX. | The Huano Caramel Latte V2 is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with POK top housing, PA66 + 30% fiberglass bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm single-stage extended stainless steel spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 55g bottom-out occurs at 3.60mm. Extra: Light diffuser. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Huano. |
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| Name | HMX Lanikai | Huano Caramel Latte V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA66 Nylon | POK |
| Bottom housing | P2 | PA66 + 30% fiberglass |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | single-stage extended KOS | 22 mm single-stage extended stainless steel |
| Actuation | 43 g | 45 g |
| Bottom-out | 53 g | 55 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.70 mm | 3.60 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! Stem legs and stem sliders are covered with a very thin coat of 205g0. The spring and leaf are lubed with dry film. Everything else is dry. There is no lube in the bottom housing or anywhere near the stem pole. The chance that these get lube pooling issue is very small. | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | XLLAB | - |
| Manufacturer | HMX | Huano |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the HMX Lanikai is much more widely available, but the Huano Caramel Latte V2 is also available in some stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Lanikai and Huano Caramel Latte V2 switches. When accepted, the prices indicated already include the discount - use the KBDNEWS coupon code at checkout to claim your saving!
Prices, discounts, and stock status are checked regularly; however, changes since the last update cannot be ruled out. Everything here is for informational purposes only. Check the product pages for the latest prices!
Comments on HMX Lanikai switches | Comments on Huano Caramel Latte V2 switches |
The HMX Lanikai switch is designed by XLLAB and manufactured by HMX using XLLAB's private customized molds. This means Lanikai is a one-of-a-kind switch. What makes Lanikai so special: Uses a custom private mold, producing a smooth but “grainy” texture when pressed. Subjectively, the scratchy feeling is similar to Kailh Calligraphy switches but with slightly bigger "grains". The scratchy feeling also resembles Cherry MX2A Black switches and Kailh BCP switches, but with some differences. The stem bottoms out on the pole, and the sound remains HMX’s signature concentrated and crisp clack. They remind you of the old classic HMX sound. Thanks to the excellent factory lubrication, the scratchy noise is not very noticeable. The travel is set at 3.7 mm, striking a better balance between typing feel and keycap compatibility – Unikeys. | The new Huano Caramel Latte switches have been manufactured with the latest molds to improve tolerances and precision, V2 also comes with an LED diffuser. The special spherical pole of the stem provides the characteristics of a long pole switch but with a slightly smoother bottom-out – MonacoKeys. |
