diff --git a/python/sglang/srt/server_args.py b/python/sglang/srt/server_args.py
index f046c2775..4451a08dd 100644
--- a/python/sglang/srt/server_args.py
+++ b/python/sglang/srt/server_args.py
@@ -2000,7 +2000,7 @@ class ServerArgs:
     def _handle_hicache(self):
         if (
             self.hicache_mem_layout == "page_first_direct"
-            and self.hicache_io_backend is "kernel"
+            and self.hicache_io_backend == "kernel"
         ):
             self.hicache_io_backend = "direct"
             logger.warning(