Dareu Aqua vs. Huano Caramel Latte
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Huano Caramel Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The Dareu Aqua linear switch is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 37g, providing a feather-light touch that allows for rapid keystrokes, complete with a chirpy and clacky sound profile that adds a playful character to typing. This switch is an appealing option for gamers and typists who enjoy a light, responsive feel without the strain of heavier switches. In contrast, the Huano Caramel Latte switch offers a more balanced approach with a medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, delivering a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a bright, clacky sound that many users find gratifying. The Caramel Latte is ideal for those who prefer a little more resistance and a velvety touch, catering to users who appreciate feedback during their typing sessions. Both switches have unique features that can cater to different preferences and typing styles; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Dareu Aqua and the Huano Caramel Latte, the distinction in their top housing materials stands out significantly. The Aqua utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucence, ultimately producing a sharper, crisper sound profile. This material is advantageous in RGB setups due to its ability to project lighting effectively, enhancing both visual and auditory feedback. In contrast, the Huano Caramel Latte employs POK (polyketone) for its top housing. While both materials are designed to deliver high-performance results, POK contributes a smoother feel due to its low friction coefficient and exceptional strength, adding a clacky characteristic to the switch experience. Therefore, while both switches aim to provide an excellent typing experience, the Aqua leans toward a more bright and defined acoustic profile, while the Caramel Latte emphasizes smoothness and durability.
Both switches, however, share a common material in their bottom housings, which is nylon. This classic switch housing material provides a harmonious balance to their respective sound profiles, as nylon inherently absorbs sound, yielding a deeper and fuller resonance. The nuanced acoustic qualities imparted by the nylon housing greatly influence the overall typing experience. Since both switches are equipped with nylon bottoms, users can expect a degree of consistency in the sound and feel during key presses. The impact of this shared material on the bottom-out sound is crucial, as it anchors the auditory experience provided by the top housing of each switch.
Ultimately, the differences between the Dareu Aqua and Huano Caramel Latte primarily hinge on their top housing materials. The combination of polycarbonate in the Aqua and POK in the Caramel Latte generates distinct sound characteristics and tactile experiences. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures both switches maintain a similar foundational acoustic quality, resulting in a deeper sound profile that underscores the user’s tactile feedback when pressing keys. While one may favor the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top, and the other may lean towards the smoothness offered by POK, the unified nylon bottom guarantees that both models are rooted in the classic switch experience that enthusiasts have come to appreciate.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly impact user experience depending on individual preferences. The Aqua switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Caramel Latte requires a heavier actuation force at 45 grams. This difference in actuation force means that users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming might find the Aqua more comfortable. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial push feel in their typing experience may favor the heftier Caramel Latte. While the bottom out force for the Aqua switch is unavailable, the Caramel Latte has a defined bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. If both switches had comparable bottom out forces, users could expect a similar typing feel; however, the absence of this information for the Aqua means that a direct comparison can't be drawn in that aspect. Overall, the Dareu Aqua is the lighter option, appealing to those seeking ease of use, while the Huano Caramel Latte—being heavier—caters to users who appreciate a firmer response during keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Aqua features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Caramel Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This disparity means that the Aqua provides a more substantial keypress experience, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Caramel Latte's shorter 3.6 mm travel distance aligns with the increasing trend among gamers who seek quicker response times. While both switches offer unique benefits depending on user preference, those who enjoy a more pronounced depth will likely gravitate toward the Aqua, whereas those favoring responsiveness may opt for the Caramel Latte. Overall, the Aquas has a longer travel distance, making it the choice for those who appreciate depth, while the Caramel Latte suits those who prioritize speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Aqua has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua for $3.76.
The Huano Caramel Latte has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Caramel Latte for $2.75.
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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a distinctive auditory experience characterized by a chirpy and clacky sound profile. The chirpy aspect introduces a slight squeak, which adds a unique touch that differentiates it from many other linear switches. The clackiness complements this with a sharp and snappy acoustic signature, providing a crisp and bright sound upon actuation. In contrast, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is noted for its bright and clacky sound profile as well, suggesting a similar auditory experience that caters to those who prefer a more pronounced sound when typing. However, the specific nuances of the Caramel Latte's sound signature remain unspecified, making direct comparisons more challenging.
In terms of feel, the Aqua switch is designed to be exceptionally pleasant for long typing sessions, with an incredibly light actuation force of just 37g. This results in an easy-to-press and feathery feel, making every keystroke effortless and reducing finger fatigue significantly. The switch’s gentle resistance allows for a comfortable experience, whether for gaming or productivity tasks. The Huano Caramel Latte switch, while also offering a smooth typing experience, presents a medium weight of 50g bottom out. Although no specific descriptors are provided regarding its feel, one can infer that it likely delivers a satisfying tactile sensation, though it may lack the ultra-light touch that the Aqua provides.
In summary, while both the Dareu Aqua and Huano Caramel Latte linear switches cater to users seeking a clacky sound profile, they differ in actuation force and the details of their auditory and tactile characteristics. The Aqua excels with its very light actuation, producing a unique chirpy signature that feels effortless to type on, while the Caramel Latte offers a medium weight and a bright clack without elaboration on its tactile feel. Together, these factors suggest that users will have similar clacky auditory experiences, but the Aqua may appeal more to those who prioritize lightness and reduced fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Aqua and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switches ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a switch that delivers a super light actuation force of 37 grams, the Aqua is an excellent choice, especially for extended typing sessions where reducing finger fatigue is a priority. Its unique chirpy and clacky sound profile also adds character, making it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate acoustic feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you lean toward a more balanced typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 55 grams, the Caramel Latte provides a smooth and satisfying feel that can enhance your enjoyment during both typing and gaming. Its bright, clacky sound adds to the engaging experience, making every keystroke a pleasure. In summary, choose the Aqua for a feather-light touch and distinctive sound, while opting for the Caramel Latte if you prefer a medium-light weight with a smooth, yet responsive performance.
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