KTT Ash Gray vs. Huano Caramel Latte
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Huano Caramel Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and Huano Caramel Latte present intriguing options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The KTT Ash Gray is a tactile switch known for its substantial yet unobtrusive feedback, offering a delightful typing experience with a light touch and crisp actuation. Users will appreciate its mild and neutral characteristics, making it suitable for those who enjoy the satisfying bump of a tactile response without being overwhelmed. In contrast, the Huano Caramel Latte is a linear switch that stands out for its silky smooth keystrokes and a bright, clacky sound profile. With a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, it provides a pleasurable and effortless typing experience, ideal for gamers and typists seeking uninterrupted flow. While the Ash Gray is perfect for tactile enthusiasts who appreciate feedback in their keystrokes, the Caramel Latte appeals to those who favor a seamless, auditory experience. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray and the Huano Caramel Latte switches, the most striking difference lies in their top housing materials. The Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its rigidity and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing the clarity of each keystroke and making it particularly suitable for applications where RGB lighting is utilized due to its ability to allow light to pass through. In contrast, the Caramel Latte uses a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is celebrated for its low friction and impressive durability. While it might not produce quite the same level of sharpness in sound as polycarbonate, the POK material lends a smooth and clacky feel to the typing experience, demonstrating a different sonic characteristic.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switch models utilize nylon, a material that conveys a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder acoustic quality when typing. Since both switches share this same bottom housing material, they will deliver a similar typing experience in terms of sound dampening and the richness of the sound produced when key presses are bottomed out. This consistency in the bottom housing will contribute to a cohesive feel and sound, regardless of the differences found in the top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of these differing materials in the KTT Ash Gray and the Huano Caramel Latte switches exemplifies how the overall sound profile and typing experience can be shaped by the interplay of housing materials. The Ash Gray, with its polycarbonate top, is tailored for users who favor clarity and responsiveness, especially in RGB setups. Meanwhile, the Caramel Latte, utilizing POK, prioritizes a smooth keypress while still benefiting from the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon in the bottom housing. Thus, users can choose between these switches based on their sound preferences and aesthetic considerations, and while there are unique auditory characteristics imparted by the tops, they will find a common ground in the fuller sound experience facilitated by the nylon bottoms.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ash Gray features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it the lighter option in this comparison. In contrast, the Caramel Latte requires a more substantial actuation force of 45 grams and has a slightly elevated bottom out force of 55 grams. While both switches are categorized as medium-light, the Ash Gray offers a softer keystroke feel, which can benefit users looking for a more comfortable typing experience over extended periods. Conversely, the Caramel Latte, with its heavier forces, provides a firmer feedback that some typists may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Thus, for users who prioritize a lighter feel, the Ash Gray would be the ideal choice, while the Caramel Latte would cater better to those who appreciate a stronger keypress.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, the differences are subtle yet significant. The Ash Gray switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Caramel Latte features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Ash Gray is the shorter option between the two, offering a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers who prioritize speed. In contrast, the Caramel Latte, with its longer travel distance, can provide a more substantial keystroke feel, which might appeal to users who prefer deeper actuation for a more satisfying typing experience. Thus, while both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to traditional 4.0 mm switches, the Ash Gray will deliver a quicker response, making it the better choice for those seeking a rapid and tactile typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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 considering the sound produced by the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch, it can be characterized as neutral, providing a balanced, moderate auditory experience suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. This switch allows for a discreet and pleasant typing ambiance without attracting excessive attention. In contrast, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch stands out with its high-pitched and clacky sound profile. Each keystroke produces a sharp, crisp, and percussive response, which can enhance the typing experience for users who appreciate a more vibrant auditory feedback. The Caramel Latte's bright tones may be more engaging for those who prefer an expressive sound while typing.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch is designed to be easy-to-press with a mild tactile response, which makes it an excellent choice for users seeking comfort during long typing sessions. This gentle resistance allows for a relaxed and enjoyable typing experience without overwhelming the fingers, ensuring that the effort is kept minimal. On the other hand, the Huano Caramel Latte switch boasts a silky feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The smoothness minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, making it highly pleasurable for those who prioritize fluidity in their key presses. While the Ash Gray offers light tactile feedback, the Caramel Latte emphasizes a seamless experience.
In summary, the KTT Ash Gray and Huano Caramel Latte switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Ash Gray provides a neutral auditory experience paired with a mild tactile feedback that's easy on the fingers, making it perfect for extended use in various settings. Conversely, the Caramel Latte delivers a bright, clacky sound along with a silky smooth typing feel that many users may find enjoyable. Ultimately, these contrasting qualities highlight the diversity in mechanical keyboard switches, allowing users to select based on their individual typing preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you appreciate a subtle yet responsive tactile feedback that doesn't overwhelm your senses, the Ash Gray might be the ideal pick for you. Its neutral sound profile makes it versatile for various environments, whether you're typing at home or in an office, and its easy-to-press nature helps reduce finger fatigue during prolonged use. On the other hand, if you desire a typing experience that's all about smoothness combined with a lively auditory response, the Caramel Latte's clacky sound and silky feel will likely appeal to you. The bright and sharp characteristics of these switches can make your keystrokes feel dynamic and engaging. Ultimately, consider what aspects of typing you value most—if you're leaning toward a balanced and mild experience, go for the Ash Gray; however, if you thrive on a more spirited and smooth typing sensation with a notable sound, the Caramel Latte may be your perfect match.
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