Sarokeys BCP vs. Huano Caramel Latte
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Huano Caramel Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing style and preferences, the Sarokeys BCP and Huano Caramel Latte are two linear options that offer distinct characteristics catering to different users. The Sarokeys BCP, also known as the Black Cherry Pie switch, provides a unique typing experience with its creamy, bouncy feel and signature clacky sound profile, drawing from the popularity of original Frankenswitches. Its custom design streamlines the typing experience by eliminating the complexity of disassembly, making it an excellent choice for those who crave a tactile yet smooth experience with a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Huano Caramel Latte switch, with its medium weight of 50g bottom out, delivers a bright and clacky sound that enhances the overall smoothness of each keystroke, appealing to gamers and typists alike who prioritize a consistently enjoyable typing experience. Both switches boast their own charming attributes, making them appealing choices for different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
51g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-staged 20mm lengthened spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Sarokeys BCP and the Huano Caramel Latte, a key distinction lies in their top housing compositions. The BCP utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's relatively softer plastic properties. This softness allows the material to absorb sound more effectively than harder alternatives, resulting in a rounder auditory profile. In contrast, the Caramel Latte employs POK (polyketone) as its top housing material, which offers a smooth typing experience with a slightly higher friction coefficient of 0.04. While POK is engineered for strength and durability, providing a sharper and clackier sound, the difference in materials suggests that while both switches could deliver enjoyable sound profiles, they will evoke noticeably different auditory sensations due to their inherent properties.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the BCP and the Huano Caramel Latte share a commonality: nylon. The use of nylon for the bottom housing allows both switches to capitalize on the material's absorptive qualities, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile upon key presses. Given that the bottom housing is responsible for the sound produced when a key bottoms out, this similarity ensures that both switches will offer a muted and rounded sound when pressed down. While the BCP’s bottom housing contributes to a more subdued sound profile, the Caramel Latte's synthesis of a softer top housing and a nylon bottom may yield a distinct experience compared to the BCP, particularly in terms of how the two materials interact during key presses.
Overall, when considering the combined effects of the different materials used in the top and bottom housings of the Sarokeys BCP and the Huano Caramel Latte, each switch presents a unique typing experience shaped by the materials employed. The BCP's nylon top and bottom housings deliver a consistently deeper sound profile, promoting a softer typing feel. Conversely, the Caramel Latte's POK top housing will offer a clackier sound due to its stronger and smoother attributes, while maintaining a rounded bottom-out sound thanks to its nylon bottom. Thus, while both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, the differing top materials create diverse overall sound signatures, making them appealing to different preferences in the keyboarding community.
Weight
When comparing the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The BCP switch has an actuation force of 51 grams, while the Caramel Latte is lighter at 45 grams. This means that typists and gamers who prefer a lighter touch may find the Caramel Latte to be more comfortable for extended use. In terms of bottom out forces, the BCP switch measures 57 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Caramel Latte’s 55 grams. This marginal difference suggests that while both switches fall into the medium-light category, the BCP offers a more substantial feeling when fully pressed down. For users who enjoy a balance between a lighter actuation and a firmer bottoming out experience, the BCP might be the preferred option, whereas those looking for the lightest overall force may favor the Caramel Latte.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The BCP switch features a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Caramel Latte has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a quicker response time, the BCP switch offers a more immediate feel due to its shorter distance, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking rapid keypress activation. Conversely, the Caramel Latte's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial keystroke experience, appealing to users who prefer a deeper and more deliberate actuation. Thus, while the BCP offers less travel for enhanced responsiveness, the Caramel Latte allows for a richer tactile experience with its greater travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys BCP has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.85.
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 Sarokeys BCP linear switch stands out with its distinctly clacky auditory profile, producing a sharp, bright, and percussive sound that enhances the typing experience. This clackiness is particularly pronounced due to the switch design and is further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Huano Caramel Latte switches is noted to be bright and clacky as well, though specific details about its sound characteristics are less comprehensive. Users can expect a jovial auditory experience with both switches, although the BCP might offer a slightly more pronounced clacky sound versus the Caramel Latte, depending on the user's setup.
In terms of feel, the BCP linear switch is characterized by its creamy and bouncy sensations. The creamy texture provides a silky typing experience, allowing fingers to glide seamlessly across the keys while enjoying a notable elastic rebound with each press. The switch’s structure contributes to the lively feedback that typists may find engaging and enjoyable. Conversely, the feel of the Caramel Latte switches is described as super smooth, although specific details about the tactile feedback and sensations provided by these switches remain unspecified. This suggests that while both switches prioritize smoothness, the BCP offers a more dynamic and bouncy experience compared to the Caramel Latte.
In summary, both the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch cater to users who appreciate a clacky sound profile and smooth typing experiences. While the BCP offers a more distinct bouncy and creamy feel, the Caramel Latte also promises a pleasurable typing sensation. For newcomers, choosing between these switches may ultimately rest on personal preference, as both are designed to deliver enjoyable auditory and tactile experiences, albeit with slight differences that may appeal to different typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a typing experience that combines a lively and elastic feel with a distinct poppy sound, the Sarokeys BCP would be an excellent choice. Its creamy texture and clacky auditory profile make it perfect for users who enjoy a more tactile and engaging keystroke, providing a unique sense of satisfaction with each press. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more refined typing experience with a crisp audible feedback, the Huano Caramel Latte might be more to your liking. Its subtle, yet satisfying sound profile, coupled with its smooth action, is ideal for those who spend extensive hours typing or gaming and require a less distracting experience. In essence, both switches provide a medium-light actuation force, making them accessible for various users, but your choice should reflect whether you prioritize auditory playfulness with the BCP or an effortless glide with the Caramel Latte.
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