Keygeek Briny vs. Huano Caramel Latte
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny 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, the Keygeek Briny and the Huano Caramel Latte are two standout options, each with its distinct characteristics tailored for different typing preferences. The Briny is renowned for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, which contribute to a balanced sound profile that many users appreciate for its subtlety and refined feel. On the other hand, the Huano Caramel Latte, with its medium weight of 50g bottom out, delivers a bright, clacky sound profile while ensuring a super smooth typing experience that adds a delightful pleasure to each keystroke. While both switches fall under the linear category, offering smooth keystrokes without tactile bumps, they cater to contrasting auditory and sensory preferences. The Briny may appeal to those seeking a more muted atmosphere, while the Caramel Latte is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Huano Caramel Latte, one observes a distinct contrast in the top housing configurations. The Briny utilizes a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer composition. This material enhances sound absorption, resulting in a more muted auditory experience when typing. Conversely, the Caramel Latte opts for POK (polyketone) as its top housing material, which contributes to a smoother actuation with a slightly higher coefficient of friction. While the nylon top promotes a duller sound, the POK material is engineered for a clackier response, showcasing the unique acoustic properties each material brings to the keyboard experience.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Briny and the Caramel Latte utilize nylon, reinforcing the representations of classic switch housing materials. This consistent use of nylon results in a unified sound profile for the bottom housing across both switches. Consequently, users can expect a similar quality in the bottom-out sound and feel, where the nylon's sound absorption characteristics create that familiar deep resonance. With both keyboards employing nylon for the bottom housing, the overall auditory experience remains aligned, emphasizing the absorption qualities while differing distinctly in the top housing material’s contribution to the keyboard's sound signature.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials for the top and bottom housings in these switches illustrates how the individual qualities can affect tactile and auditory feedback. Although both switches utilize the same nylon for their bottom housings, the Briny's softer nylon top and the Caramel Latte's harder POK top introduce an engaging variation in their performance. As users press down on either switch, they will feel the bottom housing's worth, benefiting from a rich bass profile thanks to the nylon. However, the divergence is apparent when releasing a key, where the clacky resonance of the Caramel Latte's POK housing notably contrasts with the softer, muted release of the Briny. This multifaceted interplay of materials enhances the overall typing experience, providing richness and diversity within the familiar comfort of nylon's sound-dampening characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Briny features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Caramel Latte has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Caramel Latte is the lighter switch, which may appeal to users seeking an easier typing experience, especially during prolonged use. On the other hand, the Briny's heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial feel, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push while typing or gaming. Overall, if one were to choose based on these forces, the Caramel Latte would likely be preferable for lighter keystrokes, whereas the Briny caters to those who enjoy more resistance in their typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them identical in this aspect. This means that users pressing down a key on either switch will experience the same distance before the key actuates, resulting in a similar tactile experience. Since their travel distances are equal, those looking for a consistent feel in their keyboard switches can opt for either without worrying about differences in the depth of each key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch produces a balanced sound profile that is likely to appeal to users who prefer a more tempered auditory experience while typing. This neutrality allows for a versatile performance that can blend well in various environments. Conversely, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch boasts a bright, clacky sound profile, which adds a layer of liveliness to each keystroke. This vibrant auditory feedback can be particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a more pronounced sound during their typing sessions, making it an excellent choice for users looking to enhance their auditory interaction with their keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Briny switch, with its UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing, aims to deliver a smooth and consistent typing experience, promoting a natural flow as fingers glide across the keys. This smoothness contributes to an overall satisfying tactile sensation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Caramel Latte switch is noted for its super smooth typing experience coupled with its medium weight of 50g at bottom out. This combination not only makes typing pleasurable but also provides a slight resistance to prevent unintended presses, which can be beneficial for those who type quickly or need deliberate actuation.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Briny and the Huano Caramel Latte switches cater to different preferences, with the Briny offering a balanced sound profile and a smooth typing sensation, while the Caramel Latte presents a brighter sound and a super smooth feel enhanced by its medium actuation weight. Your final choice would depend on whether you prioritize a subdued auditory experience or prefer a more vibrant sound alongside an incredibly smooth keystroke. Both switches promise satisfying results, ensuring that you’ll enjoy a quality typing experience, though they will deliver that experience in distinct ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, your preferences and typing style will be key determinants. If you prefer a slightly firmer feel and appreciate a more balanced sound profile that doesn't overpower your typing experience, the Briny will likely serve you well. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams offers a satisfying resistance without being too taxing, making it an excellent choice for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch and enjoy a lively, clacky sound that enhances the tactile feedback with a very smooth typing experience, the Caramel Latte may be the switch for you. With a bottom-out force of 55 grams, these switches are great for extended typing sessions or for those who prefer a more responsive keypress. Ultimately, the decision should rest on whether you value a toned-down, balanced experience or a more vibrant, lighter touch.
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