Huano Caramel Latte vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 28g
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g stand out as two popular linear options, each offering unique tactile experiences. The Caramel Latte, with a medium actuation force of 50g at bottom out, provides a balance between responsiveness and control, complemented by its bright, clacky sound profile that delivers an enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Chiikawa - 28g features a notably lighter actuation force, designed for users who prefer quick responses and a crisp, high-pitched sound with each keystroke. Both switches boast the benefits of linear characteristics, ensuring a smooth typing experience devoid of tactile feedback or clickiness, making them ideal for gaming and typing alike. However, while the Caramel Latte caters to those who appreciate a more substantial feel and an engaging auditory feedback, the Chiikawa - 28g entices with its feather-light touch and remarkable responsiveness. Ultimately, both options have their own merits, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
28g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
34g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Stem material
Y3X
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g, we observe distinct characteristics in their top housings. The Caramel Latte features a POK material, also known as polyketone, which is renowned for its low coefficient of friction at 0.04, making it smoother than other materials like LY and enhancing the overall typing experience. Its impressive durability, being 14 times stronger than POM and exhibiting significant shock resistance, allows for long-term use while maintaining performance. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. This material, while somewhat stiffer, contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, appealing to those who seek clarity in their keystrokes. The translucency of the polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting applications, providing a vibrant glow that adds to the aesthetic appeal.
Turning to the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon, which is a staple in the switch design for its noise-dampening properties. The nylon used in both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g creates a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively. This feature results in a richer auditory experience while typing, making both switches popular choices for those who appreciate a rounder and more muted sound. Despite the differences in the top housing materials, the consistent use of nylon for the bottom enhances their compatibility, especially in achieving a desirable acoustics configuration when coupled with their respective tops.
Ultimately, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience in both switches. While the POK top housing of the Caramel Latte provides a smooth, durable feel, the polycarbonate top of the Chiikawa - 28g emphasizes sound clarity and light diffusion. Nevertheless, the shared bottom housing of nylon means that both switches will produce a satisfying depth of sound during keystrokes, harmonizing the qualities of both types. Consequently, users can expect similar sound profiles at the bottom-out stage due to the dominant influence of the nylon bottom housing, thus providing an enjoyable typing experience regardless of the variance in their top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option that provides a more substantial feel during typing. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g is notably lighter, with an actuation force of only 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams. This lighter feel can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it may reduce finger fatigue. While both switches have distinct weights, the Chiikawa offers a gentler touch for those who prefer responsiveness without exerting as much pressure. Hence, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the Chiikawa - 28g is the better choice, whereas the Caramel Latte is suited for those who enjoy a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, you will experience an identical distance traveled from the top to the bottom, resulting in similar key feels and responsiveness. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect a similar performance in terms of key actuation when using either option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Chiikawa - 28g for $3.29.
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
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch delivers a bright, clacky sound profile that can be quite satisfying during typing sessions. This auditory feedback adds a lively character to the overall experience, making each keystroke feel even more engaging. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch also boasts a bright sound profile, but it produces a crisp, high-pitched sound that is complemented by its very light actuation force. While both switches share that bright quality, the Caramel Latte's clackiness contrasts with the lighter, more responsive sound of the Chiikawa, creating distinct auditory experiences despite their similarities.
When considering the feel, the Caramel Latte switch provides a smooth typing experience with a medium weight bottom-out force of 50g, offering a nice balance for users who prefer a bit of resistance without feeling overly strenuous. On the other hand, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is characterized by its very light actuation force, making it exceptionally responsive and easier to press. The lightness of the Chiikawa switch may appeal to those who favor quick typing and low fatigue, while the Caramel Latte's slightly heavier feel offers a sense of solidity and stability during prolonged use.
Both switches bring unique qualities to the table, with the Huano Caramel Latte standing out for its clacky sound and balanced feel, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g excels in its lightness and crisp auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel; however, if you're seeking a versatile playing field with bright auditory satisfaction and smooth functionality, either switch could work beautifully on a well-chosen keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a medium-light actuation with a satisfying, clacky sound profile that enhances the tactile feedback and allows for a smooth typing experience, the Caramel Latte is the ideal option for you. Its 55g bottom-out force provides a nice balance that suits both typing and gaming, making each keystroke feel purposeful and enjoyable. On the other hand, if you prefer ultra-responsive switches with a very light actuation force of 34g, the Chiikawa - 28g might be more up your alley. This switch is perfect for those who type quickly and want to minimize finger fatigue, all while enjoying a crisp, high-pitched sound that echoes your keystrokes. In summary, choose the Caramel Latte for a blend of comfort and auditory satisfaction, or the Chiikawa - 28g for speed and an exceptionally light touch in your typing experience.
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