Huano Caramel Latte vs. KTT Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to the unique characteristics of each option. The Huano Caramel Latte, celebrated for its smooth typing experience, features a medium actuation weight of 50g and is renowned for its bright, clacky sound profile that enhances each keystroke's enjoyment. This makes the Caramel Latte an excellent choice for users seeking a blend of tactile feedback and auditory delight. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow distinguishes itself with its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, creating a bouncy typing feel paired with a distinctively resonant sound. This switch is ideal for those who crave a more dynamic auditory feedback while typing, appealing to users who enjoy a lively and responsive keystroke experience. While both switches share the linear designation, their unique traits cater to different preferences for sound and feel. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the top housings of the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Cream Yellow, there is a clear distinction in materials that results in different auditory and tactile experiences. The Caramel Latte employs a POK material for its top housing, renowned for its low coefficient of friction (0.04) and exceptional durability. This polyketone material not only provides a smooth typing experience but also contributes to a robust, clacky sound profile due to its resistance to wear and shock. In contrast, the Cream Yellow utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is characterized by its rigidity and transparency. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that resonates prominently during operation, especially beneficial for users who appreciate RGB lighting effects. Ultimately, while the Caramel Latte offers a smooth and strong auditory presence, the Cream Yellow's material choice leads to a crisper and more vibrant typing sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Cream Yellow utilize nylon, which fosters a similar auditory foundation for both switches. Nylon's inherent properties absorb sound effectively, contributing to a deeper, fuller sound profile that is prominent when the key is bottomed out. This shared nylon composition ensures that both switches exhibit a roundness in sound, creating an engaging typing experience for users who enjoy a more muted response. While the top housings diverge significantly, the uniform use of nylon at the bottom evokes continuity in sound characteristics, making both switches more alike than they appear at first glance.
In conclusion, the contrasting materials for the top housings of the Caramel Latte and Cream Yellow shape their distinctive sound profiles, with POK offering smoothness and durability, while polycarbonate enhances brightness and clarity. However, the shared nylon bottom housing serves as a unifying aspect, ensuring a rich, deeper sound experience across both switches. Users can expect similar results in terms of the lower-end sound response due to the commonality of nylon, but will notice different characteristics influenced by the unique top housing materials. This combination ultimately creates a diverse yet compatible typing experience, appealing to both preferences for sound and tactile feedback in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Cream Yellow has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. This distinction indicates that the Caramel Latte is the lighter option, which could be advantageous for users who prefer prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. Conversely, the Cream Yellow's heavier actuation force may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feedback during use. While both switches have similar bottom out forces, the differences in actuation force highlight their unique characteristics, catering to varied user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, the Caramel Latte measures 3.6 mm, while the Cream Yellow is slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. Although the difference is minimal, it indicates that for those who prioritize responsiveness, the KTT Cream Yellow may offer a marginally quicker feel due to its shorter travel distance. However, the Huano Caramel Latte provides a bit more depth, which some users might prefer for a less abrupt experience. Ultimately, while both switches cater to a modern preference for shorter travel distances, if you're choosing based on depth and tactile feedback, the Caramel Latte would be the better option, whereas the Cream Yellow would suit those seeking a snappier response.
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 KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 Huano Caramel Latte switch is known for its bright and clacky sound profile, producing a crisp and resonant auditory feedback that adds a playful character to each keystroke. Similarly, the KTT Cream Yellow switch also delivers a distinctively clacky sound, characterized by a sharp and snappy tone when pressed. This sound is enhanced by the Cream Yellow's shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, creating a percussive quality that users often appreciate. Given these qualities, both switches will offer a satisfying auditory experience, making them well-suited for those who enjoy cheerful sounds in their typing escapades.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte offers a super smooth typing experience, thanks to its medium weight of 50g at bottom-out. This weight provides a balanced tactile sensation that is comfortable for prolonged usage. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch is designed to feel distinctly bouncy, thanks to its elongated spring and lively rebound when pressed. While the Caramel Latte emphasizes a smooth glide, the Cream Yellow adds an element of springiness that can make typing feel more dynamic and energetic. Users can enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience with either switch, although the feel will differ slightly, with one leaning towards smoothness and the other towards bounce.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Cream Yellow switches offer appealing characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. When considering sound, both switches provide a clacky auditory feedback, creating a lively atmosphere while you type. In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte highlights smoothness, while the Cream Yellow introduces a bouncier response. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a more fluid keystroke or a lively rebounding sensation, but in either case, you will find enjoyment in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, your preferences for typing feel and sound profile will be crucial. If you favor a smooth, pleasant typing experience where keystrokes feel effortless, the Caramel Latte is your best bet. Its medium-light force and satisfying smoothness make it ideal for extended typing sessions, providing a balance that many find comfortable. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a livelier typing experience with a distinct clacky sound, the Cream Yellow is the way to go. With a slightly higher bottom-out force and a bouncy feel, it’s perfect for those who enjoy a responsive feedback sensation with a bright, resonant audio experience. Thus, your choice ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize a smooth and quieter typing experience or a bouncy feel with pronounced auditory cues.
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