Huano Caramel Latte vs. Dareu Dream
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Dream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Dream are two linear options that stand out in their own unique ways. The Caramel Latte, with its medium weight of 50g bottom-out force, is celebrated for its bright, clacky sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, making every typing experience feel enjoyable and engaging. Conversely, the Dareu Dream offers a lighter keystroke that prioritizes ease-of-press, appealing to those who seek a more affordable yet quality linear switch. While the Caramel Latte caters to enthusiasts craving a more tactile and auditory response, the Dream presents a versatile choice for those on a budget who don’t want to compromise on performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Dream, it's evident that the two switches employ distinct materials for their top housing, which significantly influences their overall sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, recognized for its smoothness and impressive durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK offers a pleasant typing experience while boasting remarkable wear resistance, making it one of the preferred materials. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream opts for polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material allows for enhanced resonance and clarity, particularly appealing to users who prioritize RGB lighting effects due to its translucency.
For the bottom housing, both switches share a commonality by employing nylon, which offers a particularly fatter sound profile compared to harder plastics. The use of nylon for both the Caramel Latte and the Dream contributes to a deep and full auditory experience, absorbing sound during typing to create a softer and rounder acoustic effect. This shared material results in a consistent bottoming-out sound and feel for both switches, ensuring that while their top housings differ and contribute unique sound characteristics, the deeper tones resulting from the nylon construction harmonize well across both designs.
While the Caramel Latte and the Dareu Dream feature differing materials in their top housings, the use of nylon in both bottom housings provides a unifying auditory experience that balances their sound profiles. The POK top housing of the Caramel Latte contributes to a smooth and clacky touch, enhancing the typing experience with a pronounced tactile feel upon release. In contrast, the polycarbonate of the Dareu Dream offers clarity and precision to the sound, pairing uniquely with the nylon's acoustic characteristics to offer depth. Together, these materials exemplify how different properties can be selected to create switches tailored to varying preferences while still yielding effective performance and aesthetic appeal across their designs.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force that may influence a user's typing experience. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, while the Dream switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, although its bottom out force remains unknown. This lighter actuation force of the Dream switch may appeal to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Caramel Latte's heavier actuation force provides a more substantial push feel, which some typists might prefer for a tactile feedback. Overall, those who appreciate a lighter switch may lean towards the Dareu Dream, while those seeking a firmer feel might opt for the Huano Caramel Latte.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, the Caramel Latte measures at 3.6 mm, while the Dream extends to 4 mm. This indicates that the Caramel Latte has a shorter travel distance, which could appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, making it more suited for fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Dream at 4 mm may provide a more traditional and hearty feel, ideal for users who appreciate a deeper press. Ultimately, those who favor a shorter travel distance will find the Caramel Latte more responsive, while the Dream will cater to those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke sensation.
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 Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
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 Huano Caramel Latte linear switches are characterized by a bright and clacky tone, producing a high-pitched, crisp sound that is both sharp and percussive. This makes them ideal for users who prefer a lively auditory feedback with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream linear switches also share a clacky sound profile, offering a similar sharpness and brightness in acoustics. Both switches exhibit a sound that is influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used; thus, expect a comparable auditory experience if equipped similarly.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switches deliver a silky smooth typing experience, marked by exceptional fluidity and minimal resistance during key presses. This smoothness contributes to an overall pleasurable typing sensation. Conversely, the Dareu Dream switches emphasize an easy-to-press design, which requires less force to actuate. They present a mild touch, offering a gentle resistance that makes typing feel effortless. While the Caramel Latte excels in smoothness, the Dream focuses on ease of activation—each switch has its unique charm that can appeal to different preferences in typing feedback.
In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Dareu Dream linear switches provide a clacky sound profile, ensuring a bright and responsive auditory experience. However, they diverge in terms of feel, with the Caramel Latte prioritizing a silky smoothness and the Dream emphasizing light activation and a mild touch. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on whether you prefer the luxurious smoothness of the Caramel Latte or the effortless activation of the Dream, but in both cases, users can expect a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Dream linear switches, it’s essential to consider your personal typing preferences and intended use. The Caramel Latte, with its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, excels in delivering a smooth and silky typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile sensation and bright, clacky sound profile. If you enjoy the satisfaction of each keystroke and don't mind a little resistance, this switch could greatly enhance your typing or gaming performance. On the other hand, if you're looking for something lighter and more effortless, the Dareu Dream switches are an attractive option. While their exact bottom-out force is unknown, they promise an easy-to-press feel that minimizes fatigue during lengthy sessions, and their affordability makes them accessible for newcomers. For casual typing, office work, or budget-friendly builds, the Dream switch offers a mild and approachable experience without heavy feedback, perfect for those who enjoy a more subdued typing environment. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a satisfying tactile response and sound or a lightweight and comfortable experience.
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