Huano Caramel Latte vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Huano Caramel Latte switch, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth keystrokes and medium weight of 50g bottom-out force, delivering a bright, clacky sound that enhances the tactile pleasure of every tap. This makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a quiet yet satisfying typing experience and prefer uninterrupted key travel. In contrast, the Dareu Firefly switch presents a unique take on tactile switches with its light actuation and chirpy sound profile, offering a subtle click without the usual noisy resonant signature. This quality makes it particularly appealing for users who seek a responsive feel with a calmer auditory presence. Both switches offer distinct advantages tailored to different typing preferences—whether you crave the smoothness of the Caramel Latte or the gentle feedback of the Firefly. 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
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
When examining the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Firefly, notable contrasts emerge, particularly in their top housing components. The Caramel Latte features a polyketone (POK) top housing, distinguished by a low coefficient of friction that leads to extremely smooth keypresses. POK’s impressive durability is evidenced by its wear resistance—14 times stronger than POM—and its significant shock resistance, which outperforms both Nylon and POM. In contrast, the Firefly utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, which contrasts with the smooth, clacky tone of the Caramel Latte. While both materials aim to enhance the user experience, they do so in markedly different auditory and tactile dimensions, with polyketone excelling in smoothness and polycarbonate offering clarity and resonance, particularly beneficial for RGB lighting applications.
The bottom housings of both switches, consisting of nylon, provide a juxtaposition against their differing top housing materials. Both the Caramel Latte and Firefly employ nylon for the bottom housing, and this choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon’s softer properties. This shared material ensures that both switches will deliver a rounded and cushioned typing experience, as nylon effectively absorbs sound more than harder plastics. The consistency in using nylon for the bottom housing indicates that, regardless of the differing qualities of the top housings, users can expect a similar auditory experience from both switches during key presses due to the shared acoustic absorption characteristic of nylon.
Overall, the interaction between the different housing materials in the Caramel Latte and Firefly yields a unique yet complementary performance. While the contrasting top housing materials introduce variances in sound clarity and keypress smoothness, the identical nylon bottom housing creates a common foundation in sound absorption that enhances the overall typing experience. Users will find that while the tactile and auditory feedback differs due to the specific properties of the top housings, the characteristics imparted by the nylon bottom remains consistent, enabling a blend of distinctive auditory experiences alongside a familiar, deep, and rounded sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a medium-light option, whereas the Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, which can facilitate extended typing and gaming sessions due to less finger fatigue. However, the Dareu Firefly does not specify its bottom out force, leaving that aspect unknown, while the Caramel Latte's bottom out force is recorded at 55 grams. This means that while both switches provide a relatively lightweight typing experience, the Caramel Latte may offer a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, appealing to users who prefer a heavier typing experience. Overall, if users prioritize a lighter touch, they might gravitate towards the Firefly, but the Caramel Latte will benefit those who appreciate a firmer bottoming out sensation.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Firefly tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel suited for gamers who seek faster response times. In contrast, the Firefly’s longer travel distance of 4 mm provides a more pronounced depth that may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile and hearty experience when typing. Thus, if you lean towards quicker keypresses, the Caramel Latte would be the preferable choice, whereas the Firefly caters to those who enjoy a deeper keystroke.
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 Firefly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Firefly 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
The sound profile of the Huano Caramel Latte is characterized by a bright and clacky tone, making it one of those switches that can be quite lively and engaging during use. This particular acoustic quality tends to stand out, especially in a gaming or typing scenario where audible feedback can enhance the overall experience. In contrast, the Dareu Firefly offers a more subdued auditory signature, described as chirpy, with a unique squeak that sets it apart from traditional clicky switches. While the Firefly lacks the resonant "click" often found in other tactile switches, its gentle chirp provides a distinct yet quiet sound that some users may find appealing in a more modest setting. Ultimately, the choice between a pronounced sound of the Caramel Latte and the intriguing chirp of the Firefly will depend on personal preference and the intended environment for use.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte provides a smooth typing experience with a medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, ensuring that each keystroke is both deliberate and satisfying. The switch's moderate resistance offers good feedback without being overwhelming, making it a comfortable option for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Firefly features an easy-to-press mechanism, designed for minimal resistance during key presses, which significantly reduces finger fatigue. This light actuation means that users can type quickly and comfortably without the strain often associated with heavier switches. Both switches cater to different typing experiences: one with a substantial feel and the other emphasizing lightness and ease.
In summary, while the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch are quite different in terms of sound and feel, both can provide satisfying typing experiences suited to different preferences. The Caramel Latte shines with its engaging clackiness and smooth keystrokes, while the Firefly offers a unique chirpy sound combined with effortless actuation. Depending on your needs, each switch presents a distinctive touch, allowing newcomers to explore the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, consider your preferences for both sound and feel. If you enjoy a smooth, clacky typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, the Caramel Latte is the way to go. Its 55-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate, making it ideal if you prefer a more traditional linear switch experience that offers responsive keystrokes. On the other hand, if you're looking for an effortless typing experience with a unique acoustic signature, the Firefly will be more suited to your needs. With its easy-to-press design and chirpy sound profile, this switch is perfect for extended typing sessions, as it minimizes fatigue and keeps your workflow smooth. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the classic linear feel and sound of the Caramel Latte or the lightweight, tactile, and quieter experience provided by the Firefly.
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