Huano Caramel Latte vs. TTC Flame Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing and gaming needs, the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Flame Red offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Latte is renowned for its smooth, clacky sound profile and a balanced actuation force of 50g, providing a delightful typing experience that makes each keystroke enjoyable. This switch is ideal for users who favor a tactile feedback that enhances their typing rhythm without overwhelming their fingers. In contrast, the TTC Flame Red dazzles with its visually appealing light diffuser, making it an excellent choice for backlit or RGB keyboards. Users will appreciate not only the weighty smoothness as they type but also the stunning visual effects that enhance their overall aesthetic. While both switches fall under the linear category, serving up a refreshing typing experience, they each bring unique features to the table. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

TTC Flame Red Linear

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Flame Red switches, the most notable difference lies in the composition of the top housings. The Caramel Latte features a POK (polyketone) top housing, known for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it provides an experience distinct from the Flame Red's nylon top housing, which is somewhat softer, measuring at a coefficient of 0.03. The POK material excels in wear resistance and impact absorption, yielding a more pronounced clacky sound due to its enhanced shock resistance properties. This means that while both materials may contribute to a smooth keystroke, the Caramel Latte's top housing arguably offers improved long-term performance and tactile feedback compared to the Flame Red's softer nylon.

Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a strong foundation for a fuller sound profile. The characteristics of nylon contribute to a duller and rounder auditory experience as it effectively absorbs sound waves. As a consequence, the typing feel and acoustics remain consistent across both switches from the bottom housing perspective, allowing users to experience a deep and satisfying sound similar to that of traditional switch designs. Despite the differences in the top housings, users can expect a comparable bottom-out experience because of the shared material in the bottom housings, which highlights how crucial this component is in switch performance.

Overall, when considering the combined effects of the top and bottom housings, the Huano Caramel Latte and TTC Flame Red switches both provide unique sound and tactile feedback characteristics. While the Caramel Latte’s POK top offers enhanced durability and smoothness, the similarly made nylon bottom profiles enhance the auditory experience toward a deeper sound. Consequently, even though the top housing materials differ, users can envision a harmonious experience when engaging with both switches, as the consistent nylon material in the bottom contributes to a familiar and satisfying typing experience. Thus, even if one’s preference leans towards the characteristics of one switch over the other, the shared qualities of the nylon bottom housing ensure that the overall switch performance remains appealing across the board.

Weight

The Huano Caramel Latte and TTC Flame Red linear switches both feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they require an equal amount of pressure to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force differs slightly, with the Caramel Latte having a bottom out force of 55 grams and the Flame Red at 54 grams. While the difference in bottom out force is minimal, it suggests that the Caramel Latte provides a slightly heavier resistance when fully pressed down compared to the Flame Red. Overall, both switches are categorized as medium-light, providing a comfortable typing experience suitable for long sessions, particularly for users who prefer a lighter touch. However, those who enjoy a more substantial feel might favor the Caramel Latte due to its marginally higher bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Flame Red linear switch measures 4 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte is the shorter of the two switches, providing a more responsive keystroke that can be beneficial for fast-paced gaming. In contrast, the Flame Red offers a longer travel distance, which many users may find provides a more satisfying and deeper tactile experience. For those who appreciate a more pronounced feel while typing or gaming, the Flame Red might be the preferable choice. Although both switches fall within the realm of traditional and shallow travel distances, the Caramel Latte caters to users seeking quicker response times, while the Flame Red appeals to those who prefer a more substantial key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound characteristics, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switches provide a bright and clacky sound profile, adding an engaging auditory feedback as you type. This vibrant sound can enhance the overall typing experience, creating an energizing atmosphere suitable for both casual and serious typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This moderate sound level makes them versatile enough for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. While the Caramel Latte offers a more pronounced clack, the Flame Red strikes a balance, leading to a quieter but still satisfying typing experience.

In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switches feature a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, which lends a sturdy sensation to each keystroke. The smoothness during typing is a notable highlight, contributing to a very enjoyable user experience. Conversely, the TTC Flame Red linear switches provide a mild feel, ensuring gentleness and approachability for users. This quality, combined with their polished design, results in a smooth and refined typing experience. Both switches prioritize a smooth action, but the Caramel Latte tends toward a more pronounced tactile feedback while the Flame Reds ensure an easier-going and comfortable overall experience.

In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte and TTC Flame Red linear switches offer distinct qualities that can cater to different preferences. The Caramel Latte delivers a brighter sound and firm feel, making it a good choice for users who enjoy pronounced auditory and tactile responses. In contrast, the Flame Red switches offer a neutral sound and a milder feel, suitable for those who prefer a more understated yet smooth typing experience. Together, they demonstrate how personal preference plays a significant role in selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, ensuring that both options can lead to satisfying results for different typing styles.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the specific experience you want from your mechanical keyboard. If you prioritize a vibrant, clacky sound profile that enhances the tactile pleasure of typing, while enjoying a smooth keystroke, the Caramel Latte may be the choice for you. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams provides a balanced feel that many typists find comfortable for extended use. On the other hand, if you're seeking a visually striking option that performs exceptionally well with backlit or RGB setups, the TTC Flame Red should be your go-to. Its polished finish delivers a weighty smoothness that many find satisfying, and its neutral sound profile makes it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your unique preferences in sound, feel, and aesthetics in order to enhance your overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

TTC Flame Red Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn more