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Huano Caramel Latte vs. TTC Flaming Purple

An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and TTC Flaming Purple present two intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience. The Caramel Latte, with its medium weight of 50g bottom-out and bright, clacky sound profile, is celebrated for offering smoothness that makes every keystroke feel delightful. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a lively auditory response alongside a balanced tactile feedback. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Purple stands out with a lighter bottom-out of 47g and a resonant sound signature that leans towards the bassy end of the spectrum, providing a poppy undertone that injects an engaging auditory flair into each press. Its feather-light actuation ensures effortless typing, making it particularly appealing for both enthusiasts and daily typists. While both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, choosing between them ultimately depends on what you value most in your typing experience. 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

42g

Bottom-out force

55g

Bottom-out force

47g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

1.60 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POK

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

23mm single-stage spring

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Flaming Purple, the most notable distinctions lie in their top housings. The Caramel Latte features a top housing made of polyketone (POK), which boasts a coefficient of friction of 0.04, slightly higher than that of polycarbonate (LY) at 0.03. This attribute contributes to a smoother keypress feel, with excellent wear resistance 14 times stronger than POM and superior shock resistance compared to Nylon. In contrast, the Flaming Purple utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for its stiffness. This stiffness produces a sharper, crisper sound profile, making the Flaming Purple more likely to resonate with those who favor a clear auditory feedback when typing. While both materials serve distinct sonic purposes, the Caramel Latte's POK prioritizes durability and smoothness, whereas the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate emphasizes clarity and resonance.

In contrast, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Flaming Purple share the same bottom housing material—nylon. This well-established material is recognized for creating a deeper and more full-bodied sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic nature. The nylon absorbs sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This similarity ensures that both switches exhibit compatible sound characteristics when pressed, allowing users to enjoy a plush bottom-out sound regardless of the top housing differences. Therefore, while the tactile and aural experiences differ based on the top material, the nylon bottom housing provides a consistent sound signature across both models.

Ultimately, the combination of the top and bottom housings in each switch influences the overall typing experience. The Caramel Latte's unique POK top lends itself to smoothness and durability, balancing well with the deep, full sound of its nylon bottom. In contrast, the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top prioritizes clarity and resonance, enhancing the auditory feedback while still benefiting from the inherent warmth provided by nylon below. Thus, even though the switches have differing top materials that impact their sonic profiles, the nylon bottom unifies their sound experience, showcasing how each switch's design elements come together to produce distinct yet complementary typing sensations.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Flaming Purple features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, making it distinctly lighter overall. This means that users who prefer a responsive typing experience may find the Flaming Purple more suitable for extended use, as its lower forces can reduce finger fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, those who enjoy the more substantial feel of a heavier switch may lean toward the Caramel Latte, with its higher forces providing a firmer push. Overall, while both switches offer a linear experience, the Flaming Purple is the lighter of the two, lending itself well to comfort-focused users, while the Caramel Latte caters to those who appreciate a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.

Travel distance

The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating they share the same key feel when pressed down. Because their travel distances are identical, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of key actuation and responsiveness. This uniformity suggests that both switches will deliver comparable results in tactile feedback and overall performance, making them equally suitable choices for those who prefer a consistent linear switch experience.

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 TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.

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 switch offers a bright, clacky sound profile that can enhance the auditory experience of typing for many users. This lively sound can make each keystroke feel satisfying, resonating well with those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch carves out a different niche; its sound is described as resonant, with a low-pitched, bassier character that adds depth and richness. This combination creates a unique auditory experience that leans towards a more mellow tone compared to the sharper and crisper sound of the Caramel Latte. Both sound profiles can evoke different emotions and experiences when typing, making the choice depend on personal preference.

In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switch is recognized for its smooth typing experience, providing a satisfying response upon each keystroke. Although not explicitly detailed, it can be inferred that this switch offers a solid balance of resistance and ease, making it enjoyable for a variety of typing tasks. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple offers a notably feathery and silky feel, requiring only 47g of actuation force. This makes it easy to press and minimizes finger fatigue, ideal for extended typing sessions, whether for gaming or work. The Flaming Purple's smoothness and light actuation force may appeal to typists who prioritize speed and comfort.

Overall, the Huano Caramel Latte and TTC Flaming Purple linear switches present distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Latte excels with its bright, clacky sound and smooth feel, while the Flaming Purple offers a bassy sound profile coupled with a feathery touch that enhances typing comfort. Ultimately, both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, but the choice boils down to whether one prefers a more pronounced sound or a softer, more effortless typing feel. Depending on your priorities in sound and feel, either switch can deliver a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switches, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you lean toward a typing experience that balances speed and satisfying acoustics with a bit of weight, the Caramel Latte switch is ideal for you. With its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams and a bright, clacky sound profile, these switches can make each keystroke feel satisfying and enjoyable, which is perfect for both gaming and extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter touch with an engaging auditory flair, the Flaming Purple switch may be more aligned with your typing style. Its lighter actuation force of 47 grams lends itself to a feathery feel, allowing for effortless typing that reduces finger fatigue, making it a great choice for those long hours of work or play. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics, so you should choose the one that best complements your typing habits and sound preferences.

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