Huano Caramel Latte vs. KTT Glimp
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Glimp switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of different options to cater to their unique typing preferences. The Huano Caramel Latte, a medium-weight linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth operation and bright, clacky sound profile. With a bottom-out force of 50g, it offers a pleasurable typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a satisfying auditory response while typing. In contrast, the KTT Glimp introduces a medium-light linear switch that provides users with a comfortable balance between resistance and responsiveness. Its tactile feedback and fairly clacky sound make for a satisfying and engaging experience. While the Caramel Latte excels in smoothness and weight, the Glimp stands out for its balance and tactile nuances. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Glimp showcase distinct top housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and tactile responses. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it allows for fluid keypresses while being extraordinarily wear-resistant, outperforming traditional materials like POM and Nylon in durability and shock resistance. In contrast, the KTT Glimp opts for polycarbonate as its top housing material, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This inherent rigidity contributes to a clearer resonance, making it particularly advantageous for users who appreciate a crisp auditory feedback, especially when utilized with RGB lighting. Despite the differences in material properties, both switches aim to enhance the user experience—POK prioritizes smoothness and durability, while polycarbonate emphasizes sound clarity and aesthetic appeal.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Caramel Latte and the KTT Glimp utilize nylon, a classic material revered for its sound absorption qualities. This commonality means that both switches will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when actuated, since nylon dampens high frequencies better than harder plastics. As such, regardless of the contrasting top housings, users will find that the acoustic experience when bottoming out—due to the properties of the nylon—remains consistently warm and round across both models. This shared aspect of their construction ensures that typing feels satisfying and nuanced, contributing to a sense of familiarity for users switching between these two options.
Overall, the differences between the Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Glimp manifest primarily in their top housing materials, with POK offering a unique combination of smoothness and durability against the polycarbonate’s crispness and clarity. While the top housing distinguishes themselves in performance and sound signature, their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a pleasant and resonant typing experience. Consequently, those seeking a balance of different tactile and auditory qualities can find satisfaction in either option, adapting to personal preferences for sound profiles while benefiting from the round, fuller notes attributed to nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, we see some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the KTT Glimp features a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, also categorized as medium-light. Both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, which is ideal for users who prefer prolonged typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. However, the Glimp is marginally lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, resulting in a more effortless key press compared to the Caramel Latte. Thus, while both switches are suitable for users seeking a lighter touch, those who prefer a heavier feel for more substantial feedback may gravitate towards the Caramel Latte switch.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, we find that the Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Glimp's travel distance is slightly longer at 4 mm. This difference means that the Caramel Latte offers a more responsive experience, making it a suitable choice for gamers who prefer quicker key presses for faster response times. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced sensation when pressing down on a key, appealing to those who enjoy a deeper keystroke and a more traditional typing experience. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Caramel Latte would be the better pick, whereas the Glimp might be preferable for users seeking a fuller keystroke 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 KTT Glimp has an MSRP of $3.84 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glimp for $3.45.
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 switches is characterized as bright and clacky, offering a sharp, snappy audio feedback with each keystroke. This creates an engaging auditory experience that many find satisfying, especially in a typing environment. In comparison, the KTT Glimp switch also delivers a fairly clacky sound, akin to the Caramel Latte, but it presents a more neutral sound profile that straddles the line between fully pronounced and muted. This versatility allows it to fit well across various use cases, making it suitable for both casual typing at home and more focused work settings. Ultimately, while both switches provide a clacky sound, the Caramel Latte leans more towards the brighter and crisper side, while the Glimp offers a sound that is agreeable for a broader range of environments.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch is noted for its smooth typing experience, though its specific qualities are less defined in the provided information. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp switch excels with a creamy feel that offers a buttery smoothness, making each keystroke effortless. Additionally, its mild characteristics contribute to a gentle typing experience that feels approachable. This means that, while the Caramel Latte is expected to provide a pleasant typing sensation, the Glimp is specifically designed to cradle your fingers with a silky touch, making it a delight for those who prioritize smoothness in their typing experience.
In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Glimp switches present exciting options for anyone exploring mechanical keyboards. The Caramel Latte’s bright, clacky sound coupled with its smooth feel makes for an engaging typing experience, while the Glimp’s clacky but more neutral sound paired with a creamy and mild feel offers a balanced choice that's comfortable for a wide audience. Ultimately, depending on your preferences in sound and feel, either of these switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the nuances between them allowing for a tailored fit based on individual needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Glimp linear switches, you should consider your typing preferences and the overall experience you desire. If you value a super smooth and buttery typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte is likely the better choice for you. Its medium-light resistance makes it an approachable option for both casual users and those who spend long hours typing, as the satisfying experience can keep you engaged without causing fatigue. On the other hand, if you seek a balance between tactile feedback and a comfortable actuation force while also enjoying a fairly clacky sound, you may gravitate toward the Glimp switch. Its creamy feel and mild characteristics can make it more suitable for those looking for a more substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance, making it ideal for both work and play. By recognizing these distinguishing factors, you'll be able to make an informed choice that aligns with your personal preferences and typing context.
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