Huano Caramel Latte vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Gold Red both stand out, albeit in different ways. The Huano Caramel Latte is lauded for its medium actuation force of 50g, resulting in a bright, clacky sound profile that adds an auditory thrill to each keystroke. Its smoothness makes it an enticing option for typists who seek both responsiveness and enjoyment in their typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red offers a lighter to medium level of resistance, delivering a buttery smooth typing sensation complemented by a snappy sound profile that remains modestly understated. This makes it suitable for users who appreciate a subtle yet refined auditory feedback without overwhelming distractions. While both switches will elevate your typing experience, their unique characteristics cater to different preferences—whether you favor a lively clack or a silky-smooth glide. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Gold Red switches, we see a notable contrast in the choices for the top housing. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK material, valued for its incredibly low coefficient of friction and high durability, leading to a smoother keystroke experience. It not only excels in strength, outperforming POM in wear resistance, but also surpasses Nylon in shock resistance, contributing to a robust and clacky feel during usage. Conversely, the Gold Red features a polycarbonate top housing that is designed to create a sharper, more resonant sound profile due to its stiffness. This property of polycarbonate enhances the clarity of the sound produced, particularly desirable for users seeking a more high-pitched auditory feedback, especially when combined with RGB lighting.
Turning to the bottom housing, both the Huano Caramel Latte and TTC Gold Red incorporate nylon, a material renowned as a classic choice in switch design. Nylon possesses sound-absorbing qualities that culminate in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This commonality in bottom housing means that despite the differences in top materials, both switches evoke a similar tactile response and acoustic warmth when bottoming out. The soft nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound effectively, providing a more muted bottom-out noise that many users prefer for a more satisfying typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of different top materials leads to distinct sound profiles— the POK in the Caramel Latte offering smoothness suited for a clacky typist, while polycarbonate in the Gold Red provides a brighter and more resonant tone. However, since both switches share nylon in the bottom housing, users can expect a comparable depth and warmth in sound from the bottoming out. This harmonious blend illustrates how the housing materials interact to create unique auditory and tactile experiences, emphasizing the role each housing plays in shaping the characteristics of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, there are notable differences that affect the overall typing experience. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Gold Red has a lighter actuation force at 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. These differences suggest that the Gold Red switch may be more suitable for those who prefer less resistance during typing or gaming sessions, providing a quicker response with less effort. Meanwhile, the Caramel Latte offers a slightly firmer feel, which might appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, for prolonged use, the Gold Red may be the better choice for comfort, whereas the Caramel Latte may be favored for its greater tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, the Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gold Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer a more responsive feel for quicker key presses, which is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red, with its greater travel distance, may cater to users who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, giving a more substantial tactile experience. Thus, if you're looking for responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Caramel Latte may be more suitable, while the Gold Red can provide a deeper, more satisfying press for those who prefer that 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 TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 switches are characterized by a bright and clacky sound profile, making each keystroke resonate with a lively quality that many typists find enjoyable. This sound can create a more engaging typing experience, particularly in gaming or casual settings. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red switches feature a more subdued yet snappy sound profile, which adds a touch of personality without being overwhelming. Described as "thocky" and low-pitched, the Gold Red switches deliver a deep, satisfying sound that maintains a neutral tone, making them versatile enough for various environments, whether at home or in a shared office setting.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switches provide a super smooth typing experience with a medium weight of 50g at the bottom out, making each keystroke feel gratifying yet controlled. They are designed to enhance feedback while providing a pleasant tactile experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red switches emphasize a silky and mild feel, striking a balance that is accessible for both beginners and experienced typists. With qualities like subtle resistance and a polished finish, these switches allow for effortless key presses, minimizing friction while maintaining an appealing typing sensation.
Overall, both the Huano Caramel Latte and TTC Gold Red switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Caramel Latte’s bright, clacky sound and smooth typing experience make it ideal for those who appreciate a lively engagement with their keyboard. In contrast, the Gold Red’s thocky, low-pitched sound and silky feel appeal to those looking for a more subdued and polished typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you lean towards a vibrant auditory experience or a more refined, muted sensation during typing. Either way, you can expect a satisfying performance from both switches that enhances your overall keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To summarize, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Gold Red linear switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. If you enjoy a medium-light resistance that provides a slightly firmer feel along with a bright, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice. Its super smooth typing experience enhances each keystroke, making it ideal for enthusiasts who value both sound and tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch that offers butter-smooth keystrokes with a gentle typing feel, the TTC Gold Red is likely to be more suitable. Its light actuation force combined with a subtle, low-pitched sound gives you a pleasant typing experience that's perfect for shared spaces or quieter environments. Ultimately, your decision should depend on whether you lean towards a medium-light, clacky switch or a lighter, more polished typing experience.
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