Huano Caramel Latte vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that best fits your typing style, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switches offer distinct experiences worth considering. The Huano Caramel Latte is renowned for its medium actuation force of 50g and a bright, clacky sound profile, creating an engaging and pleasurable typing experience. This switch is ideal for typists who appreciate tactile feedback and an audible click, perfect for those who enjoy a more vibrant interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility and ease of press, providing a seamless typing experience that caters to a wide range of users. With a neutral sound signature that balances subtlety and presence, this switch is suitable for various environments, whether gaming, working in an office, or casual typing. While both switches serve linear enthusiasts well, their unique characteristics cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Gold Red Pro present intriguing contrasts and similarities, especially in the top housing. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK (polyketone) for the top housing, which offers a smooth keystroke with a lower coefficient of friction compared to LY, making it a premium choice for those seeking swift and effortless typing experiences. Its exceptional durability and wear resistance also ensure that these switches can withstand heavy usage over time. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro employs polycarbonate for its top housing, known for its crisp sound profile due to its stiffer nature. While the POK material contributes to a smooth and clacky feel, the polycarbonate enhances the auditory experience, providing a sharper and more resonant sound. Thus, although both switches aim to deliver high-quality performance, their auditory characteristics diverge significantly due to the differences in their top housing materials.
Both switches share a classic nylon bottom housing, which plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile. Nylon is celebrated for its softer texture, which absorbs sound and provides a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This allows for a rounder sound when typing on the switches, whether they are the Huano Caramel Latte or the TTC Gold Red Pro. Since the bottom housing greatly influences the bottom-out sound, users can expect similar deep and full sounds from both switches when key presses are bottomed out. This shared characteristic in the bottom housing suggests that while the switches may differ in the expressiveness of their top housing materials, they remain aligned in their foundational acoustic qualities.
When considering the complete switch assembly, the interplay between the differing top housings and the shared nylon bottom housing offers a unique tactile and auditory experience. The smoother action of the Caramel Latte due to its POK top may be more appealing to users who prioritize swift typing, while the sharper sound profile of the Gold Red Pro, thanks to polycarbonate, may attract those who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback during keystrokes. Together, the combination of these materials showcases how individual elements of switch design converge to create distinct typing experiences, even when certain components, like the bottom housings, remain consistent across models. Users can choose between the two based on how they weigh the importance of tactile feel against sound clarity, ultimately finding a switch that best suits their personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro remains unspecified. The Caramel Latte features a relatively medium-light actuation force of 45 grams, which complements its bottom out force of 55 grams. In contrast, the Gold Red Pro has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams, but without a known bottom out force, we cannot make a direct comparison on that front. The lighter actuation force of the TTC Gold Red Pro may appeal to users who prefer less resistance, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Caramel Latte's heavier actuation force provides a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a stronger push. Ultimately, users seeking a lighter typing experience might gravitate towards the TTC Gold Red Pro, while those who appreciate a more robust tactile feedback would likely prefer the Huano Caramel Latte.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch measures 3.6 mm, whereas the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch extends to 3.8 mm. This indicates that the Caramel Latte has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gold Red Pro. For gamers or users who favor responsiveness, the Caramel Latte may be preferable due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker key presses. However, those who appreciate a more substantial feel with a deeper actuation might lean toward the Gold Red Pro, which offers a longer travel distance, providing a more gradual key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.
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 Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 switch is noted for its bright, clacky sound profile, which can add an engaging auditory aspect to your typing experience. This lively sound can be particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback from their keyboard. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro features a more neutral and versatile sound signature. It avoids extremes, being neither too loud nor too soft, making it suitable for a variety of environments. Additionally, it offers a deep, thocky sound, providing a satisfying low-pitched “thud” that can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy a refined auditory experience. Altogether, the auditory qualities of these two switches present distinct experiences; however, the acoustic output can vary depending on the keyboard’s construction and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switch is celebrated for providing a smooth typing experience that enhances the tactile pleasure of each keystroke. While the specific qualities of its feel are not detailed, it typically delivers a pleasing interaction that many typists may enjoy. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro is characterized by a polished and silky feel that creates a seamless key travel experience. Users can expect minimal friction and engaging resistance, thanks to its refined construction. Additionally, the Gold Red Pro offers a mild and subtle resistance, making it approachable for all types of users, whether they are gaming or typing for extended periods. Taken together, while the Caramel Latte may also provide a smooth typing experience, the Gold Red Pro takes it a step further with its refined attributes.
Overall, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switches present distinct auditory and tactile qualities that cater to varying preferences. The Caramel Latte offers a bright sound and a generally enjoyable feel, while the Gold Red Pro combines versatile sound dynamics with an exceptionally smooth and polished typing experience. For those looking for a fun acoustic profile with unique vibrancy, the Caramel Latte is a great choice. However, if you prefer a more adaptable switch that excels in both sound and feel across multiple uses, the Gold Red Pro would be an excellent option. Regardless of choice, both switches can deliver a rewarding typing experience, ensuring similar satisfaction in the right configurations.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your specific typing preferences and intended use cases. If you favor a more tactile and bright auditory experience with a medium-weight keystroke, the Caramel Latte is your best bet. Its clacky sound profile adds a certain charm to your typing, making each stroke feel enjoyable. This switch is particularly recommended for those who appreciate a bit of character in their keyboard, whether for light gaming or casual typing at home. On the other hand, if you're looking for a versatile switch that offers a polished, silky feel with a neutral sound profile, the TTC Gold Red Pro is an excellent choice. Its adaptability makes it suitable for any environment—be it a bustling office or a quiet gaming setup—ensuring that you can focus without distractions. Ultimately, weigh the medium-light feel and sound of the Caramel Latte against the refined smoothness and versatility of the Gold Red Pro to find the switch that aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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