Huano Caramel Latte vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a significant role in defining user experience, and two compelling options are the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Gold Silver, both of which are linear switches. The Huano Caramel Latte is celebrated for its smooth typing feel and a medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, delivering a bright and clacky sound profile that many typists find enjoyable and satisfying. Its balanced feedback makes it a great choice for those who appreciate a tactile experience without the weight of a clicky switch. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver is distinguished by its rapid responsiveness and shortened travel distance, which allows for a firm and decisive bottom-out sensation. This switch offers a harmonious blend of speed and sound, characterized by a resonant signature that appeals to users looking for a swift and fluid typing experience. While both switches cater to the preferences of different users—whether you prioritize auditory satisfaction or a snappy response—each brings unique qualities 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Gold Silver switches exhibit both similarities and distinctions that influence their sound profiles and overall performance. The top housing of the Caramel Latte is made of POK (polyketone), a material recognized for its smooth operation and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it is slightly less slick than LY but is notably stronger than POM, making it one of the most durable plastics for switch construction. In contrast, the Gold Silver utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material's rigidity contributes to a resonant and clear audio experience, especially advantageous when RGB lighting is incorporated, thus providing both aesthetic and acoustic benefits. The key difference lies in the emphasis on sound: where the POK focus on smoothness leads to a clackier profile, polycarbonate sharpens the overall sound.
Both switches share a nylon material for their bottom housings, setting a common ground in terms of employing a classic plastic renowned for sound absorption. This results in a deeper and fuller audio signature, giving each switch a rounder sound when the keys are depressed. The shared use of nylon highlights the ability of both the Caramel Latte and the Gold Silver to produce a balanced auditory experience on the bottom end of the keystroke. However, while both switches rely on nylon to provide this characteristic lower pitch, the differing materials in their top housings ensure that the overall acoustic performance will diverge significantly based on how each material interacts with the sound vibrations.
Ultimately, while the Caramel Latte and Gold Silver switches employ different materials for their top housings, their similar nylon bottom housings ensure a beneficial foundation for sound. This dual-material configuration means that the experience of pressing each switch will feel distinctly different thanks to the POK's emphasis on smooth actuation and the polycarbonate's crisp sound, while the nylon continues to deliver a rich, deep profile in both cases. Thus, the switches achieve unique auditory outcomes even as they align on the classic qualities moderated by nylon, illustrating how both complementary and contrasting elements in switch design yield varied user experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, both exhibit an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. This similarity means that typists and gamers can expect a comparable feel when it comes to initiating a keystroke with either switch, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming without undue fatigue. However, the bottom out force differs significantly; the Caramel Latte has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Gold Silver's bottom out force is unavailable, leaving a gap in information for that switch. Consequently, the Caramel Latte can be described as medium-light due to its actuation and bottom out forces, while the TTC Gold Silver's characteristics remain uncertain since we lack data on its bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter touch with a definitive bottom out experience, the Caramel Latte would be the better choice, while the Gold Silver's performance remains indeterminate regarding weight and tactile feedback when fully pressed down.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, there is a clear distinction: the Caramel Latte boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gold Silver comes in slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This difference of 0.1 mm, though minimal, can influence the feel and responsiveness of key presses. Gamers often lean towards the Gold Silver for its shorter travel, allowing for quicker actuation, while those who favor a bit more depth in their keystrokes might prefer the feel of the Caramel Latte. Ultimately, although both switches offer relatively short travel distances that cater to modern gaming preferences, the Caramel Latte provides a bit more depth, making it the better choice for those who appreciate a slightly more pronounced key press.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Huano Caramel Latte switches produce a bright and clacky sound profile, which gives a lively and pronounced acoustic presence to each keystroke. This sound can be quite engaging for typists and gamers alike who appreciate a more dynamic audio feedback. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver switches offer a thocky sound that resonates with a deep, rich tone. This low-pitched sound produces a satisfying thud with each key press, making it more bass-heavy and mellower compared to the Caramel Latte's brighter disposition. The Gold Silver's neutral sound profile makes it versatile for various environments, appealing to users seeking a balance between audio feedback and office-friendliness.
Regarding feel, the Caramel Latte switches provide a super smooth typing experience with a medium actuation force, making each keystroke a pleasurable endeavor without noticeable resistance. Conversely, the TTC Gold Silver switches are characterized by their polished and silky feel. Users can expect exceptionally smooth key travel that is enhanced by either quality materials or factory lubing. The Gold Silver's mild and subtle characteristics contribute to an overall gentle typing experience, making it approachable and user-friendly for individuals across various skill levels.
In conclusion, while the Huano Caramel Latte and TTC Gold Silver linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities, they each hold their own appeal. The Caramel Latte excels with its bright acoustics and smoothness, while the Gold Silver shines with its thocky, resonant sounds and exceptionally refined typing experience. Although their characteristics may differ, both switches promise to deliver satisfying results, ensuring that users can find a mechanical keyboard switch that aligns with their preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, whether you gravitate toward the lively clack of the Caramel Latte or the deep thock of the Gold Silver, you can expect an enjoyable typing experience with either choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Gold Silver linear switches, consider your primary needs and typing preferences. If you value a medium-light force coupled with a bright, clacky sound profile that makes each keystroke enjoyable and lively, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice. Its smooth and pleasant typing experience is especially well-suited for casual use or if you enjoy a more tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and precision, the TTC Gold Silver is the way to go. With its polished, silky feel and a low-pitched thocky sound that provides a satisfying auditory feedback, this switch is ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming where rapid responsiveness is key. The Gold Silver's smooth actuation and decisive bottom-out will give you the confidence of a secure keystroke, enhancing your overall performance. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a more relaxed typing experience or one that emphasizes speed and precision.
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