Huano Caramel Latte vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two notable options that stand out are the Huano Caramel Latte and the Jerrzi Honey Bean, both linear switches designed to elevate your typing experience. The Caramel Latte switch features a medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, delivering a bright, clacky sound profile that harmonizes pleasant acoustics with a smooth feel, making each keystroke a joyful experience. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switch offers a light, effortless action that is complemented by its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise reduction is essential. While the Caramel Latte caters to those who appreciate auditory feedback and a moderate tactile response, the Honey Bean appeals to users seeking a discreet yet enjoyable typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches, it's essential to distinguish between their top and bottom housings. The Caramel Latte employs POK as its top housing material, which is known for its smoothness, durability, and superior shock resistance. With a coefficient of friction at 0.04, it also allows for seamless keypresses, contributing to a smooth and responsive typing experience. The Honey Bean, conversely, utilizes POM for its top housing. While POM has a slightly lower coefficient of friction at 0.03, it is still recognized for delivering a unique acoustic quality that renders a deeper, more muted sound profile. The differences in materials imply that while both switches may achieve a pleasant tactile experience, the Caramel Latte leans towards an emphasis on smoothness, whereas the Honey Bean focuses on an intriguing sonic characteristic.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Huano Caramel Latte features nylon, a classic choice that provides a deep and fuller sound profile, largely due to its softer nature that dampens vibrations effectively. This contrasts with the Honey Bean, which opts for POM for its bottom housing as well. Similar to its top housing, POM in the bottom configuration contributes to a muted yet pleasing acoustic response. The similarities in the bottom housing materials between the Caramel Latte and Honey Bean suggest that both switches will exhibit certain characteristics related to sound dampening and resonance, albeit with varying sonic qualities based on their individual top housings. While the Caramel Latte's nylon offers a fuller sound, the POM in the Honey Bean aims for a distinctly pleasing yet more defined acoustic profile.

The interplay between the different housing materials in both switches highlights the complexity of their performance characteristics. In the case of the Caramel Latte, the POK top housing works seamlessly with the nylon bottom, producing a typing experience that emphasizes smooth, clack-filled keystrokes ideal for users wanting responsive feedback. On the other hand, the Honey Bean benefits from the dual application of POM in both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a cohesive sound experience that is more muted yet unique. If we align the switches based on their bottom housings, both will resonate with a pleasing auditory feedback, but their overall typographic feel will differ significantly due to the distinct top housings. Thus, while both switches can yield satisfactory results, they cater to different user preferences, be it for a smooth responsiveness or a deep, muted sound profile.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch to the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation forces. The Caramel Latte has an actuation force of 45 grams, classified as medium-light, while the Honey Bean features a lighter actuation force of only 42 grams, making it the easier option for continuous typing or prolonged gaming sessions. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter feel may gravitate towards the Honey Bean switch for more effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the Caramel Latte's bottom out force is rated at 55 grams, giving it a more substantial typing experience when pressed all the way down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Honey Bean is unknown. Therefore, while the Honey Bean offers a lighter actuation, the Caramel Latte provides a more defined tactile feedback during bottoming out, appealing to those who value that substantial feel in their switches.

Travel distance

The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that can cater to gamers looking for quicker actuation. Conversely, the Honey Bean, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced depth in keystrokes, which some users might find more satisfying for typing. Those who prefer a quicker response might lean towards the Caramel Latte, whereas users who appreciate a more robust sensation in their keystrokes might opt for the Honey Bean. Overall, the Caramel Latte caters to those favoring speed, while the Honey Bean is suitable for individuals who enjoy a heartier key feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Caramel Latte switches produce a bright and clacky sound profile, offering an audible experience that many typists find satisfying. This means that when you type, you can expect a pronounced acoustic feedback which can enhance the overall typing experience, making every keystroke feel more lively. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches emphasize a more muted sound, which is ideal for quieter environments. Their silent operation ensures that any auditory distractions are minimized, making them a perfect choice for use in offices or shared spaces where noise reduction is essential. However, keep in mind that the final sound experience can still vary depending on the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switches are noted for their medium weight of 50g at bottom out, which strikes a balance between a responsive typing experience and enough resistance to avoid accidental presses. This weight complements the bright sound profile, creating a more engaging feel during typing. In contrast, the Honey Bean switches are designed with an easy-to-press action, requiring minimal force to activate. This gentle resistance means they offer a very light and feathery feel, allowing for an effortless and enjoyable typing experience. This combination of lightness and low-impact pressure can help reduce finger fatigue, especially during long typing sessions, making them a comfortable choice for casual typing, gaming, or work.

In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switches provide unique yet satisfying experiences tailored to different preferences. If you prioritize sound, the lively, clacky Caramel Latte is your best bet for auditory feedback, while the muted Honey Bean is perfect for maintaining a quiet atmosphere. Regarding feel, the Caramel Latte offers a balanced resistance that many typists appreciate, while the Honey Bean boasts an exceptionally light action, promoting comfort during extended use. Depending on your priorities—whether it's sound, feel, or a combination of both—you can make an informed decision that aligns with your typing style and environment.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, your specific needs and typing environment will play a crucial role. If you appreciate a more tactile experience and a sound profile that adds a bit of auditory enjoyment with each keystroke, the Caramel Latte, with its medium-light 55g bottom out force and engaging clackiness, would be ideal, particularly for casual gaming or personal use at home. Conversely, if you're primarily concerned with a quiet and unobtrusive typing experience, especially in shared spaces like offices or libraries, the Honey Bean switches will serve you well. Their remarkably light actuation and muted sound make them perfect for long hours of typing or work, allowing for a less intrusive environment while still offering comfort during extended use. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you seek a more lively and engaging feel with sound or a soft, nearly silent typing experience that minimizes distraction.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn more