Huano Caramel Latte vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Hyacinth offer two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts seeking a smooth typing experience. The Caramel Latte is renowned for its vibrant clacky sound profile and medium weight of 50g, allowing typists to enjoy a pleasurable, responsive keystroke with each interaction. In contrast, the KTT Hyacinth stands out with its innovative 3.5mm travel distance, which minimizes the hard bottoming-out that often detracts from user comfort. This switch opts for a single-stage elongated spring, ensuring a consistent force curve that enhances both tactile feedback and auditory experience. While the Caramel Latte might cater to those looking for an enjoyable auditory feedback and a more pronounced actuation feel, the Hyacinth offers a balanced, subtle touch well-suited for users seeking a smoother, quieter typing experience. 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
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
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
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Hyacinth switches feature distinct top housings that significantly influence their overall sound profiles and performance. The Caramel Latte utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is recognized for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, this material allows for a seamless typing experience, while its strength and shock resistance contribute to a more robust feel. In contrast, the Hyacinth employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and aimed at producing a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile. While both materials are engineered for superior performance, the POK material is designed to enhance the smoothness and clackiness of the switches, while the polycarbonate emphasizes clarity and resonance, particularly when RGB lighting is employed.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Caramel Latte and the KTT Hyacinth utilize nylon, a classic and widely accepted material for switch construction. Nylon is known for its softer properties when compared to harder plastics, enabling it to absorb sound effectively. This shared aspect results in both switches delivering a deeper and rounder sound profile during use, as the nylon bottom housing plays a crucial role in the auditory experience. Since both switches leverage nylon for the bottom housing, they ensure consistency in the sound dampening effects, contributing to a fuller typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate.
Although the top and bottom housings differ in the Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Hyacinth, the overall performance can still be harmonized. The contrasting characteristics of the POK and polycarbonate top housings balance with the similar nylon bases, allowing for a unique fusion of sound experiences. The Caramel Latte's smoothness and clackiness with POK on top work well with the nylon's absorbent properties on the bottom, while the Hyacinth's sharper sound profile pairs with the nylon's fullness, creating a compelling auditory result for both switches. By integrating these different top and bottom materials, users of either model can expect a dynamic and engaging typing experience, showcasing the strengths of both top housings while maintaining the beloved qualities of nylon below.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, both exhibit similar actuation forces, with the Caramel Latte requiring 45 grams to register a keystroke and the Hyacinth matching that exact force. This similarity suggests that users seeking a lighter typing experience will find both switches comfortable for prolonged use, ideal for extended keyboard sessions at work or during long gaming marathons. However, when considering their bottom out forces, the Caramel Latte has a slightly lower force at 55 grams compared to the Hyacinth's 56 grams. While both switches are categorized as medium-light, the Hyacinth is marginally heavier at bottoming out, which may appeal to users seeking a bit more resistance for a more substantial feel during typing. Overall, users favoring a lighter touch can confidently choose either switch, but those desiring a slightly firmer bottoming experience might lean towards the KTT Hyacinth.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, the Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Hyacinth has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference, albeit minor, positions the Caramel Latte as the better choice for those who prefer a deeper key press, offering a more substantial feel beneath their fingers. On the other hand, the Hyacinth's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, as it allows for more immediate actuation. Ultimately, while both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances that are prevalent today, the Huano Caramel Latte provides a slight advantage in depth, attracting users looking for a more robust typing 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 Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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 switch is bright and clacky, which can create an engaging auditory experience that adds character to each keystroke. This sound can be particularly lively, making it appealing for those who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback from their typing. In contrast, the KTT Hyacinth switch has a more neutral sound profile, characterized by a moderate sound that is unobtrusive and suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. This neutrality makes it versatile enough for most users, regardless of their level of experience. It's important to note that the final sound you experience can be influenced by additional factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch is celebrated for its super smooth typing experience, allowing each keystroke to flow seamlessly while providing a satisfying sensation. The medium weight of 50g at bottom out contributes to this smoothness, making it a comfortable option for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth switch offers a silky feel, emphasizing a consistently smooth actuation with minimal resistance. This switch features a subtle resistance that strikes a balance between being tactile and light, enhancing comfort during everyday use and making it especially suitable for shared environments where quieter feedback is desirable.
In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Hyacinth linear switches provide unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Latte is distinguished by its bright, clacky sound and an exceptionally smooth feel, ideal for those who enjoy an engaging typing experience. Conversely, the Hyacinth excels in providing a neutral sound profile and a silky, subtle typing experience, making it versatile for various settings. Ultimately, whether you choose the Caramel Latte or the Hyacinth, you'll find quality linear switches that deliver satisfying results, but your preference for sound and feel will guide your decision.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Hyacinth linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your individual typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use them. If you value a lively and clacky sound profile paired with a smooth typing experience, the Caramel Latte is your best bet, especially if you enjoy a slightly more traditional linear feel with a medium-light actuation force. This makes it an excellent choice for those who love to immerse themselves in a lively auditory experience while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more subtle and silky typing experience with an emphasis on comfort and minimal bottoming-out feedback, then the KTT Hyacinth will serve you wonderfully. With its unique design and single-stage spring, it provides a balanced feedback profile that caters to both casual and professional use, making it a fitting option for shared workspaces or prolonged typing sessions. In essence, choose the Caramel Latte for an engaging tactile experience, and opt for the Hyacinth when prioritizing a smooth, quiet, and comfortable typing journey.
Mentioned in this article
