Huano Caramel Latte vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference, especially between options like the Huano Caramel Latte and the Durock Ice King Linear, both of which are linear switches that promise distinct typing experiences. The Caramel Latte stands out with its medium actuation force of 50g and a bright, clacky sound profile, making it an attractive choice for those who enjoy a more dynamic auditory feedback alongside a smooth keystroke. In contrast, the Ice King Linear is known for its silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, delivering a frictionless and subdued typing experience that is more muted and refined. While the Caramel Latte might be ideal for users seeking a lively sound and tactile feedback, the Ice King Linear caters to those who prefer a quiet, polished feel. 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Durock Ice King Linear, it is essential to note the differences in their top housing components. The Caramel Latte features a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is recognized for its exceptional strength and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK provides one of the smoothest operations available, outperforming other common materials like Nylon and POM in terms of shock resistance and wear. This advantage not only ensures a long lifespan for the switch but also contributes to a smooth, clacky typing experience that many typists and gamers appreciate. In contrast, the Ice King Linear employs a classic nylon top housing. While nylon is known for absorbing sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, it does not match POK’s impressive durability or smoothness.
Interestingly, both switches share the same material for their bottom housings, which is also nylon. This creates a striking similarity in their performance characteristics. The nylon used in both the Caramel Latte and Ice King Linear enhances sound absorption, leading to a duller and rounder bottom-out sound that typists often find satisfying. Since both the top and bottom of the Caramel Latte utilizes nylon for its lower section, while the Ice King Linear retains the use of nylon for both top and bottom housings, the two switches will exhibit similar acoustic properties attributable to the nylon material used in their bottom housing. This means that, regardless of the differences in the top housing, users can still expect a comparable sound profile when bottoming out, thanks to the shared nylon materials.
In summary, while the Huano Caramel Latte utilizes POK as its top housing, offering superior durability and a unique typing sound, the Ice King Linear leans on the classic nylon for both its top and bottom housings, emphasizing sound absorption and a rounder acoustic experience. Despite these differences in the top housing, both switches will resonate with a familiar sound profile due to their shared use of nylon in the bottom segment. This balance gives users a smooth and pleasant typing experience, albeit with variations in response and decibel levels when engaged, showcasing how different materials can lead to distinct user experiences while still yielding some commonalities.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch present distinct characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Ice King Linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some typists find satisfying. This difference suggests that the Caramel Latte is designed for those who prioritize comfort during extended use, while the Ice King appeals to those who favor a firmer typing experience. Consequently, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the Huano Caramel Latte is the better option, making it ideal for work or prolonged gaming sessions, whereas the Durock Ice King Linear caters to users seeking a more pronounced push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, the Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ice King Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that for those who prioritize faster response times, the Ice King Linear might seem appealing due to its minimized travel. However, the slight difference in travel distance suggests that the Caramel Latte could provide a more substantial feel with its deeper engagement, catering to users who prefer a more robust keypress experience. Ultimately, while both switches are relatively short (especially compared to traditional options), the Caramel Latte offers a longer travel distance, potentially offering a more comfortable typing experience for those who favor a bit more depth in their keystrokes.
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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 switch boasts a bright and clacky profile, making it an engaging option for those who enjoy auditory feedback when typing. This switch creates a lively atmosphere with every keystroke, which can be particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate the thrill of pronounced sounds while gaming or typing. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear offers a more subdued sound signature. This switch produces a dampened effect upon actuation; while it isn’t entirely silent, it presents a softer and more subtle auditory experience compared to the Caramel Latte. This difference in sound can lead to distinct atmospheres when typing or gaming, depending on personal preference for auditory feedback.
When considering feel, the Huano Caramel Latte offers a smooth typing experience, which can enhance the overall enjoyment during use, although specifics are not detailed. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally silky and frictionless action. With a buttery typing experience that feels polished and refined, this switch minimizes any resistance when pressing and releasing; users will find that it glides effortlessly under their fingers. The combined sensations of silkiness and creaminess from the Ice King creates a typing environment that feels effortless and satisfying, though the Caramel Latte is also positioned as a smooth option, lacking specific descriptors to dive deeper into its characteristics.
Considering all the information available, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Durock Ice King Linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Caramel Latte's bright, clacky sound provides a lively typing experience, while the Ice King’s subdued audio profile offers a quieter alternative. In terms of tactile feedback, the Ice King shines with its silky and frictionless characteristics, greatly enriching the user experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches should reflect your desired auditory and tactile sensations during typing or gaming, as both types of switches can create enjoyable experiences but cater to distinctly different preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte and the Durock Ice King Linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and the typing force you prefer. If you favor a lighter switch with a bright clacky sound profile and you enjoy a medium-light typing force of around 55 grams, then the Caramel Latte is likely your best bet. Its smooth and enjoyable keystroke makes it suitable for both typing and gaming, providing a fun auditory feedback while also being easy to press. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a more subdued sound when typing, the Ice King Linear, with its 62 grams of force, might be the better choice for you. Its silky and frictionless nature creates an exceptionally smooth typing experience, ideal for those who prioritize a more polished and creamy feel under their fingers. Ultimately, consider what aspects—such as sound, feel, and actuation force—matter most to you in your keyboard experience.
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