Huano Caramel Latte vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, finding the right fit for your typing style can make all the difference, and two particularly intriguing options are the Huano Caramel Latte and the Durock Ice King Tactile. The Caramel Latte, with its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, is celebrated for its bright, clacky sound profile and silky smoothness, offering a delightful and enjoyable typing experience that many users crave. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile distinguishes itself with its creamy smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump that elevates typing into a satisfying art form. While the Caramel Latte caters to those who favor a linear switch for rapid keyst strokes and audible feedback, the Ice King Tactile appeals to those who relish the cushioned and nuanced experience that tactile switches provide. Choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel; 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
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
68g
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
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Durock Ice King Tactile offer a fascinating study in contrasts, particularly in their top housings. The Caramel Latte employs POK material, recognized for its low friction coefficient of 0.04, making it one of the smoothest materials for switch construction. In comparison, the Ice King Tactile utilizes nylon for its top housing, which has a slightly higher friction coefficient. While nylon is considered a more traditional housing material, its smoother typing feel can be attributed to its softer plastic composition that absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper tonal experience. The differences in these materials suggest that while both switches can provide a satisfactory typing experience, the Caramel Latte may offer a more direct tactile feedback, whereas the Ice King Tactile would favor sound absorption and a rounder audio profile.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Caramel Latte and the Ice King Tactile utilize nylon. This similarity lends both switches the characteristic of a fuller sound profile, as nylon’s softer nature enhances sound dynamics, absorbing sound waves and contributing to a satisfying acoustic experience when typing. Because both switches share this bottom housing material, users can expect a consistent sound signature regardless of which switch they choose. Consequently, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be quite similar across both switch types, showcasing nylon’s ability to create a punchy auditory sensation upon key presses.
In summary, while the top housing materials of the two switches differ considerably—POK for the Caramel Latte and nylon for the Ice King Tactile—the bottom housings are alike, presenting a unified sound experience. The variances in the top housing materials suggest that the Caramel Latte may provide a crisper tactile feedback, whereas the Ice King Tactile leans towards producing a richer sound profile. Nevertheless, both switches can achieve desirable results thanks to the shared nylon bottom housing, which ensures that fundamental sound characteristics remain intact, regardless of the tactile nuance introduced by the top materials.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Caramel Latte has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is lighter than the Ice King Tactile's actuation force of 58 grams. This difference suggests that the Caramel Latte may be a better choice for those who prefer a lighter feel, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In terms of bottom out force, the Caramel Latte has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Ice King Tactile’s bottom out force is 68 grams, further emphasizing its heavier tactile experience. Therefore, if one is seeking a keyboard that provides a more substantial typing feedback, the Ice King would be preferable. Ultimately, the Caramel Latte is lighter overall, making it suitable for a more gentle typing experience, while the Ice King caters to those who appreciate a firmer feel.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of 0.1 mm may seem minor, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of each switch. With the Caramel Latte’s longer travel distance, users may experience a deeper key press, which could be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial feedback when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switch, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a snappier response ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios where quicker actuation is beneficial. As such, if you seek a more nuanced typing experience, the Caramel Latte would likely be the better choice, while the Ice King might appeal to those who favor rapid 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 Durock Ice King Tactile 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 Tactile 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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches, a clear distinction emerges. The Caramel Latte switches are characterized by a bright, clacky sound that delivers a sharp and crisp auditory experience with each keystroke. This high-pitched sound is lively and percussive, making it ideal for users who enjoy an engaging typing auditory feedback. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile switches offer a more subdued sound signature. While still audible, their dampened profile is less piercing and provides a more subtle auditory feedback that may appeal to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. It’s important to note that the sound of both switches can be influenced by the keyboard build and keycap choices.
In terms of typing feel, both the Caramel Latte and Ice King Tactile switches have a silky smoothness that enhances the overall typing experience. The Caramel Latte offers a straightforward smoothness, creating a pleasurable experience with minimal resistance when pressing keys. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switches elevate this experience by incorporating a pronounced tactile bump alongside their silky feel. This bump adds a unique dimension to the typing experience, providing satisfying feedback with each keystroke while maintaining a frictionless and polished action. Both switches excel in delivering smoothness, but the Ice King Tactile adds extra tactile engagement, making it particularly appealing for tactile enthusiasts.
In summation, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switches stand out for their bright and clacky sound, coupled with a silky typing feel that ensures a smooth experience. Meanwhile, the Durock Ice King Tactile switches are noted for their subdued sound profile and refined tactile feedback that combines silky smoothness with an engaging tactile bump. Ultimately, both switches offer exceptional typing experiences; the choice between them will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback. If you favor a more pronounced tactile experience, the Ice King may be your go-to, while the Caramel Latte will satisfy those seeking a lively auditory experience with a simple linear feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Huano Caramel Latte linear switches and Durock Ice King Tactile switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a lighter touch with a bright and clacky sound, the Caramel Latte switches are an excellent choice, offering a smooth typing experience that makes it easy to execute rapid keystrokes. Their 55-gram bottom-out force means you'll expend less effort while typing, making them well-suited for long typing sessions, especially if you appreciate the sharp, crisp sounds they produce. Conversely, if you prefer the feedback of a tactile bump combined with a smooth feel, the Durock Ice King Tactiles are your go-to option. The heavier 68-gram force provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance typing precision, making them ideal for those who like to feel each keystroke distinctly. Additionally, their subdued sound signature allows for quiet typing without sacrificing the tactile experience, which is beneficial in shared workspaces or when gaming. Therefore, your choice should reflect your priorities—whether that’s the light, airy feedback of the Caramel Latte or the substantial tactile response of the Ice King Tactile.
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