Huano Caramel Latte vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy linear switches to consider are the Huano Caramel Latte and the PH Studio Jacaranda. The Caramel Latte is celebrated for its balanced 50g bottom-out force, offering a bright, clacky sound profile that contributes to a satisfying tactile feedback with each keystroke. This switch is particularly appealing for those who enjoy a smooth typing experience and a vibrant auditory atmosphere as they type. In contrast, the Jacaranda, manufactured by KTT, features a gentler 43.5g bottom-out force, making it a solid choice for users who prefer a lighter touch that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Its unique 22mm spring provides a bouncy sensation that enhances the typing feel, while the crisp, clacky sound signature adds an element of fun to each press. Both switches offer distinct benefits depending on a typist's personal preferences, but 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
39g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches showcase a combination of contrasting and complementary properties that influence their overall auditory and tactile experiences. The Caramel Latte features a POK material for its top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, exhibiting a coefficient of friction of 0.04. This choice results in a sound profile that is clacky and crisp, making it conducive to a dynamic typing experience. In contrast, the Jacaranda employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is stiffer and contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The clarity offered by polycarbonate increases the resonance of the switch, enhancing the RGB lighting aesthetics. Consequently, while the two switches utilize different top housing materials, they both provide high-quality sound profiles, albeit with varying characteristics due to their inherent properties.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Caramel Latte and the Jacaranda opt for nylon, a classic choice that offers depth and richness to the sound profile. Nylon’s relatively softer nature allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a fuller and more rounded sound output when typing. This similarity in material choice for the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a consistent auditory experience, as the deeper tones produced are a hallmark of nylon’s sound-dampening capabilities. Thus, regardless of the differences in their top housings, both switches can maintain a certain degree of acoustic consistency, which is key for users who prioritize auditory feedback during typing.
In evaluating both switches as a whole, the varied characteristics of their top and bottom housing materials interact to create unique outcomes in sound and feel. While the Caramel Latte's POK top housing contributes to a smooth and clacky sound, the Jacaranda's polycarbonate provides a sharper auditory profile—each offering distinct experiences when pressing the keys. However, since both also share a nylon bottom housing, they unify in their ability to produce a deeper sound while typing. This familiarity in the bottom housing helps ensure that even with differing top materials, both switches can yield performance results appreciated by enthusiasts looking for solid auditory feedback during their typing sessions.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, distinct differences emerge in their tactile feedback and overall typing experience. The Caramel Latte has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Jacaranda is lighter with an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This difference signifies that users favoring a lighter feel for extended typing sessions, such as for work or gaming, may gravitate towards the Jacaranda. Moreover, the Jacaranda offers a softer bottoming out, which may enhance comfort during prolonged use. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Caramel Latte, which requires a bit more force to actuate and bottom out, making it feel more pronounced during use. Thus, while both switches offer distinct typing sensations, the Jacaranda is the lighter option, whereas the Caramel Latte caters to those preferring a heavier push feel.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch reveals a slight but notable difference. The Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jacaranda has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Although both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances commonly preferred by gamers for faster response times, the Caramel Latte is the longer option by a margin of 0.1 mm. Those who favor a more responsive feel might gravitate towards the Jacaranda, as it offers slightly quicker actuation. On the other hand, if one prefers a bit more depth when pressing a key, the Caramel Latte would be the better choice for a fuller experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in terms of key feel, with the Jacaranda providing a marginally snappier response while the Caramel Latte offers a bit more travel for those who enjoy a deeper 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 PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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 characterized by its bright, clacky tones, which produce a lively auditory experience with every press. This sharp and percussive sound makes it particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate an engaging acoustic feedback while typing. Meanwhile, the PH Studio Jacaranda switch, also aligned with a clacky sound, takes the auditory experience a notch higher with its combination of crispness and resonance, resulting in a clear and snappy sound upon activation. Although both switches offer a clacky acoustic signature, the Jacaranda's sound may come off as a bit more defined and resonant due to its particular construction, but individual experiences will vary depending on factors like the keyboard's build and the choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte's attributes lean heavily towards providing a seamless and smooth typing experience. While specifics about its tactile feedback remain unspecified, its medium weight of 50g bottom-out suggests a balanced actuation that will cater to a wide range of typing preferences. On the other hand, the Jacaranda switch excels in smoothness with its silky feel and unique extended 22mm spring, which adds a bouncy sensation that enhances the overall typing experience. With a lighter bottom-out of 43.5g, this switch is specifically designed for an easy, fatigue-free typing experience, making it appealing for long typing sessions.
Overall, both the Huano Caramel Latte and PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches offer distinct but somewhat comparable auditory and tactile experiences. The Caramel Latte is ideal for those who seek a brighter sound and a smooth typing experience, while the Jacaranda stands out with its advanced bounciness and slightly refined audio profile. Ultimately, choosing between them will depend on personal preferences regarding weight, sound, and feel; however, users can expect to find satisfaction in either switch, as both deliver engaging typing qualities that cater to both casual users and enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches ultimately hinges on your preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a medium-light force, the Caramel Latte's 55g bottom-out force provides a perfect balance for both gaming and typing, while offering a bright and clacky sound that can make your keystrokes feel exciting. This switch is ideal for those who favor a bit more heft in their keystrokes and a more pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience, the Jacaranda, with its 45g bottom-out force and an extended 22mm spring, delivers an incredibly bouncy and silky feel that keeps your fingers fresh even during long typing sessions. Its crisp, high-pitched sound profile adds an engaging auditory dimension that can be particularly satisfying for users who appreciate a more resonant keyboard. Ultimately, your decision should align with your preferred typing style—less fatigue and a lighter touch with the Jacaranda, or a pronounced tactile sensation with the Caramel Latte.
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