Huano Caramel Latte vs. KTT Kang White
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Kang White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience with mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly affect both feel and sound. Two compelling options in the linear switch category are the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Kang White. The Caramel Latte, known for its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, delivers a bright, clacky sound profile that adds auditory pleasure to each keystroke while providing a notably smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Kang White excels with its poppy linear action, offering a low-pitched, neutral sound that appeals to those who prefer a more understated auditory feedback and, thanks to its self-lubricating materials, ensures an exceptionally smooth response with each press. While both switches cater to distinct preferences, highlighting unique characteristics, they are designed to elevate your typing experience in different ways. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Kang White switch housings, we find notable differences in the materials used for the top housings, while the bottom housings are identical in terms of material: both utilize nylon. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing, which is distinguished by its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. With a wear resistance significantly higher than other common materials like POM and Nylon, POK promotes a smooth switching experience that results in “clacky” sounds, appealing to users who appreciate that auditory feedback. In contrast, the Kang White employs a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material’s rigidity allows for clear resonance, especially desirable for those who utilize RGB lighting and enjoy the aesthetic of a translucent housing.
The bottom housings of both switches, constructed from nylon, deliver a similar auditory experience due to the shared properties of the material. Nylon is known for its softer nature, which dampens sound and leads to a deeper and fuller typing experience. As a result, both the Caramel Latte and Kang White switches produce a duller, rounder sound characteristic influenced largely by their nylon bottoms. This commonality in the bottom housing ensures that when users actuate the switches, the resultant lower frequencies and softer sounds remain consistent across both products, fostering a sense of familiarity and predictability for typists who prefer that sound profile.
While the differences in the top housings yield distinct sound characteristics and tactile experiences, the nylon bottom housing serves as a unifying factor for both switches. It exemplifies how material combinations can be manipulated to achieve different acoustic properties within a single switch. Therefore, while pressing either the Caramel Latte or the Kang White will instill a feeling of depth due to the nylon, the top housing will primarily dictate the sharper sound and tactile experience upon release. Thus, the end user can enjoy a dynamic interplay of sound resulting from differing top materials while still benefiting from the consistent foundation offered by nylon in the bottom housing.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch both feature an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally easy to trigger, which is beneficial for those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a slight difference; the Caramel Latte has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Kang White is heavier at 58 grams. This variance indicates that the Kang White provides a more substantial feel when fully depressed, which some users may prefer for a tactile typing experience. Overall, while they share the same actuation force, the Caramel Latte is lighter overall due to its lower bottom out force, making it the more favorable option for those who prioritize ease during prolonged usage.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, there is a noticeable difference that caters to varying preferences among users. The Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Kang White boasts a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you prefer a quicker response time and a more responsive feel, the Caramel Latte is the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their key presses may lean towards the Kang White with its longer travel distance, providing a more substantial tactile experience. Overall, your choice between these two switches ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize speed or depth in your 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 Kang White comes in at $1.99 per 10 switches.
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 it comes to sound, the Huano Caramel Latte switch is characterized by a bright and clacky sound profile, creating an engaging auditory experience with each keystroke. This can be particularly appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback from their typing. In contrast, the KTT Kang White switch offers a low-pitched sound, which contributes to a bass-heavy and mellow tone, resulting in a softer acoustic signature. Along with its neutral sound profile, the Kang White may provide a more subdued auditory experience that suits a variety of environments, making it a great option for both casual and professional settings. However, it's important to note that the overall sound produced by either switch can be influenced by factors like the choice of keyboard, mounting plate, and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switch is known for its super smooth typing experience, which enhances the pleasure of each keystroke. This smoothness may create a sense of fluidity while typing, making it an enjoyable choice for those who prioritize a seamless touch. The Kang White switch, on the other hand, benefits from its self-lubricating material, which similarly enhances the smoothness of the keypress, offering an unparalleled typing sensation. Both switches aim to provide a premium tactile experience, so users can expect to enjoy a fluid typing action regardless of which switch they choose.
In summary, while the Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Kang White linear switches differ in sound characteristics, with the former being bright and clacky and the latter low-pitched and mellow, they both provide remarkable smoothness in feel. Users can expect an engaging auditory experience from the Caramel Latte, while the Kang White delivers a more muted sound that may fit better in shared spaces. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for sound and environmental considerations while enjoying the smooth typing experience both switches have to offer.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Kang White switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing experience needs. If you favor a lighter touch and relish in a bright, clacky sound profile, then the Caramel Latte with its 55-gram bottom out force is the optimal choice. Its smooth keystrokes make it particularly well-suited for fast typists or those who enjoy a satisfying acoustic feedback with each press. Conversely, if you're looking for a slightly firmer yet still manageable actuation, the Kang White may be your go-to. With a bottom out force of 58 grams, it provides a more grounded feel, complemented by a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which makes it a versatile option whether you're at home or in an office setting. Additionally, the Kang White's self-lubricating material enhances its smoothness, making it ideal for those who prioritize a quiet typing environment while still enjoying the linear characteristics of a high-quality switch. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, desired sound, and overall preferences in tactile feedback.
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