Huano Caramel Latte vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Laurel stand out as two compelling options, particularly for those who prefer linear switches. The Caramel Latte, with its medium weight of 50g bottom out, offers a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience, making each keystroke feel rewarding and smooth. In contrast, the KTT Laurel features a medium-light feel, characterized by its full POM housing and short travel, which provides an excellent blend of responsiveness and comfort. Known for its subtly low-pitched sound profile, the Laurel delivers a snappy typing experience that some may find more suitable for prolonged use. While both switches offer their unique strengths—whether you crave the clamor of the Caramel Latte or the understated precision of the Laurel—understanding their distinct characteristics will help you make an informed choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Laurel switches feature contrasting materials for their top and bottom housings, which ultimately influences their performance and sound characteristics. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK material for its top housing, renowned for its exceptionally low friction and remarkable durability, surpassing not only POM but also Nylon in shock resistance. This contributes to a smooth, clacky sound profile that is engaging and lively. In contrast, the KTT Laurel opts for POM for its top housing. While POM also provides smoothness, it creates a deeper and more muted sound profile compared to the sharper timbre that POK brings to the Caramel Latte. This key difference in the top housing material signifies that while both switches aim for a pleasing auditory experience, they achieve it through distinctly different sound characters.
When examining the bottom housings, the contrast continues. The Caramel Latte employs Nylon for its bottom housing, which is a classic choice known for producing a fuller, more rounded sound. This softness allows it to absorb sound effectively, promoting a deeper auditory experience. Conversely, the KTT Laurel also features a POM bottom housing, which aligns it more closely to the top housing and enhances the overall sound profile to be exceptionally unique and pleasing, albeit on the muted side. This similarity in material choice for the bottom housing between the Laurel and Caramel Latte indicates that both switches possess admirable sound characteristics, with the nuances stemming from their top housing materials.
In terms of user experience, the combination of materials in the switches determines the tactile feedback and auditory result when they are pressed. With the Caramel Latte, the differentiation between the POK top and Nylon bottom offers a blend of smoothness and fullness, while the separation of top and bottom housing materials creates a dynamic interaction when typing. For the Laurel, the consistent use of POM in both housing types ensures a more uniform sound experience, which leans towards a deeper and more muted feel throughout the keypress action. Therefore, while the Caramel Latte and KTT Laurel switches share a commitment to sound quality and tactile responsiveness, their respective housing materials present contrasting approaches that cater to different user preferences.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch exhibit some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which may influence a user's typing experience. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, while the Laurel offers a slightly lighter feel with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the KTT Laurel the lighter of the two switches, ideal for users who prefer a less taxing experience during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, the Huano Caramel Latte, being the heavier option, may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback in their key presses. Both switches have unique actuation and bottom out forces; thus, they provide different typing experiences, with the Laurel being easier on the fingers while the Caramel Latte delivers a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, the Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Laurel has a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the longer option by a margin of 0.1 mm. For gamers seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Laurel may be more appealing due to its increased responsiveness. However, some users may prefer the more pronounced press of the Caramel Latte, which provides a more hearty depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for the tactile experience during use.
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 Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 a bright and clacky tone, providing an audibly engaging typing experience that can be quite satisfying, especially in a lively setting. This sound can evoke a certain energy that enhances the act of typing, making each keystroke feel more impactful. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel offers a notably low-pitched sound, which presents a more subdued auditory experience. Its mellow tone can contribute to a calmer typing atmosphere, potentially appealing to users who prefer a quieter workspace. While both switches deliver distinct auditory experiences, factors like the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps can influence how these sounds resonate.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Caramel Latte offers a smooth typing experience with a 50g actuation force that allows for effortless key presses, making it a pleasure to type on for extended periods. Its medium weight strikes a balance between comfort and control, ideal for both casual typists and gamers. In contrast, the KTT Laurel provides a snappy responsiveness, thanks to its medium-light weight and design that features a short travel distance and long pole. This can result in a typing experience that feels more dynamic and engaging, making it particularly well-suited for fast typists who want instant feedback with each keystroke.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Laurel linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Caramel Latte's bright sound and smooth feel create a lively typing environment, while the Laurel’s low-pitched sound and snappy response make it a great choice for those seeking a more subdued yet responsive experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value an energetic auditory feedback or a muted, responsive feel when typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Laurel linear switches, your preferences and typing habits will guide your decision. If you're looking for a switch that offers a satisfying medium-light feel with a bright, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice. Its 55-gram bottom out force provides a balanced resistance that makes it suitable for both typing and gaming, delivering a smooth keystroke experience that many users appreciate. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a more subdued low-pitched sound, the KTT Laurel is the way to go. With its 50-gram bottom out force and snappy responsiveness, it’s perfect for those who enjoy quick, agile typist actions or need a quieter environment without sacrificing performance. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you desire a slightly heavier switch with more acoustic presence or a lighter, subtler switch that ensures rapid response. Both options are excellent, so consider how you type, what sounds you enjoy, and the overall feel you want from your keyboard to make the best choice for your needs.
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