Huano Caramel Latte vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Neo Lavender HE offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Caramel Latte, a linear switch, features a medium actuation force of 50g and is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound profile, which enhances the tactile pleasure of each keystroke. This switch is ideal for users who enjoy a smooth and responsive typing experience, making it particularly appealing for typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE employs hall effect technology, producing a clean, low sound while boasting compatibility with Wooting keyboards. This magnetic switch distinguishes itself with a unique feel and sound, appealing to those who appreciate innovative switching mechanisms and quieter operation. Both switches have their merits depending on your typing style and acoustic preferences; 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
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Huano Caramel Latte and Neo Lavender HE switches present both similarities and differences that significantly influence the overall user experience. The Caramel Latte's top housing is constructed from POK, or polyketone, which is renowned for its durability and smoothness. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it offers a slick feel during key presses. Conversely, the Lavender HE employs nylon for its top housing. While nylon typically provides a softer tactile experience, it lacks some of the strength and smoothness of POK, making the latter more suitable for users who prioritize a robust and frictionless typing experience. Thus, while both switches deliver satisfying tactile feedback, the differences in material properties result in varied performance characteristics.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which introduces a shared acoustic element that enhances the sound profile during typing. The nylon's inherent softness contributes to a deeper and fuller sound signature, conducive to a more muted auditory experience. This shared bottom housing material ensures that users of either switch will encounter a similar depth in sound when bottoming out, regardless of the differences in top housing composition. This consistency in material allows for an appealing auditory experience that balances both switches and emphasizes the importance of sound damping in a keyboard switch's design.
Overall, the contrasting choices for the top housing material in the Caramel Latte and Lavender HE illustrate how different plastics can yield varying tactile and acoustic responses. Despite both switches employing nylon for their bottom housings, the POK top housing in the Caramel Latte enhances smoothness and durability, while the nylon top of the Lavender HE promotes a softer and more rounded typing sound. In conclusion, if you seek a clacky and vibrant feel while typing, the Caramel Latte shines, while the Lavender HE provides a smooth, gentle acoustics experience. The synergy of the varied materials in each switch allows users to select based on their personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams to the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, notable differences arise. The Caramel Latte, being slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, may provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Lavender HE, with its lighter actuation force of 40 grams, is ideal for those looking for a gentler typing experience, which can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or gaming. This makes the Lavender HE the lighter option, while the Caramel Latte is the heavier of the two. Both switches demonstrate similar performance in terms of bottoming out, but the overall experience will differ due to their respective actuation forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, the Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lavender HE offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the shorter switch, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times due to its reduced travel distance. In contrast, the Lavender HE, with its greater depth, might be more suitable for users who appreciate a more pronounced feedback when pressing the keys. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference: those who enjoy quick, responsive action may lean towards the Caramel Latte, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Lavender HE.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 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
The Huano Caramel Latte switch produces a bright, clacky sound profile that gives it a lively auditory feedback during use. This characteristic can make typing feel more engaging and enjoyable, particularly for those who appreciate a sound that adds to the overall typing experience. Conversely, the Neo Lavender HE switch offers a clean, low sound that leans towards a more muted auditory experience. The difference in sound between these two switches can greatly influence the typing environment, where the Caramel Latte may be more suited for users who enjoy a pronounced acoustic response, while the Lavender HE is ideal for those who prefer a quieter and more understated sound.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch features a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, which contributes to a smooth and satisfying typing experience. This weight strikes a nice balance, making it accessible for a wide range of typists, from casual users to more serious enthusiasts. On the other hand, specifics about the feel of the Lavender HE switch are largely unknown. However, it is important to note that the absence of details on its tactile feedback may warrant a degree of caution for those who base their switch choice heavily on the tactile sensation during typing.
Combining all these factors, both switches cater to distinct preferences in the typing experience. The Huano Caramel Latte offers a vibrant sound and solid, smooth feel, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a lively keyboard experience. Meanwhile, the Neo Lavender HE presents a quieter sound profile, which may appeal to individuals seeking a more subdued atmosphere. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, but each switch can lead to a fulfilling typing experience tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light actuation with a bright and clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte is likely the better choice for you, especially if you enjoy a smooth typing experience that adds a touch of satisfaction to each keystroke. This switch is ideal for typists who want a more tactile sensation and are perhaps less concerned about noise. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter actuation with a clean, low sound and are looking for advanced technology with magnetic switches, the Lavender HE would be the way to go. This switch offers a unique feel and works seamlessly with Wooting keyboards, making it suitable for gamers and those who prefer a quieter setup. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your specific needs—be it typing comfort, sound preference, or integration with your existing hardware—so you can make an informed decision that enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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