Huano Caramel Latte vs. TTC Light Cloud V2
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Light Cloud V2 both offer distinct advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The Caramel Latte stands out with its medium weight of 50g and a bright, clacky sound profile, providing a super smooth experience that enhances the tactile pleasure of every keystroke. Ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, this switch caters to those who appreciate an engaging and energetic typing atmosphere. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 is designed as a silent yet refined switch, offering a lightweight touch that makes it perfect for users looking for a delicate and muted feel while typing. With its mild, feathery characteristics, this switch is ideal for those seeking an understated yet nuanced experience, making it a great choice for quieter environments or office use. 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
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Light Cloud V2, a notable distinction arises in their top housings. The Caramel Latte utilizes polyketone (POK), a material celebrated for its low coefficient of friction at 0.04, making for an exceptionally smooth keypress experience. Its durability is impressive, boasting wear resistance that is significantly stronger than POM and shock resistance greatly surpassing that of Nylon. This combination contributes to switches that not only feel smooth but also produce a clacky sound, providing a lively auditory experience. In contrast, the Light Cloud V2 opts for traditional Nylon for its top housing. While Nylon is a respected material known for its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper tonal profile, its higher coefficient of friction (0.03) means a slightly less smooth experience compared to the Caramel Latte. This fundamental difference in material leads to varied tactile sensations and acoustic properties during use.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Huano Caramel Latte and TTC Light Cloud V2 feature Nylon, showcasing a shared choice that brings certain acoustic qualities to the forefront. Nylon’s softer composition naturally absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Since both switches employ Nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect similar auditory experiences related to the bottom-out sound and feel, regardless of the differences in their top housings. This consistency in the bottom material helps unify the overall typing experience, creating a more harmonious sound between the two switches.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch results in unique yet complementary experiences. The Caramel Latte's POK top housing elevates smoothness and clackiness while the Nylon bottom enhances sound absorption and depth. Conversely, the Light Cloud V2’s Nylon top housing provides a classic switch experience with a softer sound profile, paired with a Nylon bottom that maintains the deeper tone. Together, they illustrate how the interaction between distinct top and bottom materials affects both tactile feedback and acoustic outcomes. Although the switches differ in their top materials, the shared use of Nylon in the bottom housing allows for similar overall performance in terms of sound and feel, providing an interesting contrast between the two approaches.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch to the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, we observe that both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that both switches require an equal amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, there is a slight distinction in their bottom out forces; the Caramel Latte has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Light Cloud V2's bottom out force is 58 grams. This makes the Caramel Latte feel lighter overall, as it requires less force to bottom out compared to the Light Cloud V2, which has a heavier feel due to its higher bottom out force. While both switches will deliver similar tactile feedback during actuation, the Caramel Latte offers a softer experience overall, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions, whereas the Light Cloud V2 offers a more substantial feel that might appeal to those preferring a heavier switch.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of 0.1 mm may seem minor, but it indicates that the Caramel Latte will provide a marginally deeper press compared to the Light Cloud V2. If you are looking for a more responsive feel, the Light Cloud V2's shorter travel distance may suit your preferences, as shorter distances can lead to faster action, particularly favored by gamers. Conversely, if you enjoy a more substantial depth during each keystroke, the Huano Caramel Latte may be the better choice for you. Overall, while both switches are close in travel distance, the Caramel Latte offers a longer travel of 3.6 mm, making it the preferable option for those who favor a deeper 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 TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 known for its bright and clacky audio profile, delivering a lively and engaging acoustics that can enhance the overall typing experience. This resonates well with typists who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback, making every keystroke feel more impactful. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 features a muted sound characteristic that contributes to a quieter typing environment. With a more neutral sound profile, it is suitable for those who might be conscious of noise in shared spaces or prefer a more subdued auditory experience. While the Caramel Latte offers a vibrant sound, the Light Cloud V2 will appeal to users looking for discretion and a softer typing atmosphere.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte provides a medium weight of 50g for bottoming out, delivering a satisfying and smooth typing experience that many users find pleasurable. This weight strikes a balance between resistance and ease, making it suitable for different typing styles, whether fast-paced or more deliberate. In contrast, the Light Cloud V2 is characterized by its light actuation force and mild feel, offering a gentle typing experience that is exceptionally easy to press. This reduced resistance minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions, making it an excellent option for those who require a more effortless and comfortable typing feel. For users who prioritize longevity and comfort in their typing experience, the feathery quality of the Light Cloud V2 may provide a more appealing, fatigue-free option.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Caramel Latte excels in delivering a bright, lively sound combined with a satisfying medium-weight feel, perfect for users who enjoy a more tactile and auditory feedback. Conversely, the Light Cloud V2 stands out as a silent option with an exceptionally lightweight and comfortable typing experience, ideal for those who demand a quiet workspace and less strain during extended typing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style and the environment in which you’ll be using these switches—either way, both options offer excellent keyboard experiences that can be tailored to your specific needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and context of use. If you value a bright, clacky sound profile coupled with a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a smooth and satisfying keystroke that makes typing feel enjoyable. This switch would be particularly suitable for casual typing, gaming, or environments where a slightly livelier sound may be appreciated. Conversely, if you are looking for a more muted experience with a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 58 grams, the TTC Light Cloud V2 is ideal. Its refined and delicate typing feel makes it perfect for office settings or quiet environments, where minimizing noise is crucial. The Light Cloud V2's gentle resistance and effortless actuation facilitate longer typing sessions with less fatigue, making it a great option if you spend extensive time at your keyboard. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a lively, tactile experience or a more subdued, nuanced feel.
Mentioned in this article
