Huano Caramel Latte vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When navigating the world of mechanical keyboard switches, selecting the right one can significantly enhance your typing experience, and two notable options worth comparing are the Huano Caramel Latte and the Bsun Light Sakura, both linear switches. The Huano Caramel Latte is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g bottom-out pressure, delivering a satisfying and clacky sound profile that makes typing feel both smooth and enjoyable. It's well-suited for users who appreciate tactile feedback and a lively auditory response during use. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura offers an ultra-light feel and operates silently, making it ideal for those who prefer to type in quieter environments or for long periods without fatigue. This switch emphasizes comfort and discretion, allowing users to enjoy an unobtrusive yet pleasant typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte and the Bsun Light Sakura exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing, renowned for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, the POK material provides a silky interaction, complemented by its wear resistance, which is 14 times greater than that of POM. This contributes to a clacky sound and a robust feel when engaging with the switches. In contrast, the Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. This material is known for providing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, which enhances resonance. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making it aesthetically appealing in addition to its performance.
The differences continue with the bottom housing materials, where the Caramel Latte employs nylon, while the Light Sakura opts for polycarbonate, just like its top housing. Nylon is celebrated for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer composition, which absorbs sound. This results in a duller auditory experience that contrasts with the crisper tones generated by the polycarbonate in the Light Sakura. The polycarbonate bottom housing produces a clearer, higher-pitched sound, creating a striking auditory experience that complements the aesthetics provided by the transparent housing. Thus, the bottom housings serve as another layer of differentiation between the two switches, affecting how one perceives the sound and feel of typing.
In essence, each switch combines different materials for its top and bottom housings, leading to a unique sound profile and tactile feel. While the Caramel Latte's combination of a smooth POK top and sound-absorbing nylon bottom creates a balanced and clacky typing experience, the Light Sakura's stiffer polycarbonate top and bottom deliver a sharper and more resonant auditory experience. If one were to achieve similar results in terms of sound, careful consideration of the housing materials and their interaction would be necessary. For instance, if you wanted clacky sounds akin to the Caramel Latte from the Light Sakura, you may need to adjust the bottom housing's material or design elements to ensure the desired auditory characteristics are achieved.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reveal notable differences in typing feel and experience. The Caramel Latte boasts an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Light Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a more suitable option for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience. This difference means that while the Caramel Latte provides a more substantial push feel, the Light Sakura allows for easier keystrokes, which can be advantageous for extended use during long typing sessions. Overall, if you seek a lighter feel for prolonged typing or gaming, the Bsun Light Sakura would be the better choice, while those desiring a heavier tactile experience may lean toward the Huano Caramel Latte.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This equal travel distance means that users can expect a similar feel and response when pressing down on keys equipped with either of these switches. As a result, both switches will offer a comparable typing experience, making them suitable choices for users who prioritize consistency in key travel.
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 Bsun Light Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Sakura for $3.49.
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
The sound profile of the Huano Caramel Latte switch is bright and clacky, providing an audible feedback that many typists find satisfying and engaging in their typing experience. This characteristic makes the Caramel Latte favorable for users who enjoy an expressive sound with each keystroke, enhancing the overall tactile sensation. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is designed for a silent operation, producing minimal sound when pressed. This makes it perfect for environments where noise reduction is crucial, such as offices or shared spaces where discretion is appreciated. Therefore, while both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, the Caramel Latte serves those who prefer a more sonorous typing experience, while the Light Sakura caters to users who prioritize quietness.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Caramel Latte boasts a medium weight of 50g bottom-out, giving it a solid and satisfying resistance during typing. This weight strikes a balance, allowing for a smooth keystroke that feels responsive without being overly stiff, making it a joy for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura offers an ultra-light feel, designed for comfort and prolonged use without causing fatigue. The gentleness of the Light Sakura can be particularly beneficial for users who type for longer periods, as it reduces strain, allowing for a more relaxed typing experience over time. In this sense, the Caramel Latte provides a more robust typing experience, while the Light Sakura emphasizes comfort and ease.
In summary, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switches cater to different preferences, offering unique sound and feel qualities. The Caramel Latte provides a bright, clacky sound with a satisfying medium weight ideal for those who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience. Meanwhile, the Light Sakura emphasizes a silent operation and an ultra-light feel, perfect for users who seek comfort and discretion during their typing. Your choice between these switches will ultimately depend on your priorities—sound and tactile feedback versus quiet comfort and reduced fatigue.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, your preferences and environment will play critical roles. If you enjoy a slightly more tactile experience with a medium-light resistance and appreciate a bright, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte is likely your best bet. Its smooth keystrokes are perfect for enhancing the enjoyment of your typing, making it ideal for gaming or situations where you want your keyboard to be lively. On the other hand, if you're looking for a quieter, ultra-light switch that supports extended typing sessions without causing fatigue, you would be better served by the Light Sakura. This switch caters to those in shared or office environments, providing a silent and gentle experience that allows you to focus without disturbing others. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing habits and the setting in which you’ll be using your keyboard to ensure the best experience.
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