Huano Caramel Latte vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of various options to suit their unique preferences. The Huano Caramel Latte switch stands out with its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, delivering a delightful, bright, and clacky sound profile that enhances the overall tactile experience. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a smooth typing experience coupled with an engaging auditory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning switch caters to gamers and fast typists alike with its focus on speed; designed for quick actuation, these switches prioritize milliseconds, which can be crucial in competitive scenarios. They also feature a slick typing feel and a similarly clacky sound profile, though they lean towards a high-pitched and chirpy quality. While both switches are linear and offer a satisfying typing experience, their distinct characteristics make them ideal for different user 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
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
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
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Lightning switches display a dichotomy in their top housing designs, highlighting the contrasting sonic characteristics they bring to the table. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing that is prized for its smoothness and durability, with a coefficient of friction of 0.04, which promotes a fluid action when typing. This material is also highly resistant to wear, exhibiting strength that is 14 times that of POM and providing excellent shock resistance compared to Nylon. In contrast, the KTT Lightning utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer composition that leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for vibrant RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch, whereas POK’s material properties focus more on the tactile experience. Despite these differences, both switches aim to deliver a satisfying user experience, though through distinct auditory and tactile attributes.
When it comes to their bottom housings, both the Caramel Latte and the Lightning employ nylon, which serves to homogenize some aspects of their overall sound profiles. Nylon is recognized for its sound-absorbing properties that contribute to a deeper, fuller audio output, making key presses sound less sharp and more rounded. This shared material means that when typing, users can expect an enriched acoustic response from both switches, as the nylon bottom housing inherently softens the sound. The similarity in this choice of material suggests that, while the top housings may diverge in tone and feel, the foundational characteristics of both switches remain anchored in a classic material that enhances depth in sound.
Ultimately, the combined characteristics of the top and bottom housings in both the Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Lightning switches create a nuanced typing experience. With the Caramel Latte’s POK top promoting a smooth and resilient actuation paired with a nylon bottom that deepens sound, and the Lightning’s polycarbonate top creating a crisp resonance complemented by a similarly soft nylon base, both switches offer their unique strengths. The separation between the materials used for top and bottom housing ensures that users will experience distinct auditory feedback depending on the phase of the key press, but the nylon element consistently ties their performances together, ensuring that deep and rich sound remains a hallmark of both designs.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option overall. In contrast, the KTT Lightning offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference indicates that the Lightning switch requires slightly less force to actuate, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, particularly beneficial during long typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier Caramel Latte switch might appeal to those who favor a more substantial feel while typing. Overall, if a user is looking for a lighter switch, the KTT Lightning would be the preferred choice, while those wanting a bit more resistance would likely lean towards the Huano Caramel Latte.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it's clear that they differ significantly. The Huano Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Lightning has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This makes the Lightning switch more suited for users who prioritize responsiveness, as its shallower depth allows for quicker actuation—a trait particularly favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Caramel Latte's longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel, which can be appealing for those who prefer a deeper and more deliberate key press. Thus, if you're looking for faster response times, the KTT Lightning is the better choice, while the Caramel Latte might be preferable if a more pronounced typing experience is desired.
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 Lightning comes in at $3.41 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 sound profile of the Huano Caramel Latte switch is characterized by its bright and clacky nature, offering a lively acoustic feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. This sharp sound is crisp and can be quite engaging, making each keystroke feel satisfying. In contrast, the KTT Lightning switches also feature a clacky sound profile, but with additional high-pitched and chirpy nuances. The high-pitched sound creates an energetic feel which might appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced auditory response from their keystrokes. Overall, both switches can create a vibrant environment when used on compatible boards and keycaps, so you can expect a similar sound experience with distinctive characteristics from each.
In terms of feel, the Huano Caramel Latte provides a super smooth typing experience due to its medium weight of 50g at bottom out. This facilitates a comfortable, responsive feel with each keystroke, allowing for an enjoyable typing rhythm. The KTT Lightning, on the other hand, is designed as a speed switch. Its subtle resistance offers a light yet responsive typing feel, making it ideal for quick input with less fatigue. The polished finish of the Lightning switch ensures reduced friction, contributing to a slick typing sensation. While the Caramel Latte emphasizes smoothness, the Lightning focuses on speed and refined responsiveness, making them distinct yet equally enjoyable in their own right.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Lightning switches offer unique, appealing qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Caramel Latte excels in delivering a bright, smooth typing experience, the Lightning switches aim for a quicker, polished touch with a dynamic auditory profile. Ultimately, whether you gravitate towards the lively and clacky tones of the Caramel Latte or the swift precision of the KTT Lightnings, you'll find that both switches can provide a delightful typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a medium-light force that provides a smooth feel with a slightly clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte would be a great fit, especially for general typing and casual gaming sessions where comfort is key. Its acoustic characteristics make it enjoyable to type on, enhancing the experience without being overwhelmingly loud. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and quick responsiveness, the KTT Lightning switches, with their lighter actuation force, are ideal for competitive gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. Their unique polished feel offers a sleek and effortless typing experience, best suited for both gaming and fast typing tasks while remaining suitable for shared environments due to their subtle sound profile. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you—be it sound, actuation force, or overall typing feel—when making your decision between these two compelling switch options.
Mentioned in this article
