Huano Caramel Latte vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience. The Huano Caramel Latte, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth operation and strikingly bright, clacky sound profile, offering a delightful feedback with each keystroke thanks to its 50g bottom-out weight. This makes it an appealing choice for typists who prefer a more seamless and consistent feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switch is a tactile alternative that boasts a lightweight design combined with a subtle tactile bump for a hint of feedback. Its muted operation makes it particularly suitable for those who enjoy a light typing experience without the noise, catering to both casual users and office environments alike. While both switches cater to different preferences—smoothness versus tactile feedback—each brings distinct advantages to the table. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Lime switches showcase distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, with the Caramel Latte utilizing POK (polyketone) and the Outemu Lime relying on nylon. The POK material in the Caramel Latte is praised for its low coefficient of friction, allowing for a smooth tactile experience that presents a clacky sound profile. This particular characteristic is attributed to its high durability and strength, which far surpass the properties of other common materials like POM and nylon. In contrast, the Lime's nylon top housing contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its softer composition. Although both materials serve as effective housing, POK’s superior shock resistance and lower friction provide a unique performance edge to the Caramel Latte, perfect for users who prioritize smoothness and responsiveness in their switches.
When examining the bottom housing, both the Caramel Latte and Outemu Lime utilize nylon, solidifying similarities between them in terms of sound characteristics. Nylon's soft plastic composition ensures a pleasant typing experience that absorbs sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory feedback. This commonality is significant, as it indicates that while the top housings differ in material, the bottom housings provide a unified experience in terms of sound quality and feel. This similarity means that users of either switch can expect a consistent sound profile from both, reflecting the reliability of nylon as a classic switch housing material.
In conclusion, while the top housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and Outemu Lime differ significantly, the shared use of nylon in their bottom housings creates a level of consistency in sound profile and typing experience. The unique properties of POK in the Caramel Latte enhance its performance, particularly in terms of smoothness and responsiveness, while the Lime’s nylon top delivers a more subdued auditory experience. This interplay between the top and bottom housings demonstrates how varying materials can complement each other, allowing for balanced performance and tactile feedback in both switches. Together, they provide shops and enthusiasts with valuable options tailored to individual preferences despite the stark differences in their top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Caramel Latte features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams, requiring slightly more effort to register a keystroke compared to the Lime, which has a lighter actuation force of just 35 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Caramel Latte is 55 grams, indicating a firmer feel when the switch is fully pressed down, while the Lime's bottom out force is 45 grams, making it easier to reach the bottom of the keypress. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter typing experience for prolonged sessions, such as gaming or typing at work, may gravitate toward the Outemu Lime tactile switch. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial and robust typing feel might choose the Huano Caramel Latte due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, we find that the Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lime features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the longer of the two switches, providing a more pronounced depth when pressed. For those who appreciate a more responsive typing experience, the Lime's shorter distance may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker actuation, which is often favored by gamers. Conversely, the Caramel Latte's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feedback upon actuation, as it offers a deeper feel that can enhance the typing experience. Thus, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.
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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Caramel Latte switch is notable for its bright and clacky sound profile, which makes it engaging and satisfying during use. This characteristic can elevate the typing experience, turning every keystroke into an audible event. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switch offers a more muted sound that is less intrusive. With its neutral and muted qualities, the Lime is designed to minimize the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making it a more considerate choice for shared environments and workplaces where quieter operation is appreciated.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switch provides a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, contributing to a smooth typing experience that many users find pleasurable. This switch facilitates a confident key press that balances feedback and ease of use. In contrast, the Outemu Lime switch is characterized by its lightweight and mild tactility, making it exceptionally easy to press. Its feathery feel means very little exertion is required from the fingers, reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. While the Lime also offers a subtle resistance and a polished finish, its overall approachability makes it suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to those seeking a gentler typing experience.
In conclusion, the Huano Caramel Latte and Outemu Lime switches cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Caramel Latte excels in delivering a bright auditory feedback and a solid, smooth feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy audible keystrokes and a weightier press. In contrast, the Lime's muted sound profile and light tactile response present a quiet and comfortable typing experience, perfect for extended use in shared spaces. While they diverge in certain qualities, both switches can provide satisfying experiences in their respective ways: the Caramel Latte for a more vibrant and engaged typing experience, and the Lime for those seeking comfort and quietude without compromising on tactility.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a smooth and medium-light typing experience, where every keystroke feels satisfying and you appreciate a clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte is the way to go. This switch shines for users looking for a balance of comfort and auditory feedback, making it perfect for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you value a lighter touch and a subtle tactile response, the Lime switch could be your ideal match, especially if you prefer a quieter environment or work in shared spaces. With its muted sound and feathery light actuation, the Lime makes for an excellent option for those who want to reduce finger fatigue during long sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a clackier, more engaging experience or a soft, gentle typing feel that minimizes noise and effort.
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