Huano Caramel Latte vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right one for your typing style and experience. The Huano Caramel Latte switches shine with their medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, clacky sound profile, offering a smooth and pleasurable typing experience that's perfect for those who appreciate a responsive and lively keystroke. In contrast, the Durock Lupine switches stand out with their unique two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution while delivering a powerful upward rebound, enhancing the overall typing feel. Both switches feature a classic clacky sound profile, but the Lupine is characterized by its neutral feel and polished experience, catering to users who prefer a refined touch. While both switches have their unique charm, the decision ultimately comes down to individual typing preferences, so let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Durock Lupine present a fascinating comparison between two distinct approaches to crafting high-quality switches. The Caramel Latte features a polyketone (POK) top housing, which is lauded for its exceptional durability and low coefficient of friction, providing a smooth and responsive feel. In contrast, the Lupine uses polycarbonate for its top housing, known for its sharper and crisper sound profile. While POK excels in shock resistance and wear resistance, polycarbonate is favored for its clarity and resonance, particularly advantageous when utilizing RGB lighting. This fundamental difference between the two materials influences the overall character of the switches, with the Caramel Latte potentially offering a more muted sound while the Lupine's polycarbonate housing promotes a brighter auditory experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches incorporate nylon, a classic and widely appreciated material in the switch community. Nylon's inherent softness allows for sound absorption, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both the Caramel Latte and Durock Lupine. This similarity in the bottom housing means that regardless of the top housing material used, both switches maintain a rich auditory quality at the base level. The nylon's ability to dampen vibrations contributes significantly to this enhanced sound experience, allowing for a rounder bottom-out sensation that is consistent across both models. As such, users can expect a familiar performance regarding the auditory impact of each switch when engaged.
While the top and bottom housings of the Huano Caramel Latte and Durock Lupine serve distinct roles in shaping the overall switch experience, the combination of a durable yet smooth top housing with a sound-absorbing nylon bottom creates an engaging typing experience. The POK top housing of the Caramel Latte enhances its durability and provides a smooth tactile profile, whereas the polycarbonate top on the Lupine contributes to a bright, clear sound. However, the similarities in the nylon bottom housing ensure a consistent foundational feel and sound, stressing that while the character of each switch may vary, the combination of materials allows for complementary performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, as both are designed to offer top-notch experiences.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch present notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light, making it a suitable choice for prolonged typing sessions or intensive gaming. In contrast, the Lupine's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorized as medium. This indicates that while the bottom out force of the Lupine is heavier, the lighter actuation force of the Caramel Latte may provide a more responsive feel for users who prefer less resistance. If both switches had comparable actuation forces, typing experiences would yield similar results in terms of responsiveness; however, the absence of the Lupine's actuation force makes a direct comparison difficult. Consequently, users seeking a lighter touch should opt for the Caramel Latte, while those favoring a heavier, more substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the Lupine.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Lupine linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This distinction indicates that the Lupine switch offers a marginally deeper press, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial key feel and prefer the traditional depth that provides a tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Caramel Latte's shorter travel distance might cater to gamers and those who prioritize quicker response times and a snappier feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: if you favor a more pronounced press, you'll likely enjoy the Durock Lupine, while those seeking faster actuation might lean towards the Huano Caramel Latte.
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 Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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 characterized by a bright and clacky sound profile, which can provide a lively and engaging auditory experience when typing. This clackiness makes it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a more dynamic sound during use. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine switch also emits a classic clacky sound profile, but it adds a unique layer of complexity with its high-pitched tones. This sharp sound may appeal to users who prefer a clean and crisp auditory feedback over more bass-heavy sounds. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, yet the Caramel Latte is distinctly bright, while the Lupine has a sharper, high-pitched quality.
In terms of feel, the Huano Caramel Latte switch delivers a smooth typing experience, which is enhanced by its medium weight of 50g at bottom out. Users can expect an overall seamless key travel and a pleasurable sensation with each keystroke. Conversely, the Durock Lupine switch features a two-stage long spring that creates a notable weight distribution during presses, providing a balanced and unique typing sensation. This two-stage spring design influences the rebound, offering a more powerful upward movement, making typing feel dynamic and responsive. While the feel of the Caramel Latte is straightforwardly smooth and consistent, the Lupine’s design promotes a more engaging interaction through its differentiated stages of movement.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Durock Lupine switches have their unique charms that cater to distinct preferences. The Caramel Latte shines with its bright, clacky sound and smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a lively auditory experience combined with effortless key travel. Meanwhile, the Lupine offers a combination of a classic clacky sound with high-pitched nuances and a nuanced typing experience with its two-stage spring design. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you will find satisfaction with either option, as both switches promise enjoyable and effective performance.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte and the Durock Lupine linear switches, your preferences in typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force should guide your choice. If you lean towards a medium-light typing experience with a bright, clacky sound that makes every keystroke enjoyable, the Caramel Latte is an excellent option. Its smooth feel allows for a delightful typing experience, especially if you enjoy that subtle feedback without overwhelming force. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium weight and a more consistent weight distribution with a notable rebound effect, the Lupine switches would suit you better. These switches offer a mild, polished feel that appeals to both beginners and advanced users alike, making them versatile for various typing scenarios, whether at home or work. Additionally, with their neutral to high-pitched sound profile, they provide a pleasing acoustic experience without being overly intrusive. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal typing style and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard; both switches have their unique strengths to enhance your overall typing experience.
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