Huano Caramel Latte vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Mahjong present two attractive options, each with its own unique characteristics. The Caramel Latte switch, known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out, provides a satisfyingly bright and clacky sound profile that complements its super smooth typing experience, making every keystroke feel rewarding. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switches stand out not only for their vibrant green and white color scheme but also for a lively, poppy sound signature that brings a touch of excitement to typing. While both switches are linear and designed to enhance user comfort, the Caramel Latte emphasizes a smooth touch and auditory feedback, suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound in their typing experience. Conversely, Mahjong offers a bouncier feel that enhances the overall liveliness of your commands. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POK
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 spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Mahjong share several similarities that highlight their compatibility for smooth operation and durability. Both switches utilize Polyketone (POK) for their top housing, a material noted for its excellent frictional characteristics and robustness. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK provides a slight edge over other materials like LY, leading to an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This durability is mirrored in the wear resistance of POK; it is remarkably strong, boasting a performance level 14 times that of POM and superior shock resistance compared to Nylon and POM. Hence, both switches are designed to deliver a clacky, responsive feel while maintaining reliability over time.
When we examine the bottom housings of both the Caramel Latte and the Mahjong, we discover that they both utilize nylon. This classic material is cherished within the keyboard community for its sound absorption qualities, which lend a deeper and more rounded acoustics to the typing experience. Nylon’s relative softness allows it to effectively dampen sound, resulting in a fuller auditory profile when pressing the keys. As a result, both switches benefit from an enriched sound signature that enhances the overall feel of the typing experience. Given that they are composed of the same materials, the switches from the two brands will produce similar acoustic profiles while delivering smooth performance.
However, despite these similarities, the combination of housings can influence the overall typing experience. The top housing made of POK contributes to a clean release sound when the keys are lifted, while the nylon bottom housing deepens the bottom-out sound when the keys are pressed down. Therefore, any nuanced differences in auditory feedback or feel will emerge from this interplay; while the Caramel Latte and Dareu Mahjong deliver a similar aesthetic in feel and sound due to their identical POK tops and nylon bottoms, individual preferences for the overall experience may vary based on subtle interactions between the two materials. This variation underscores how even with the same materials, the construction and design of switch housings create distinct personal experiences for users.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch exhibit similarities in their actuation force, both requiring 45 grams to register a keystroke, making them feel light and suitable for extended typing and gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force of the Caramel Latte is 55 grams, which provides a more defined tactile feedback when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Mahjong switch is unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison for those looking for a substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Caramel Latte's additional bottom out measurement indicates it may deliver a slightly heavier feel during intensive use, appealing to users who prefer more resistance when bottoming out, while the Mahjong's unspecified force remains a point of curiosity.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, the Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mahjong has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the more suitable choice for users who prefer a more pronounced and hearty depth in their key presses, as it offers a greater travel distance compared to the Mahjong. Conversely, the Mahjong, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers who favor quicker response times and prefer a more abrupt feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that provides a blend of rapid actuation and depth, the choice between these two options will cater to your preferences based on their travel distances.
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 Dareu Mahjong has an MSRP of $8.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mahjong for $5.79.
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 linear switch is characterized by a bright and clacky sound profile, which offers a distinctly lively auditory feedback. This makes it especially enjoyable for typists who appreciate a more pronounced audio element with each keystroke. Conversely, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch showcases a poppy sound signature, providing a cheerful and energetic auditory experience. The Mahjong's sound is described as neutral, making it versatile for different environments, whether at home or in an office setting. However, both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap material, which means achieving an optimal sound may vary based on additional components.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte is known for its super smooth typing experience, allowing fluid and effortless keystrokes, making typing a pleasure. In contrast, the Mahjong switch offers a bouncy sensation, giving users a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience with a notable rebound effect. Additionally, the Mahjong features a mild aspect, providing a balanced typing engagement that is approachable for both newcomers and experienced users alike. Furthermore, the polished nature of the Mahjong switch indicates a smooth and refined typing experience, attributed to high-quality materials or effective factory lubing, which reduces friction during key travel. While both switches cater to a smooth experience, the Caramel Latte emphasizes smoothness primarily, while the Mahjong adds layers of bounce and polish.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Dareu Mahjong linear switches bring unique qualities to the typing experience. The Caramel Latte shines with its bright, clacky sound and silky smooth feel, ideal for users who enjoy clear auditory feedback. Alternatively, the Mahjong stands out with its lively sound and the added benefits of a bouncy, mild, and polished feel, appealing to those who prefer a dynamic typing experience. While they each possess distinct sound profiles and tactile characteristics, users can expect a satisfying experience with either switch, tailored to individual preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a slightly heavier key feel with a smooth and satisfying typing experience, the Caramel Latte is an excellent option, particularly for those who are looking for a switch that offers a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams. This switch excels in providing a bright, clacky sound profile, making it ideal for users who appreciate auditory feedback and a lively experience while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more playful, bouncy feel with a neutral sound signature, the Mahjong switch may be more suited to your needs. Its poppy and lively response, combined with a mild typing experience, makes it versatile for both home and office use, appealing to both beginners and seasoned typists who appreciate a polished action without overwhelming characteristics. Ultimately, consider your desired typing sensations and sound environments to pick the switch that best enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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