Huano Caramel Latte vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Mallo. The Caramel Latte is celebrated for its high-pitched, clacky sound and smooth linear feel, boasting a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, making each keystroke sound and feel delightful. This switch is ideal for those who favor a lively auditory feedback while typing and prefer uninterrupted, fluid key presses. In contrast, the KTT Mallo offers a more nuanced approach with its mild tactile feedback and medium-light typing feel. This switch is perfect for users seeking a subtle sensation to affirm their keystrokes without overt distraction, complemented by a neutral sound that fits well across various environments. While the Caramel Latte excels in providing an engaging and vibrant experience, the Mallo is designed for those who appreciate understated elegance and versatility. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Mallo switches, distinct differences emerge in their top housings, while their bottom housings share similarities. The Caramel Latte utilizes a polyketone (POK) top housing, which is known for its low coefficient of friction, exceptional durability, and shock resistance. This combination yields a smooth, clacky feel that many typists enjoy. In contrast, the Mallo switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which introduces a sharper, more resonant sound profile due to its stiffer composition. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, giving users additional aesthetic benefits. Thus, while both switches aim to deliver a high-quality typing experience, they adopt different approaches with their top housing materials that result in varied sound characteristics and visual appeal.
The bottom housings of both the Caramel Latte and Mallo switches employ nylon, which results in similarities in their sound profiles. Nylon, being a softer plastic, effectively absorbs sound, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This shared material for the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver that characteristic dull and round sound which typists often prefer. Moreover, since the bottom housing predominantly influences the typing feel and bottom-out sound, users can anticipate a similar tactile response in both the Caramel Latte and Mallo switches despite their differences in top housing.
In summary, while the Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Mallo switches utilize different materials for their top housing—POK and polycarbonate, respectively—they both feature nylon for the bottom housing, unifying their auditory attributes. The top housing materials, however, contribute unique nuances to the switches’ overall sound profiles. The Caramel Latte stands out with its smooth and clacky response made possible by the durable POK, while the Mallo showcases a crisper and sharper sound facilitated by polycarbonate. Therefore, while they may share a common ground in their bottom housing to elicit a similar sound experience, the distinct materials in the top housing cater to varied preferences, allowing users the choice based on their desired auditory feedback and performance.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, we observe that both switches exhibit a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a similar depth of travel when fully pressed. However, the actuation force differs significantly: the Caramel Latte has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the actuation force for the Mallo is unknown. This makes the Caramel Latte the lighter switch, which may be more appealing to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the KTT Mallo, with its unknown actuation force but the same bottom out force, may cater to those who favor a slightly stronger feel, depending on its actual actuation force, which could lean towards a heavier preference. Overall, the Caramel Latte is definitely on the lighter side, while the Mallo's tactile nature might suggest a different experience depending on its unconfirmed specifications.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch measures 3.6 mm, while the KTT Mallo tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that if you opt for the Caramel Latte, you will experience a more responsive feel, which is often preferred by gamers for faster reaction times. On the other hand, the Mallo switch, with its greater travel distance, offers a more substantial depth, which some users might find more satisfying and less abrupt. Therefore, while both switches provide distinct tactile experiences, the Caramel Latte is the shorter option at 3.6 mm, making it ideal for those who enjoy quicker feedback, whereas the Mallo switch, at 4 mm, caters to users who appreciate a deeper keystroke.
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 Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 comparing the sound profile of the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Mallo switches, a noticeable contrast emerges. The Caramel Latte is characterized by its bright, clacky sound that produces a high-pitched and crisp audio signature with each keystroke, delivering an engaging and lively typing experience. This vibrant sound profile can enhance the user’s connection to the act of typing, making it feel sharp and snappy. In contrast, the Mallo switches offer a more subdued sound. Their dampened audio signature ensures that while they are not silent, they maintain a subtle presence that won't be distracting in quieter environments. This makes the Mallo switches a more versatile option for users who may need to type in shared spaces or seek to avoid overwhelming auditory feedback.
Turning to the tactile and overall feel of the switches, the Huano Caramel Latte provides a silky typing experience. With a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, these switches glide effortlessly under the fingers, creating a smooth and satisfying keystroke that encourages long typing sessions without discomfort. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switches are designed with a gentle tactility that offers a mild and feathery typing experience. They feature a subtle stepped feedback that is not overwhelming, thereby providing just enough resistance to inform the typist without tiring out the fingers. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue, making Mallo switches particularly suitable for extended use, whether you're gaming or engaging in prolonged typing tasks.
In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Mallo switches offer unique benefits tailored to different preferences. If you enjoy a vibrant auditory feedback and a silky typing experience, the Caramel Latte is a compelling choice that delivers on these fronts. Conversely, if you prefer a gentler, more subdued sound with a feathery feel, the Mallo switches may suit your needs better. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences in sound and feel, as both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch should hinge on your typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a super smooth typing experience paired with a bright, clacky sound profile that can energize your workspace, the Caramel Latte is the perfect choice. It's especially suitable for those who appreciate a vivid auditory feedback while typing, whether for gaming or intensive writing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more understated and subtle feedback that strikes a balance between comfort and engagement, the KTT Mallo is your go-to. The Mallo’s gentle tactility and feathery feel make it ideal for long typing sessions in quieter environments where a neutral sound signature is key. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize a lively and dynamic experience with the Caramel Latte or a refined, smooth ride with the Mallo.
Mentioned in this article
