Huano Caramel Latte vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing different options to find the perfect fit for their typing style. The Huano Caramel Latte switch stands out with its medium weight of 50g bottom out, delivering a notably bright and clacky sound profile that enhances the tactile feedback and overall enjoyment of each keystroke. Known for its smooth typing experience, the Caramel Latte is ideal for those seeking a satisfying auditory and tactile engagement during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Dareu Master switch, also a linear option, offers a similar weight but features an all-POM construction that promises exceptional smoothness and a classic clacky sound signature. With its mild and polished characteristics, the Master switch caters to users who appreciate a refined feel while maintaining the auditory pleasure of typing. Both switches provide unique benefits tailored to different preferences, making them great choices depending on your needs. 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
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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Dareu Master feature distinct housing materials that contribute uniquely to their respective switch performances. The Caramel Latte employs a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it offers a tactile experience that is slightly above that of the LY material but remains one of the smoothest options available. Its outstanding wear resistance makes it a robust choice, with a strength much higher than POM, giving it an edge in longevity and usability. In contrast, the Dareu Master utilizes a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which, while also offering a pleasant sound profile, does not quite match the enhanced smoothness of POK. The POM material excels in producing unique sound characteristics that are deeper and more muted compared to the sharper clack provided by the Caramel Latte.
Examining the bottom housings presents a different but equally interesting comparison. The Caramel Latte opts for a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer qualities that absorb sound well, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic experience. This is particularly important for using mechanical switches as it enhances the overall typing sound and feel. The Dareu Master, on the other hand, features a POM bottom housing that also produces a pleasing sound profile, described as deep and muted. Though both switches feature robust materials at the bottom, the Caramel Latte's nylon bottom may offer a more pronounced depth due to its inherent softness, leading to a somewhat different auditory experience.
When considering the overall performance and characteristics of both switches, it is essential to note how the combination of materials affect functionality. For the Huano Caramel Latte, the interplay between the POK top and nylon bottom creates a synergy that enhances smoothness and a vibrant sound profile. Meanwhile, the Dareu Master maintains consistency across its POM housings, which lend a unique sound signature to both the actuation and bottom-out feel. While the differences in materials lead to varied auditory experiences, switch enthusiasts can enjoy distinct characteristics depending on their choice; both switches can still produce satisfying results by capitalizing on the inherent qualities of their respective materials when used in tandem.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they require an equal amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This similarity allows for comparable typing experiences when it comes to the initial press, making both switches suitable for users who prefer a medium-light feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force differentiates the two switches, as the Caramel Latte has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the bottom out force for the Master switch is unavailable. This means that while the Caramel Latte provides a slightly heavier resistance at the end of the keystroke, the lack of data for the Master switch prevents a definitive comparison for its bottom out feel. Consequently, the Huano Caramel Latte can be deemed the heavier option when considering the bottom out force, potentially giving it a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer that characteristic.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, we find that the Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Master measures at 3.4 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the longer option of the two. For gamers seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Master at 3.4 mm may be more appealing due to its quicker actuation. However, those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing the keys might appreciate the greater depth offered by the Caramel Latte. In summary, if you value responsiveness and a snappier feel, the Dareu Master would be the better choice, while the Huano Caramel Latte caters to those who favor a fuller typing experience.
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 Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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
In terms of sound, the Huano Caramel Latte switch offers a bright and clacky profile, which results in a distinctive auditory feedback that many typists appreciate for a satisfying keystroke. This clackiness is characteristic of switches designed for a more energetic typing experience. The Dareu Master switch also carries a clacky sound signature, described as sharp and snappy. Both switches share this clackiness, which can provide a similar auditory satisfaction, although specific nuances may vary based on keycap materials and the keyboard used.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switches are noted for their super smooth typing experience, which means each keypress glides effortlessly, providing a tactile pleasure that many enthusiasts seek. On the other hand, the Dareu Master switch is characterized by a mild and polished feel, signifying a gentler typing experience, with smooth key travel due to its refined construction. While the Caramel Lattes focus on an unabashed smoothness, the Masters offer a slightly softer approach, appealing to those who may prefer a balance of feel without intense feedback.
In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Master linear switches deliver a satisfying clacky sound that enhances the typing experience. While the Caramel Lattes emphasize a smoothness that many users enjoy, the Master switches provide a more mild, polished feel that is approachable for a wider range of typists. Ultimately, users may find that both switches yield a pleasurable typing experience, though the choice between them may come down to personal preference regarding sound intensity and the tactile feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and the overall experience you're seeking. If you enjoy a light to medium bottom-out force and a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the tactile feedback of your keystrokes, the Caramel Latte switch is an excellent choice, as it promises a smooth and pleasurable typing experience. It's ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory and sensory interaction while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a balance of sound and feel with a more gentle touch, the Dareu Master switch shines with its mild, polished characteristics. The Master switch's classic clacky profile offers a refined typing sensation, making it suitable for users who seek a smooth and non-intrusive auditory feedback during their sessions. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your unique typing style and sound preferences, whether you lean towards the bright and lively appeal of the Caramel Latte or the understated elegance of the Master.
Mentioned in this article
