Huano Caramel Latte vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of different types to suit their typing preferences, and two noteworthy contenders are the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Matcha. The Caramel Latte, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes and medium weight of 50g at the bottom out, complemented by a bright, clacky sound profile that can be both satisfying and engaging. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha, recognized for its tactile feedback, offers a comfortable, snappy sensation with each press, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate the distinct tactile bump during typing. Additionally, the long pole stem of the Matcha provides a clean bottom-out sound that sets it apart from other tactile switches. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences—whether you lean toward the seamless flow of a linear switch or the tactile confirmation of a tactile option. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Matcha switches exemplify distinct approaches to achieving unique acoustic profiles and durability in mechanical switches. The Caramel Latte utilizes a polyketone (POK) material for its top housing, known for its smoothness and exceptional wear resistance. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK not only contributes to a pleasant tactile experience but also enhances the overall sound profile, leading to a smooth, clacky response. In contrast, the KTT Matcha features a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer composition. As a result, while both switches are designed to provide enjoyable acoustics and a satisfactory typing experience, the Caramel Latte is more focused on smoothness and durability, whereas the Matcha emphasizes clarity and resonance.
When examining the bottom housing materials, the differences between the two switches become even more pronounced. The Caramel Latte employs nylon for its bottom housing, which is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper, fuller sound profile. This inherent sound dampening results in a distinctly warmer auditory experience when bottoming out. Meanwhile, the KTT Matcha uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, which further reinforces the switch's crisp sound quality. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a bright and resonant sound, leading to an overall contrast in auditory experience. Consequently, while the Caramel Latte leans towards a rounded and soft sound, the Matcha tends to deliver a cutting and clear auditory feedback.
Despite their differing top and bottom housing materials, both switches can achieve desirable results by leveraging their unique characteristics. In the Caramel Latte, the combination of a smooth POK top with a sound-absorbing nylon bottom creates a harmonious balance of tactile feel and warm acoustics. Conversely, the KTT Matcha's use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housing ensures a consistent and vibrant sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. When evaluating a switch's performance, understanding the distinct contributions of each housing material is crucial, as it clarifies how the sound and feel can vary based on the materials used in both the top and bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Matcha switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, placing it firmly in the light category. This means that users preferring a softer touch and less fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions might find the Matcha more appealing. In comparison, those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may favor the Caramel Latte due to its heavier resistance. Overall, while both switches have their unique characteristics, the Matcha is the lighter option, while the Caramel Latte provides a bit more resistance for those who seek a stronger typing experience.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Matcha tactile switch measures slightly longer at 4 mm. This difference makes the Caramel Latte the shorter option, providing a snappier response that may appeal to gamers looking for quick key presses. In contrast, the Matcha's longer 4 mm travel distance offers a more pronounced depth, which some users might find more satisfying for typing or general use. Thus, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Caramel Latte would be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial key press might lean toward the Matcha. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences based on their travel distances, emphasizing the importance of individual comfort and usage style in selecting a switch.
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 Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 produces a bright, clacky sound profile that can be characterized as crisp and percussive with each keystroke. This lively auditory quality adds an engaging element to typing, making it highly satisfying, especially for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch offers a distinctly clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem, which contributes to a more refined auditory experience. While the Matcha switch may not be as bright or clacky as the Caramel Latte, it still delivers an enjoyable sound that complements its tactile design.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte is recognized for providing a super smooth typing experience with a medium weight of 50g bottom out. This allows for a pleasant and effortless keystroke without the hindrance of tactile bumps or resistance that one might experience with tactile switches. In contrast, the KTT Matcha is designed to provide a unique tactile sensation characterized by its comfortable, snappy feedback. The stepped feel gives it a defined two-stage response, enhancing the typing experience. The Matcha's snappy characteristics can energize typing, while the accented and feathery traits ensure a responsive yet comfortable encounter. Overall, the tactile nature of the Matcha introduces an engaging dimension that is absent in the linear feel of the Caramel Latte.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Caramel Latte offers a bright, clacky sound and a smooth typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy linear switches. Conversely, the Matcha delivers a snappy and defined tactile feedback with a clean auditory profile, perfect for users who appreciate tactile sensations while typing. While they offer distinct experiences, each switch has its charm, allowing newcomers to choose according to their personal taste and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a smooth, clacky typing experience with a medium-light bottom-out force that lends itself well to a variety of tasks—be it gaming, typing, or general use—the Caramel Latte would be an excellent choice. Its bright sound profile enhances the feeling of satisfaction as you type, making it enjoyable for long sessions. On the other hand, if you find yourself leaning toward a tactile option with a lighter actuation force, the KTT Matcha is likely to be more appealing. Its comfortable, snappy tactility and clean bottom-out sound provide a distinct feedback that many typists appreciate. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who favor a responsive feel while minimizing finger fatigue, making it great for extensive typing in shared environments. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the typing experience you most desire, whether that’s the smooth progression of the Caramel Latte or the engaging feedback of the Matcha.
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