Huano Caramel Latte vs. KTT Mint

Overview

When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Mint make for an engaging comparison within the linear category. The Caramel Latte boasts a medium 50g bottom-out weight and is recognized for its bright, clacky sound profile, delivering a smooth and enjoyable typing experience that appeals to users seeking tactile satisfaction. On the other hand, the KTT Mint offers a different flavor of linear switch with its satisfyingly smooth feel and long pole stem, providing a poppy thockiness coupled with a light and fleeting typing sensation. While the Caramel Latte may attract those who prefer a more audible and dynamic feedback while typing, the Mint caters to enthusiasts who value subtlety and a neutral auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing preferences.

By the numbers

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

KTT Mint Linear

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

$2.91 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Mint switches, a notable distinction emerges between their top housings. The Caramel Latte features POK (polyketone) as its top material, celebrated for its smoothness and durability, with a coefficient of friction of 0.04. This provides a slick feel during key presses and contributes to a clackier sound profile. In contrast, the KTT Mint utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which fosters a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer nature. While the POK material enhances the smoothness of the switch experience, the polycarbonate top enhances clarity and resonance, particularly beneficial for RGB setups due to its translucent quality. Thus, while both materials succeed in delivering excellent performance, they cater to different auditory preferences and tactile experiences.

Both the Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Mint share a common bottom housing material: nylon. This classic material is well-known for its ability to absorb sound, producing a deeper and fuller auditory profile. The similarity in the bottom housing means that despite the differences observed in their top housing materials, both switches will evoke a similar acoustic experience from the bottom. The softer nature of nylon contributes to a muted sound, buffering against the harsher sounds that might be produced by the top housings. Consequently, both switches create a harmonious blend of texture and tone that resonates similarly in this aspect, focusing on the warm and round sound profile that nylon delivers.

In summary, the contrasting materials of the top housings result in distinctly different sound profiles for the Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Mint switches, while their common nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a richer sound experience. The Caramel Latte leans towards a smoother, clackier output thanks to its POK top, whereas the Mint excels in producing clear, resonant tones through its polycarbonate design. Nevertheless, the use of nylon for both switches' bottom housings allows for a shared foundational quality, ultimately balancing their performances. Hence, even with different top materials, both switches offer an engaging typing experience that melds smoothness with rich acoustics.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive and suitable for users who prefer a light touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Caramel Latte at 55 grams and the Mint at 53 grams. This indicates that while both switches provide a medium-light feel, the Caramel Latte requires a bit more force to bottom out, giving it a marginally heavier push overall. Therefore, users seeking a lighter typing experience might lean towards the KTT Mint, while those who prefer a more substantial bottoming out sensation might find the Caramel Latte more to their liking.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, the Caramel Latte measures 3.6 mm, while the Mint has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the shorter option, providing a slightly quicker response which may appeal to gamers seeking faster actuation times. On the other hand, the KTT Mint, with its longer travel distance, caters to those who prefer a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, offering a traditional feel that some users might find more comfortable. Ultimately, while both switches serve different preferences, choosing between them hinges on whether one values speed and responsiveness or a more deliberate keypress experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch stands out with its bright, clacky profile, offering a lively auditory experience with each keystroke. This trait can make typing on these switches feel dynamic and engaging, capturing the essence of a classic mechanical keyboard sound. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch presents a low-pitched sound that's more bass-heavy and mellow, creating a neutral auditory experience that can suit various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. The Mint's thockiness adds a unique quality that elevates the sound to a poppy resonance, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that some users may prefer for its subtlety and warmth.

When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch is known for its super smooth typing experience, making every keystroke enjoyable. This smooth action can appeal to typists who appreciate a consistently pleasant tactile experience throughout their typing sessions. In contrast, the KTT Mint switch offers a mild typing experience characterized by its light and fleeting feel. Users can expect a polished and refined typing sensation, thanks to the long pole stem that contributes to a gentle action. This means the Mint may be more approachable for those who prefer a less pronounced feedback while still enjoying a smooth travel.

Overall, both the Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Mint switches have qualities that can cater to typists looking for a linear experience, albeit with distinct characteristics. The Caramel Latte leans towards a brighter auditory experience and an exceptionally smooth feel, while the Mint offers a more subdued sound with a gentle, polished typing sensation. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying experience; thus, choosing between them would largely depend on whether one prefers a more vibrant or a more neutral auditory profile alongside their desired typing feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Mint linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a bright, clacky sound profile and enjoy the sensation of a smooth, medium-weight keystroke, the Caramel Latte would be an excellent option for you. Its 55-gram bottom-out force provides just the right amount of resistance for a satisfying typing experience, particularly if you appreciate tactile feedback in a lively auditory environment. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and low-pitched sound with a gentle typing feel, the KTT Mint switch could be a better fit. With its light and fleeting touch alongside a long pole stem that offers a poppy thockiness, it excels in providing a polished and mild typing experience. This switch is versatile enough to cater to a wide range of users, making it suitable for both casual and professional settings. Assess what aspects are most important to you—whether it’s the sound, feel, or overall responsiveness of the switches—and you'll surely find one that aligns with your typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

KTT Mint Linear

$2.91 per 10

Learn more