Huano Caramel Latte vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Cherry MX Black both offer unique experiences suited to different preferences. The Caramel Latte switch features a medium weight of 50g at bottom out and is celebrated for its bright, clacky sound profile and exceptionally smooth typing experience, ideal for users who prioritize a tactile and enjoyable feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switches provide a low-pitched, textured feel with a stiffer actuation, enhanced by Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling, which yields a polished typing experience and is perfect for those who favor a more solid feedback and sound. Each switch serves distinct needs and typing styles, making them appealing for different types of users. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Cherry MX Black switches reveal both similarities and differences that significantly influence their performance and sound characteristics. The Caramel Latte features a POK material for its top housing, known for its impressive durability and smoothness, with a low coefficient of friction of 0.04. In contrast, the MX Black employs a nylon top housing, which has a slightly higher friction coefficient. This difference means that while the Caramel Latte offers a smoother typing experience, the MX Black provides a deeper, more muted sound profile. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating consistency in sound absorption, which helps in producing a fuller auditory experience when keys are pressed down.
Both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to their shared characteristic of producing a deeper and rounder sound profile. This similarity means that regardless of the difference in top housing materials, both switches will deliver a satisfying auditory feedback when the keys bottom out. The nylon's intrinsic properties, such as its ability to absorb sound, are crucial in shaping the overall typing experience, allowing users to enjoy a fuller sound regardless of whether they are using the Caramel Latte or the MX Black. Consequently, while the top housing materials may define the initial tactile feedback and sound upon release, the consistent use of nylon on the bottom ensures that both switches maintain that desirable deeper sound signature when the keys are actuated.
In terms of durability, the POK material used in the Caramel Latte’s top housing sets it apart from the MX Black’s nylon top housing, which is more traditional and softer. The POK material's wear resistance is notably superior, offering a robust switching experience that can withstand prolonged usage without degradation. Therefore, while both switch designs may share similar auditory properties due to their nylon bottom housing, their overall longevity and tactile response may differ based on the construction of their respective top housings. Users seeking a balance between durability and sound quality might prefer the Caramel Latte, while those who favor the classic feel and sound profile of nylon may opt for the MX Black.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, we can see notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a medium-light typing experience that can reduce fatigue during extended use, whether for work or gaming. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. This greater resistance provides a more substantial feel, appealing to those who favor a stronger push for their typing. In summary, if you're looking for a lighter option that still delivers a responsive experience, the Huano Caramel Latte is the better choice, while the Cherry MX Black caters to users seeking a more robust tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it's clear that they differ in measurement. The Huano Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Black has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the shorter option, which may cater to gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for a more pronounced keystroke. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness and a quicker actuation, the Huano Caramel Latte would be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a deeper typing experience might lean towards the Cherry MX Black.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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
The sound profile of the Huano Caramel Latte switches is characterized by a bright, clacky tone, which tends to give off a lively and engaging auditory experience when typing. This makes it a great choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced audio feedback during use. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switches produce a low-pitched sound that is bass-heavy and mellow, creating a deeper and more subdued auditory backdrop. While the Caramel Latte's brighter sound can be invigorating, the MX Black’s deeper tone may be more appealing to those seeking a quieter and less intrusive typing experience. Both sound profiles will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap material, so the final outcome can vary based on these conditions.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switch is lauded for its super smooth actuation, offering a fluid typing experience that enhances overall comfort and ease of use. This makes it an excellent option for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, Cherry MX Black switches are known for their textured and stiff nature, requiring more force to actuate compared to lighter switches. This textured feel introduces a noticeable friction that some users might appreciate for its tactile feedback, while others may find it less desirable, preferring the seamless experience provided by the Caramel Latte.
In summary, when comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, users will find distinct differences in sound and feel. The Caramel Latte excels with a bright, clacky sound and a smooth feel, making it enjoyable for those who prioritize auditory feedback and a comfortable typing experience. In contrast, the MX Black offers a low-pitched, mellow sound accompanied by a textured and stiffer feel, catering to users who enjoy more resistance and tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches provide unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their needs, whether they prefer the brightness of the Caramel Latte or the deep resonance of the MX Black.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with a lighter bottom-out force, the Caramel Latte, with its 55-gram actuation and bright, clacky sound profile, may be the ideal choice for you. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a responsive and playful feel in their keystrokes, making it great for both gaming and typing tasks where speed and comfort are essential. On the other hand, if you have a heavier hand or prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Cherry MX Black’s 80-gram actuation and low-pitched, deep sound profile provide a solid and textured experience. This switch is preferable for users who appreciate a firmer feedback when typing and might enjoy the stability and resistance it offers for long typing sessions or rapid gaming scenarios. In summary, consider what you value in your keyboard experience—whether it's the smooth and lively feedback of the Caramel Latte or the sturdy, bassy presence of the MX Black.
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