Huano Caramel Latte vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options are the Huano Caramel Latte linear switches and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switches. The Caramel Latte switches are celebrated for their medium weight of 50g and bright, clacky sound profile, providing a smooth and pleasurable typing experience that appeals to those who enjoy fast, uninterrupted keystrokes. In contrast, Cherry MX Brown switches are characterized by their subtlety; they offer a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactile feedback and subdued audio cues, making them ideal for users who appreciate a more muted, nuanced approach to their keystrokes. Each switch caters to different preferences—whether you prioritize a more lively typing sound or a discreet, tactile response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
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
Nylon
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 Cherry MX Brown switches, we see a notable difference in the top housing construction. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK material, known for its exceptional strength and low coefficient of friction, which contributes to a smooth and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown features a top housing made from nylon, a classic switch material that yields a deeper sound profile due to its softer nature. While POK excels in durability and resistance to shock, nylon’s attributes lean towards sound dampening and producing a fuller auditory experience, illustrating how different materials can impact tactile feedback and sound characteristics in mechanical keyboards.
On the other hand, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a shared auditory experience when the switches are bottomed out. This uniformity in material signifies that both the Caramel Latte and the MX Brown produce a similar deep and rounded sound profile when the key is pressed down fully. This consistency in the bottom housing material promotes a uniform feel across both switches when it comes to bottom-out sounds, ensuring that users may enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback regardless of the variation in the top housings. As a result, even though the top housings differ significantly in their traits, the familiar nylon characteristic in the bottom housing binds their overall performance.
In synthesizing these differences and similarities, we can conclude that while the Huano Caramel Latte's POK top housing promotes an outstanding tactile feel and smoothness, the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Brown creates a different acoustic atmosphere that may appeal to those who prefer a softer sound. However, both switches benefit from the classic dampening properties provided by nylon in their bottoms, uniting them in their tactile sound profile during actuation. Users seeking a specific typing experience may gravitate towards either switch based on their preference for smoothness versus sound depth, but both provide a foundation of durability and aesthetic auditory feedback thanks to their shared bottom housing material.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch share identical specifications regarding their actuation and bottom out forces, both having an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This similarity means users can expect comparable typing experiences in terms of force required to activate a keystroke and the depth necessary to bottom out the switch. Both switches are classified as medium-light, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions, as the lighter actuation force reduces finger fatigue over time. Consequently, either switch would be a good choice for users who prefer a lighter touch without sacrificing responsiveness. However, for those who prefer a more substantial push feel typically associated with heavier switches, neither the Huano Caramel Latte nor the Cherry MX Brown would meet that preference.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch measures 4 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the shorter of the two, offering a quicker actuation that may appeal to gamers who prioritize fast response times. Conversely, the Cherry MX Brown, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced feeling when pressing the key, which may be preferable for users who enjoy a more tactile feedback and a deeper keystroke. Thus, if responsiveness is your goal, the Caramel Latte would be the better choice, whereas the MX Brown caters to those who favor a more substantial 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 Cherry MX Brown 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
In terms of sound, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switches are characterized by a bright, clacky sound profile that delivers an engaging auditory experience with each keystroke. This contrast with the Cherry MX Brown switches, which are known for their bassy and low-pitched feedback, creates a more subdued audio experience. While the Caramel Latte offers a lively and pronounced sound, the MX Brown's deeper tone provides a richer and mellow sound profile. It's important to note that the final sound experience can be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used, so personal preference plays a significant role here.
Regarding feel, the Caramel Latte switches offer a super smooth typing experience, allowing for seamless key presses without any noticeable friction. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switches are designed with gentle tactility, featuring a textured feel that provides subtle feedback without being overly demanding. This textured sensation may be appreciated by typists who enjoy a tactile indication of actuation, but may not appeal to those who prefer the frictionless action offered by the Caramel Latte.
Considering all available information, the Caramel Latte switches present a vibrant and smooth typing experience with a distinct sound profile, while the MX Brown switches provide a more understated yet tactile feel. The choice between the two ultimately boils down to personal preference: if you favor a lively sound and smooth action, Caramel Latte would be the way to go, while for a subtle tactile feedback combined with a deeper sound, MX Brown is ideal. Both switches cater to different typing experiences, allowing users to select based on their preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, you should consider your typing preferences and the type of feedback you enjoy. If you appreciate a smooth and satisfying typing experience combined with a bright, clacky sound, the Caramel Latte would likely be your go-to choice, especially for long typing sessions or gaming where rapid key presses are common. This switch is ideal for those who prefer an auditory reward from their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and refined feel with some tactile feedback that subtly indicates when a key has been actuated, the Cherry MX Brown would be more suitable. The low-pitched, bassy sound profile and textured feel provide a balanced and enjoyable typing experience without the distractions of louder keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a smooth and lively typing experience or a more nuanced, tactile interaction with the added resonance of deeper sounds.
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