Huano Caramel Latte vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and Cherry MX Orange offer two distinct experiences for enthusiasts and casual users alike. The Caramel Latte, known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, clacky sound profile, delivers a smooth typing experience that makes each keystroke enjoyable, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a lively auditory feedback as they type. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switches, newly reissued with MX2A generation enhancements, combine reliability with a well-rounded feel, appealing to users who prefer a switch that balances smooth actuation and tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences in typing styles; the Caramel Latte is ideal for those who want an engaging sound and feel, while the Cherry MX Orange targets users seeking dependable performance and nuanced feedback. 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
55g
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
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
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
The housing materials used in the Huano Caramel Latte and Cherry MX Orange switches exhibit both similarities and distinct characteristics that affect their sound and feel during operation. The Caramel Latte features a top housing made of polyketone (POK), which is celebrated for its durability and smoothness, boasting a high resistance to wear and a relatively low coefficient of friction. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange utilizes a nylon top housing that is acknowledged for its softer nature, contributing to a deeper and softer sound profile. While both switches employ nylon for the bottom housing, the Caramel Latte's top housing material provides a different tactile experience compared to the MX Orange due to POK's superior shock resistance and lower friction.
Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which contributes a common acoustic experience. Nylon, known for its sound-absorbing qualities, creates a rounder and fuller sound that enhances the auditory feedback during typing. This shared bottom housing allows both switches to produce a similar auditory signature: a duller and rounder sound that many users associate with the classic typing experience. Therefore, while the Caramel Latte's top housing introduces clarity and a sharper feel, the nylon bottom in both switches unifies their sound profile, giving users a connection to traditional switch properties.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch creates a distinctive typing experience, informed by the interplay between the top and bottom housings. The POK top housing of the Caramel Latte contributes to its smooth and clacky characteristics, significantly influencing the sound when keys are released. Conversely, the MX Orange, with its nylon top housing, fosters a fuller sound, particularly during key presses. Thus, while both switches utilize nylon as their bottom housing, emphasizing the durability and sound qualities it brings, their overall feel and sound will differ due to the unique top housings. Users can appreciate similar acoustic signatures but will notice different tactile experiences stemming from the choice of top materials.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, notable differences in their actuation forces emerge. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a medium-light switch that can be ideal for those who type for extended sessions or engage in lengthy gaming, as it requires less effort to actuate. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. While the Caramel Latte also has a bottom out force of 55 grams, the bottom out force of the MX Orange is unknown. This lack of information does not allow for a direct comparison of the bottoming out experience between the two. Overall, the Caramel Latte is the lighter option, while the MX Orange is the heavier choice, catering to different user preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch exhibit different travel distances, with the Caramel Latte measuring 3.6 mm and the MX Orange at 4 mm. This indicates that the Caramel Latte has a shorter travel distance compared to the MX Orange, providing a potentially more responsive feel for users who favor quicker key presses, such as gamers. On the other hand, the MX Orange, with its longer 4 mm travel, may offer a more pronounced tactile experience that some users prefer for a sense of depth while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus key travel depth, as the Caramel Latte provides a faster actuation while the MX Orange delivers a more substantial keystroke feel.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is characterized by a bright, clacky sound profile, which can provide a lively auditory experience during typing. This contrasts with the Cherry MX Orange, which may possess a different sound signature, though specific details on its sound are less defined. The sound of any keyboard switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction, the materials used for the keycaps, and the acoustics of the environment, so both switches may yield similar results if placed in optimized settings.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte is noted for its smooth action, providing a satisfying and effortless typing experience with a medium actuation force of 50g at bottom out. The MX Orange, reissued with enhancements, is known for its consistency and reliability, which can also contribute to a pleasant tactile experience. Both switches are likely to feel smooth during use, but specific tactile feedback characteristics may vary, potentially appealing to different preferences among typists.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Cherry MX Orange switches offer distinct qualities that can cater to different user preferences. The Caramel Latte’s bright sound and smooth feel make it an enticing option for those who appreciate a lively typing experience, while the MX Orange, with its enhanced design, promises reliability and consistency. Ultimately, the choice between the two may boil down to personal preference in sound and tactile feedback, but both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience when matched with the right keyboard and keycap setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte and Cherry MX Orange switches largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you enjoy a medium-light actuation with a bright, clacky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, the Caramel Latte is likely to serve you well. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a tactile experience and want a switch that enhances their typing pleasure, especially during long sessions. On the other hand, if you're after a switch that brings back the nostalgia of original stock and offers a solid build quality, the Cherry MX Orange switches, with their heritage and the enhanced feel, may be the better choice. They may lack specific sound descriptions in this context, but they are known for their reliability and responsiveness. Ultimately, you should consider not only the force and sound but also how each switch feels to you ergonomically. Whichever you choose, both options provide distinct advantages that can cater to varied user needs, making them worthwhile considerations in the mechanical keyboard landscape.
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