Huano Caramel Latte vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between Huano Caramel Latte and Cherry MX Purple RGB can significantly impact your typing experience. The Caramel Latte switches are known for their medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, clacky sound profile, providing a smooth and enjoyable feel with every keystroke—ideal for users who appreciate a linear switch's uninterrupted flow while typing. On the other hand, Cherry MX Purple RGB switches deliver a tactile feedback experience that distinguishes them from their linear counterparts; they offer a short, medium-strength bump that engages the typist, making them particularly well-suited for those who enjoy the satisfying sensation of feeling the actuation. While the Caramel Latte’s high-pitched, clacky sound adds an engaging auditory element to your keystrokes, the Purple RGB’s tactile feedback emphasizes precision and engagement during usage. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Cherry MX Purple RGB, notable differences emerge, particularly in the choice of material for the top housing. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK material for its top housing, which is celebrated for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, the POK housing provides a slightly smoother typing experience than the Cherry MX Purple RGB’s nylon top housing, which has a coefficient of 0.03. While nylon is a tried-and-true material known for its sound-absorbing capabilities, POK's impressive wear resistance—14 times stronger than POM—suggests a longer-lasting performance, adding to its appeal for those who prioritize durability alongside smooth operation. The differences in sound profiles resulting from these materials further differentiate the two switches, as the POK contributes to a lighter, more clacky sound, whereas nylon generally provides a deeper and rounder acoustic experience.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a sense of consistency between the two models. The inherent qualities of nylon, being softer and more sound-absorptive, lead to a fuller and more muted sound when typing. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable auditory experience from the bottom housing across both the Caramel Latte and Cherry MX Purple RGB, despite their differing top housing materials. Since the bottom housing influences the feel and sound of a key press when bottoming out, the nylon material plays an essential role in shaping the tactile feedback and acoustics experienced with either switch, leading to a richer typing experience.
In conclusion, while the two switches diverge in their top housing choices with the Huano Caramel Latte opting for POK and the Cherry MX Purple RGB using nylon, they share a commonality in their nylon bottom housings, ensuring a consistent sound profile. The contrasting materials result in different typing sensations and sound characteristics. The Caramel Latte's POK housing promotes a smoother feel and a more pronounced clack when releasing the key, while the MX Purple RGB's nylon top supports a fuller sound. Ultimately, this combination allows users to experience a distinctive typing environment while also enjoying a familiar acoustic richness from the shared nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch exhibit similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar effort when pressing down for a keystroke, which can facilitate longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, the bottom out force of the Caramel Latte is 55 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when fully pressed down, while the bottom out force for the MX Purple RGB switch remains unknown. This suggests that if the MX Purple RGB has a lower bottom out force, it might provide a softer feel overall compared to the Caramel Latte. Given this information, the Caramel Latte switch can be classified as medium-light, appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended use, whereas the MX Purple RGB may cater to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, particularly if its bottom out force is indeed heavier. In summary, the Caramel Latte is lighter overall, but the MX Purple's characteristics remain uncertain.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, there is a clear difference. The Huano Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, the Caramel Latte will provide a slightly shallower response, which is often preferred by gamers looking for quicker actuation times, while the Cherry MX Purple offers a more traditional depth that some users may find more satisfying for typing and gaming alike. If you prefer a snappier and more responsive experience, the Huano Caramel Latte is the better choice; however, if you appreciate the feel of a more substantial key press, the Cherry MX Purple RGB would be more to your liking.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 switches deliver a bright, clacky profile that produces a high-pitched, sharp, and percussive sound with every keystroke. This auditory feedback contributes to an engaging typing experience, especially for users who appreciate a more dynamic and lively sound. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches do not have a defined sound profile based on the available information, leaving their auditory characteristics to be unknown in comparison to the Caramel Latte. However, it’s important to remember that the sound is highly influenced by the board and keycaps, so results could vary based on those choices.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switches stand out with their silky smoothness that creates an exceptionally pleasurable typing experience, minimizing resistance upon pressing and releasing keys. This smoothness translates into effortless keystrokes that many typists find appealing. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, while developed for a tactile feel with a medium-strength bump, do not have specific descriptions of their tactile nature. The tactile feedback they offer is designed to provide a refined experience, but without further details on their smoothness or typing resistance, it’s hard to make a direct comparison.
In summary, the Huano Caramel Latte switches excel in both sound and feel, offering a bright, clacky auditory feedback alongside a silky smooth typing experience. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, although not as well-defined in terms of sound and feel from the information provided, are engineered for a refined tactile experience. Depending on your preferences, if you favor a lively sound and smooth keystrokes, the Caramel Latte would likely be a superior choice. If you prefer a tactile bump, the MX Purple may offer an enjoyable experience, but you may want to explore further to fully appreciate its qualities.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a smooth, clacky sound profile with a light touch, making the experience of typing feel fluid and enjoyable, the Caramel Latte is undoubtedly the way to go. Its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams allows for effortless key presses, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where speed and comfort are crucial. On the other hand, if you prefer discernible feedback from your keystrokes, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a refined tactile experience that promises a satisfying, short bump with each press. This can enhance your typing accuracy, especially if you’re someone who values the tactile sensation and relies on it during both typing and gaming. In summary, consider the Caramel Latte for a smooth and vibrant experience and the MX Purple RGB for a more tactile and feedback-rich encounter. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what feels best for you in terms of sound, feel, and application.
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