Huano Caramel Latte vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and Cherry MX Red present distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The Caramel Latte switch, with its medium actuation weight of 50g and bright, clacky sound profile, delivers a super smooth and enjoyable typing experience that allows for seamless keystrokes, making it ideal for those who appreciate a pop in their typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch is a renowned classic characterized by its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust and satisfying auditory depth that caters to users who desire a more grounded feedback in their keystrokes. While both switches excel in smoothness and linear actuation, the choice ultimately hinges on personal preferences for sound and tactile 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
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 Cherry MX Red switches, the key difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Caramel Latte features a POK (polyketone) top housing, praised for its exceptionally smooth feel and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it provides a slicker surface than the Cherry MX Red's nylon top housing, which, despite being a classic choice, offers a softer feel and deeper sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound. This distinction is significant, as the POK material's durability, which is 14 times stronger than POM, contributes to a more resilient and long-lasting switch compared to the MX Red, which relies on nylon's softness.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, creating a unified attribute in terms of sound profile. The nylon in both the Caramel Latte and MX Red contributes to a duller and rounder sound, thanks to its sound-absorbing qualities. This similarity means that the bottom-out sound and feel during typing will be consistent between the two switches. Regardless of the varying materials for the top housing, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that users experience a deeper sound profile when the key is pressed down. Therefore, while the tactile experience differs during the release of a key, the sound characteristics during bottoming out are comparably rich in both switches.
In terms of overall performance and sound, the combination of different materials for the top and bottom housings in the Caramel Latte and MX Red switches results in distinct yet overlapping experiences. The POK top housing of the Caramel Latte delivers a smoother and more durable typing experience, while the nylon bottom housing provides a full-bodied sound. In contrast, the MX Red's nylon top housing introduces its softer tactile response, complemented by its equally advantageous nylon bottom housing, ensuring a rich auditory experience. Ultimately, even though both switches bring out unique characteristics through their material compositions, users can still achieve satisfying sound profiles owing to the shared properties of the nylon in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch to the Cherry MX Red linear switch, both keys share the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a light and responsive typing experience that many users appreciate for prolonged use, whether for work or gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Caramel Latte is 55 grams, indicating a firmer resistance felt when the key is pressed all the way down, which offers some users a more substantial typing feedback. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Red is listed as unavailable, making it impossible to draw a direct comparison for that measurement. Nevertheless, given the information on the actuation forces, potential users can expect a similar initial response when pressing either switch, but those who prefer a heavier tactile experience should consider the Caramel Latte, while those seeking a lighter touch may favor the MX Red, assuming it has a bottom out force comparable to the Caramel Latte's 55 grams.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, the Caramel Latte measures 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the shorter of the two options, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times due to its reduced distance. Conversely, the Cherry MX Red, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, offers a deeper feel that some users prefer for a more substantial keystroke experience. Ultimately, if you lean towards more responsiveness, the Caramel Latte may be the better choice, while those who enjoy a firmer, hearty depth might favor the Cherry MX Red’s longer travel distance.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 switch offers a bright, clacky profile that adds a lively character to your typing experience. It produces a more pronounced auditory feedback, enhancing the sensation of engagement with each keystroke. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch presents a thocky and low-pitched sound that delivers a deep, rich tone when pressed. This creates a satisfying auditory depth that many typists find enjoyable, especially in quieter environments where the subtleties of sound can be fully appreciated. Depending on your keyboard's build and keycap choice, both switches can create unique sound profiles, but their inherent characteristics provide distinct auditory experiences.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte linear switches are known for their smoothness, providing a fluid typing experience that many users appreciate. This smooth action allows for seamless transitions between keystrokes, which can enhance typing speed and accuracy. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switches are described as having a textured feel, which can introduce a slight friction during key presses. Some users might enjoy this sensation as it offers a bit of tactile feedback that can help in maintaining typing precision, while others might prefer the effortless glide of the Caramel Latte.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Cherry MX Red switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences suitable for different typing preferences. The Caramel Latte excels in a bright and clacky sound paired with a smooth feel, ideal for those seeking a lively and uninterrupted typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Red provides a thocky auditory profile with a textured feel that can appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on personal preference, as both switches can yield satisfying results based on the qualities they each offer.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-light actuation force combined with a bright, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte switch is an excellent choice. Its smooth keystrokes and satisfying auditory feedback make it particularly appealing for casual typing and gaming, creating a pleasant atmosphere as you work or play. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier, textured feel that offers a more robust typing experience with a deep, thocky sound, then the Cherry MX Red switch may be more suitable for you. Its deeper sound and low-pitched nature provide a solid auditory feedback that many users find comforting and satisfying. Ultimately, consider what you value most in your typing experience—whether it's the light, lively noise of the Caramel Latte or the satisfying, deeper tones of the MX Red—as this will guide you in making the right choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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