Huano Caramel Latte vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Huano Caramel Latte and the Cherry MX Silent Red, both of which are linear switches known for their smooth keystrokes. The Caramel Latte, with its medium weight of 50g bottom out, offers a delightful clacky sound profile that can enhance the tactile experience for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red provides a similar smooth typing experience but operates without the noise, making it an excellent choice for those in noise-sensitive environments or shared workspaces. While the Caramel Latte excels in creating an engaging soundscape for typists who appreciate audible feedback, the MX Silent Red caters to users looking for a more subdued experience without sacrificing the feel of a quality linear switch. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Cherry MX Silent Red exhibit both similarities and differences that influence their performance and tactile feedback. The POK (polyketone) top housing of the Caramel Latte is designed for a smooth feel, with a remarkably low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability, significantly outperforming other materials like POM and Nylon in terms of strength and shock resistance. In contrast, the MX Silent Red's top housing is made from nylon, a classic switch material known for its ability to produce a deeper and rounder sound due to its softer, more absorbent nature. This variance in the top housing materials suggests that the experience of actuation will vary, with the Caramel Latte delivering a snappier and more textured feedback while typing, while the MX Silent Red provides a quieter and softer touch.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, sharing the same material that is celebrated for its sound-dampening properties. This results in a consistently muted acoustic profile for both switches, as nylon absorbs more sound and contributes to a deeper, fuller typing sound regardless of the differing top housing materials. This similarity in the bottom housing signifies that, while the top portion dictates the feel and initial response of the switch, the sound output when bottoming out is consistent and enriched from both varieties. Consequently, users seeking a quieter typing experience may still find both switches appealing, as they offer a harmonious balance in terms of audible feedback thanks to their identical bottom housing.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top housings leads to a distinct typing experience when using either switch, but the shared nylon bottom provides a uniformity in acoustic characteristics. The Caramel Latte's POK top housing enhances the smoothness and tactile feedback, promoting an engaging typing experience. Conversely, the Cherry MX Silent Red maintains a traditional typing experience with its nylon top that brings a softer touch. For users looking for specific results, understanding how each material contributes allows them to choose based on their priorities—be it the tactile response or sound profile—while still appreciating the common ground shared through the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which classifies them both as medium-light switches conducive to longer typing sessions without excessive strain. However, the bottom out force differs significantly; the Caramel Latte's bottom out force is 55 grams, indicating that it provides a tangible resistance when fully pressed. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Silent Red is unknown, which leaves a gap in measuring the full typing experience for that switch. Due to its higher bottom out force, the Caramel Latte may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, while both switches offer a similar actuation experience. Overall, for those who prefer lighter switches, the Caramel Latte stands out with a clearly defined bottom out force, whereas the Cherry MX Silent Red remains an enigmatic choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, the Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte switch is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may suit gamers and those looking for quicker key presses. Conversely, the Cherry MX Silent Red, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial depth in their keystrokes, which can enhance the tactile experience of typing. In summary, for those prioritizing responsiveness, the Huano Caramel Latte is the preferable choice, while the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a more traditional and hearty typing sensation.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 switch is characterized as bright and clacky, offering a lively acoustic feedback with each keystroke that many users find enjoyable and engaging. This lively sound allows for an energetic typing experience, making it suitable for a playful, enthusiastic environment. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red presents a muted sound signature, designed specifically for noise-sensitive settings. It minimizes the sharp noises typically associated with mechanical switches, offering a softer, more subdued acoustics while still mirroring the deep, thocky quality that enthusiasts appreciate. The combination of being low-pitched and thocky provides a warm, satisfying auditory feedback that settles comfortably in quieter spaces.
Regarding feel, the Huano Caramel Latte switch is renowned for its super smooth typing experience, which allows users to glide effortlessly from key to key without interruption. This smoothness is ideal for those who value a fluid and seamless typing motion. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch boasts a textured feel, providing a slight friction as keys are pressed. This texture might be favored by users who appreciate a more tactile response as it adds a layer of physical feedback, though it stands in contrast to the Caramel Latte's fluidity.
In summary, the Huano Caramel Latte and Cherry MX Silent Red switches cater to different preferences in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches. The Caramel Latte shines with its bright sound and ultra-smooth typing feel, making it perfect for vibrant typing sessions. Meanwhile, the MX Silent Red favors a quieter experience with a thocky yet textured feel, appealing to those in need of a muted sound profile without sacrificing the satisfaction that comes from a tactile switch. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on whether you prioritize sound dynamics or prefer a more subdued typing environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between Huano Caramel Latte and Cherry MX Silent Red linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a medium-light bottom-out feel with a bright, clacky sound, the Caramel Latte is an excellent option that will make your typing experience enjoyable and lively. Its smooth keystrokes cater well to those who appreciate auditory feedback and are looking for a more engaging typing experience. However, if you're in a noise-sensitive environment, perhaps an office or shared space where your keyboard's sound could be disruptive, the Cherry MX Silent Red would serve you better. With its muted yet satisfying thocky sound profile, this switch maintains the familiar feel of the classic MX series while ensuring that your keystrokes remain discreet. If you prefer a combination of a heavier keypress and a quiet operation for focused work or gaming, then the MX Silent Red is your go-to choice. Ultimately, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and the settings in which you'll be using your keyboard to choose the switch that best enhances your overall experience.
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