Huano Caramel Latte vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can greatly influence both typing comfort and performance. Two popular options are the Huano Caramel Latte and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, both renowned for their linear action but offering distinct experiences. The Huano Caramel Latte, with its medium weight of 50g bottom-out force, presents a smooth and delightful typing experience enhanced by a bright, clacky sound profile. This makes it a favorite among typists who appreciate auditory feedback without sacrificing feel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is designed for speed, featuring low spring resistance that allows for ultra-fast actuation, making it the go-to choice for competitive gamers where split-second responses are critical. While both switches cater to different user preferences—one leaning towards a pleasurable typing experience and the other prioritizing rapid response—each has its merits. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right 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
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver switches reveal both similarities and differences that shape the overall typing experience. The Caramel Latte features a top housing made from polyketone (POK), which boasts a low coefficient of friction at 0.04, contributing to a smoother keystroke without significant resistance. This is contrasted with the Speed Silver's nylon top housing, which while also providing a softer feel, lacks the same level of durability and smoothness as POK. Nylon does produce a deeper and rounder sound profile due to its sound-absorbing qualities, but its higher friction compared to POK may affect the tactile feedback differently when the switches are engaged.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, allowing for a consistent auditory experience between the two. The nylon's inherent softness contributes a fuller sound profile, particularly noticeable when bottoming out a key. Since both the Caramel Latte and Speed Silver have nylon at the base, users will experience a similar tactile depth and acoustic resonance when pressing down on either switch. This shared material helps to balance any variance in feel or auditory response that may arise due to the differences in their top housings, ensuring that the bottoming-out experience is rich and cohesive for both models.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches leads to distinct outcomes. The Caramel Latte's POK top housing enhances the smoothness and robustness during typing, which contrasts with the more subdued characteristics of the Speed Silver's nylon top. However, since both models share the same nylon bottom housing, they will exhibit a similar sonic depth and fullness when keys are pressed. This interplay between different materials highlights the importance of both the top and bottom housing in shaping a keyboard's acoustic and tactile performance, allowing users to find a balance that suits their preferred typing style.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, we find that both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in terms of the force required to register a keystroke. This similarity allows users seeking a light typing experience to achieve comparable results with both switches. However, the bottom out force diverges significantly: the Caramel Latte switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the bottom out force of the MX Speed Silver is unspecified. This indicates that the Caramel Latte is slightly heavier overall, which could appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver might feel more effortless during actuation but lacks a concrete bottom out metric for comparison. Therefore, those who favor longer typing or gaming sessions might find the lighter feel of the Caramel Latte beneficial, while those oriented toward a more responsive push may lean towards the MX Speed Silver, albeit with less information regarding its bottom out characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, we find that the Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Speed Silver measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This makes the Huano Caramel Latte the switch with the longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when pressed. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Cherry MX Speed Silver allows for quicker key presses, making it a favored choice among gamers who seek faster response times. Ultimately, if you prefer a deeper, more tactile experience, the Caramel Latte would be ideal, whereas the Speed Silver caters to those who value speed and efficiency in their keystrokes.
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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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
The Huano Caramel Latte switch features a bright, clacky sound profile that offers an engaging auditory experience with each keystroke. This lively sound is well-suited for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch produces a low-pitched, thocky sound characterized by a deep, rich resonance when pressed. This gives the Speed Silver a more subdued auditory experience, which may appeal to users seeking a quieter workplace environment without sacrificing performance.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte is renowned for its super smooth typing experience, allowing for fluid keystrokes that enhance the overall enjoyment of typing. This smoothness makes it ideal for users who favor a seamless and uninterrupted flow in their typing motions. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is described as having a textured feel, introducing noticeable friction during key presses. This texture can provide gamers with tactile feedback that helps enhance their precision, although it may not be favored by those who prefer a completely frictionless typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Caramel Latte and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches offer distinct auditory and tactile characteristics, they cater to different preferences. The Caramel Latte provides a bright and smooth typing experience, perfect for those who appreciate lively sound and seamless keystrokes. Alternatively, the Speed Silver appeals to gamers seeking rapid response and tactile feedback, albeit with a textured sensation and a thocky sound. Ultimately, choosing between them comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, as each switch has its own unique benefits.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, consider your primary use case and personal preferences. If you value a smooth typing experience with a medium-light resistance and a bright, clacky sound, the Caramel Latte might be your ideal choice. This switch is perfect for everyday typing and casual gaming, as it delivers a pleasant tactile feedback without being overly forceful. On the other hand, if you're a competitive gamer seeking rapid response and efficiency, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is engineered for you. Its low spring resistance and full-height design allow for lightning-fast actuation, which can be crucial in high-stakes gaming scenarios. Moreover, the Speed Silver's thocky, low-pitched sound adds to the immersive experience, despite its more textured feeling. Ultimately, your choice should align with your specific needs—whether that be the smoothness of everyday writing or the swift execution required in gaming. Each switch brings its own unique benefits to the table, ensuring that you can find the right fit for your keyboard experience.
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