Huano Caramel Latte vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves navigating a sea of options, each with its unique characteristics. Two notable linear switches are the Huano Caramel Latte and the Haimu Neo White. The Caramel Latte is renowned for its medium weight of 50g at bottom out and a bright, clacky sound profile, delivering a super smooth and enjoyable typing experience with every keystroke. This switch is particularly appealing for those who crave auditory feedback without compromising on smoothness. Conversely, the Neo White switches offer a slightly lighter touch with a reduced total travel, creating a distinct typing feel enhanced by the rare Ly stem, which contributes to its remarkably smooth actuation. Ideal for users desiring a more subdued yet satisfying tactile experience, the Neo White caters to a preference for a mild and neutral typing sensation. While both switches boast smooth performance, their sound profiles and unique construction create different experiences suited to various typing styles. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Haimu Neo White switches, we see a significant distinction in the top housing material. The Caramel Latte utilizes polyketone (POK) for its top housing, celebrated for its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. This aids in providing a smooth and clacky typing experience, as well as impressive shock resistance, making it a robust choice for long-term use. In contrast, the Neo White employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and provides a clearer, sharper sound profile. The ability of polycarbonate to transmit sound with greater vibrancy lends a particular crispness to the auditory feedback of the Neo White, especially suitable for RGB enthusiasts who appreciate the aesthetic qualities of a translucent material.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material—nylon. Nylon is a classic choice in the keyboard switch industry, known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and warmer sound profile. This shared use of nylon in the bottom housing means that both switch types will have a similar impact on the typing experience in terms of sound dampening and feel. The combination of a softer bottom housing made from nylon enhances the overall tactile feedback of both switches, contributing to a fuller sound when bottomed out regardless of the contrasting top housing materials.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials of the Caramel Latte and Neo White results in unique yet complementary sound profiles. The Caramel Latte’s POK top offers smoothness and strength, while the Neo White's polycarbonate top introduces a crisper acoustic experience. Nevertheless, both switches benefit from the softening characteristics of their nylon bottoms, ensuring that the overall typing experience remains pleasurable. By understanding how each material contributes to the sound and feel of the switches, one can appreciate the distinctive auditory experiences they provide while still acknowledging the commonalities that lead to an enriched typing experience across both types.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, some notable differences emerge. The Caramel Latte switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White has an unknown actuation force, which makes a direct comparison challenging, but it features a bottom out force of 58 grams, placing it in the medium range. Despite the uncertainty regarding the Neo White's actuation force, we can ascertain that the Caramel Latte's actuation force is lighter, making it a more suitable choice for those who prefer ease of typing during longer sessions. Conversely, the Haimu Neo White's bottom out force is slightly heavier, appealing to users who favor a more substantial push feel. Overall, if users prioritize a lighter switch for extended typing comfort, the Caramel Latte would be the better option, while those who prefer a firmer feedback might lean toward the Neo White despite the unknown actuation force.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience an identical distance from the top to the bottom. Consequently, users can expect similar tactile feedback and keypress feel between the two switches, leading to a comparable typing experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, neither is shorter or longer than the other, ensuring consistent performance in this regard.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 per 10 switches.
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 delivers a bright and clacky sound profile that enhances the auditory experience of each keystroke, making it quite enjoyable for typists who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switch presents a neutral sound profile, characterized by moderate sound levels that make it versatile and suitable for both beginners and advanced users alike. While the Caramel Latte's clacky nature can be fun and engaging, the Neo White's balanced sound ensures it won't disrupt your work environment, making both switches effective but in different auditory contexts.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte provides a smooth typing experience with its medium weight of 50 grams at bottom-out, allowing for a comfortable yet responsive keystroke. Conversely, the Neo White switch features a slightly reduced total travel and a unique Ly stem, contributing to a remarkably smooth actuation. This mild feel means typists will find it gentle and approachable, promoting extended typing sessions without fatigue. While both switches are designed for a smooth experience, the Caramel Latte leans towards a more traditional feel, while the Neo White offers a modern twist with its unique actuation characteristics.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Haimu Neo White switches present unique qualities that appeal to different types of users. The Caramel Latte stands out with its bright sound and traditionally smooth feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more engaging auditory feedback, while the Neo White provides a neutral sound and gentle feel that caters to a range of user preferences. Depending on your acoustic and tactile preferences, either switch could provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a smooth typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, the Caramel Latte might be your best bet. Its bright, clacky sound profile enhances the feel of each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a lively auditory feedback, whether for casual typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer 58-gram bottom out force and a more neutral sound profile, the Neo White would be a fitting option. Its unique Ly stem and mild characteristics provide a gentle yet satisfying typing experience, making it suitable for both work and home environments where you might want to keep the noise to a minimum while still enjoying a smooth feel. In summary, your selection should hinge on whether you appreciate a lively, clackier typing experience or a balanced, subdued feel that suits a variety of settings.
Mentioned in this article
