Huano Caramel Latte vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of linear switches against their tactile counterparts, and two notable examples are the Huano Caramel Latte and the Bsun Olive. The Caramel Latte is celebrated for its smooth performance, providing a medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, and its bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the typing experience. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a whisper-soft keystroke without the interruption of tactile bumps, making it perfect for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Bsun Olive offers an invigorating tactile experience with a pronounced feedback mechanism, thanks to its unique design and long pole stem. With its POM housing, this switch delivers a rich, resonant sound and a crisp bottom-out feel, making every press distinctly satisfying. While the Caramel Latte excels in silence and smoothness, the Olive stands out for its tactile engagement and auditory enjoyment. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte and the Bsun Olive switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, with the Caramel Latte utilizing POK and the Olive featuring POM. The POK material in the Caramel Latte boasts a relatively higher coefficient of friction at 0.04 compared to POM’s 0.03, contributing to its exceptionally smooth operation. This characteristic, along with its remarkable durability, makes POK one of the premium choices for crafting switches. In contrast, the Olive’s POM top housing, while also smooth, leans towards a sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted. Thus, while both materials offer a degree of smoothness, the differences in their friction coefficients and tonal qualities set them apart, leading to varied tactile experiences when typing.
On the bottom housing front, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Bsun Olive showcase POM material. This similarity influences their sound profiles in distinct but complementary ways. The POM housing in the Olive contributes to a uniquely pleasant sound that remains muted and deeper, aligning with the preferences of those who appreciate a dampened auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing of the Caramel Latte also enhances the sound experience but leans toward eliciting a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer properties. This notable divergence in composition affects the overall auditory feedback when the switches are activated. While the Caramel Latte’s nylon offers a softer touch, the Olive maintains a consistent POM sound profile across both its top and bottom housing.
Ultimately, the differences and similarities between the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Bsun Olive create unique typing experiences. The Caramel Latte, with its POK top and nylon bottom, combines smooth operation with a fuller sound, presenting a more pronounced typing feel. In contrast, the Bsun Olive, with a POM top and bottom, emphasizes a consistent, muted sound that maintains a streamlined feel. Despite having a varied approach to sound and texture, the presence of POM in the Olive ensures that certain aspects of tactile experience and acoustic depth are present in both switches, promoting a cohesive auditory signature across the board. The ever-present duality of materials highlights that while some qualities may diverge, the fundamental experience can still converge on producing satisfying results.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, both have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a similar lightweight typing experience that allows for extended periods of use, whether for work or gaming. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly: the Caramel Latte has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Olive requires a heftier 65 grams to bottom out. This distinction indicates that while both switches feel similar during the actuation phase, the Olive provides a more substantial resistive feel when pressed fully down, catering to users who prefer a stronger push. Therefore, if you prefer lighter switches for prolonged use, the Caramel Latte is the better choice, while the heavier Olive might suit those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback and resistance.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch exhibit different travel distances, with the Caramel Latte measuring 3.6 mm and the Olive at 3.4 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte has a slightly longer travel distance, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more pronounced keypress sensation, while the Olive’s shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and users seeking quicker response times. A shorter travel distance like that of the Olive can indeed provide a faster actuation, which is often favored by those who prioritize speed in their typing experience. Conversely, the Caramel Latte's longer distance might offer a more satisfying and sustained tactile feedback, ideal for those who enjoy a hearty depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding keypress responsiveness and depth.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 and clacky sound profile that provides a lively auditory experience with each keystroke. This sound tends to be quite engaging, creating a fun and pleasant atmosphere while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switches produce a resonant, deep sound, characterized by its robust acoustics that set them apart from smoother switches. The Olives guarantee a distinctly satisfying auditory experience, as their design contributes to a fuller tonal quality with a noticeable depth that complements the tactile experience they offer. Both sound profiles can, of course, be influenced by the choice of keyboard plate and keycaps, making them even more unique to individual setups.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switches are known for their smooth operation that ensures every keystroke glides effortlessly, providing an enjoyable typing experience. They lack any tactile bumps, which makes them great for users who prefer a linear switch. Meanwhile, the Bsun Olive switches provide a pronounced tactile feedback with their unique design. This "medium tactile" nature offers an invigorating typing experience, combining a firm actuation force with a snappy and reactive feel. The pronounced tactile bump delivers a sharp, crisp sensation at the bottom-out, ensuring that users can easily discern each keystroke. The tactile feedback on the Olives can be distinctly felt, making them ideal for those who appreciate a more dynamic typing experience.
In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Bsun Olive switches cater to different typing preferences. The Caramel Latte appeals to those who enjoy a bright, smooth typing experience with a clacky sound, while the Olive is designed for users who seek tactile feedback and a deeper, resonant sound. While both switches deliver satisfying experiences, the choice between them ultimately depends on whether one prioritizes a smooth, linear feel or a prominent tactile response with auditory richness.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and style of usage. If you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience, characterized by a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bright, clacky sound, the Caramel Latte is an excellent option. This switch is ideal for fast typists or gamers who value speed and fluidity, providing a pleasant and satisfying response without overwhelming resistance. On the other hand, if you seek a more immersive experience with pronounced tactile feedback, the Bsun Olive switch is the way to go. With a heavier actuation force of 65 grams, it offers a sharper, snappy feel and a resonant sound profile that can enhance your typing or gaming experience by providing clear and distinct feedback with every keystroke. Ultimately, choose the Caramel Latte for a smooth and airy typing journey, while the Olive switch will cater to those who enjoy a tactile and invigorating interaction with their keyboard.
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