Huano Caramel Latte vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Orange switches, both linear switches, present unique experiences that cater to different users' desires. The Caramel Latte is renowned for its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, delivering a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the tactile feedback of each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy an auditory typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Orange switches are designed with a bouncy feel, enhanced by a 22mm long spring and a polycarbonate milky top housing. The result is a frictionless typing experience paired with a low-pitched sound profile, ideal for users seeking smooth and quiet keystrokes. While both switches offer smooth operation, their differences cater to varied preferences in 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
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Orange switches, distinct differences emerge in both the top and bottom housings. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which contributes to a smooth, clacky feel, thanks to its excellent wear and shock resistance, making it a durable option. In contrast, the KTT Orange features polycarbonate as its top housing material. This polycarbonate not only produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile but also aligns aesthetically with designs that incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency. Thus, while the Caramel Latte focuses on smoothness and resilience, the KTT Orange emphasizes clarity and a visually appealing illumination effect.
The bottom housing further illustrates the contrasts in material choice, as the Caramel Latte opts for nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs sound and promotes a deeper, fuller sound experience. Conversely, the KTT Orange employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, enhancing the overall clarity and resonance in sound. This differentiation highlights the unique characteristics of each switch: the Caramel Latte offers a more muted auditory experience, while the KTT Orange presents a more defined and pronounced sound. This suggests that users seeking a robust typing experience with pronounced sounds might lean towards the KTT Orange, while those desiring a more plush and cushioned feel would appreciate the Caramel Latte’s nylon bottom housing.
Despite these differences, there are potential similarities in outcomes based on the interplay of the materials used in the switches. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in a significant capacity, though in different configurations. For instance, even with its nylon bottom housing, the Caramel Latte can achieve an interesting contrast with the smoother sound produced by its POK top. Similarly, the KTT Orange may deliver enhanced projection from both its top and bottom polycarbonate housings, creating a coherent sound profile. By leveraging these materials strategically, both switches cater to different user preferences while maintaining a degree of flexibility in useful auditory outcomes, showcasing how housing materials can shape the experience of a mechanical switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, we find that both switches offer a relatively similar typing experience. The Caramel Latte switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the KTT Orange has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams with a lower bottom out force of 53 grams. This makes the Caramel Latte switch marginally lighter in terms of actuation force, while the KTT Orange presents a firmer feel at the bottom of the keystroke. Both switches are categorized as medium-light, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming without significant fatigue. However, if a user prefers a more substantial push feel, the KTT Orange may be more appealing due to its heavier actuation force, despite its lighter bottom-out feel. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches are minimal, so users could expect a similar overall experience, though with slight nuances in force preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, the Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Orange offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference, while minimal, indicates that the Caramel Latte provides a deeper feel when pressed, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feedback under their fingers. On the other hand, the KTT Orange's shorter travel distance can be advantageous for gamers who seek quicker response times in their typing and gaming experiences. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more pronounced depth, the Huano Caramel Latte would be the better choice, while the KTT Orange caters to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness with its shorter journey.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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
When considering the sound profile of the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Orange switches, a distinct contrast emerges. The Caramel Latte is known for its bright, clacky sound, which adds a certain liveliness to each keystroke, making it an engaging option for typists who enjoy audio feedback during their typing. On the other hand, the KTT Orange produces a low-pitched sound that leans towards a mellower tone compared to the Caramel Latte. This low-pitched characteristic gives the Orange a more bass-heavy presence, leading to a quieter and more subdued typing experience. These differences suggest that choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer a bright and snappy sound or a softer and more mellow auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Huano Caramel Latte stands out for its medium weight of 50g bottom out, contributing to a balanced and smooth typing experience that many users find enjoyable. It is designed to deliver a super smooth keystroke, which enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Orange switch offers a bouncy feel, characterized by a lively response when keys are pressed, providing a spring-like feedback that typists often find satisfying. Additionally, these switches feature a frictionless travel owing to their excellent factory-lubing, which minimizes resistance and maximizes smoothness. As such, while the Caramel Latte offers a clean and smooth experience, the KTT Orange brings an extra level of dynamism with its bouncy and fluid characteristics.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Orange linear switches deliver enjoyable typing experiences with unique sound and feel profiles. The Caramel Latte appeals to users who appreciate a brighter sound and a smooth keystroke, while the KTT Orange caters to those who favor a bouncier, frictionless touch coupled with a low-pitched sound. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences—whether you lean towards a more engaging auditory experience or a refined yet lively typing sensation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a bright, clacky sound profile and a smoother, more satisfying keystroke, the Caramel Latte might be the better option for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams allows for comfortable, extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Alternatively, if you prefer a bouncy feel and a low-pitched, mellow sound, the KTT Orange switch can provide that lively, elastic feedback that many typists seek. With its slightly lighter bottom-out force of 53 grams and excellent factory-lubing, you’ll experience a frictionless typing experience that enhances responsiveness and fluidity. Ultimately, consider what aspects of a switch resonate with you—whether you value sound, tactile feedback, or typing comfort—and let that guide your decision in selecting the perfect keyboard switch for your setup.
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