Huano Caramel Latte vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences and typing styles play a crucial role in the decision-making process. The Huano Caramel Latte, a linear switch, stands out with its medium weight of 50g bottom out, providing a bright, clacky sound profile that adds character to the typing experience. Many users appreciate the Caramel Latte for its super smooth keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for those who savor a tactile engagement with every press. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea also offers a linear switch experience, with a notably impeccably smooth type feel and a more neutral sound signature, appealing to users who prefer a quieter and more subdued environment while typing. Both switches have their unique advantages: the Caramel Latte for users who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback and character, and the Orange Sea for those seeking a seamless and less intrusive typing experience. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte and the Haimu Orange Sea both utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which allows them to share a distinct auditory characteristic. This similarity in material leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing, thanks to nylon's soft plastic composition, which effectively absorbs sound and creates a more rounded auditory experience. By employing nylon in the bottom housing, both switches offer a muted, yet rich acoustic performance that caters to users seeking a mellow typing experience. This shared material choice underscores the classic nature of nylon in the industry, suggesting that both products aim to satisfy similar sound preferences among users.
While both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, their top housing materials diverge significantly, resulting in varied auditory and tactile experiences. The Huano Caramel Latte utilizes polyketone (POK) for its top housing, which not only enhances the switch's durability and smoothness but also contributes to a unique clacky sound profile, characterized by a coefficient of friction that facilitates a fluid keystroke. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea features polycarbonate as its top housing material, known for its stiffer nature that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This difference reveals a fundamental contrast in how each switch delivers auditory feedback: the Caramel Latte tends towards a mellower sound due to its POK top, while the Orange Sea aims for clarity and resonance with polycarbonate.
The varied interactions between the top and bottom housings ultimately influence the overall typing experience for both switches. The nylon bottom housing gives a consistent, rounded feedback regardless of the top housing differences, underscoring the role of the bottom material in the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the impact of the top housing is amplified during the release of the key, where the qualities of POK and polycarbonate come into play. Users looking for a confident bottom-out experience might find the Caramel Latte's construction more appealing, while those desiring a brighter, more pronounced sound might prefer the Orange Sea. Despite their differences in the top housing materials, both switches can achieve a desirable typing experience by leveraging the advantages of nylon in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, giving it a medium-light feel. In contrast, the Orange Sea is lighter, with an actuation force of only 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer less resistance when typing or gaming. This can enhance long-duration use and improve overall typing comfort. As such, the Huano Caramel Latte switch would cater to users seeking a more substantial push feel with its heavier forces, while the Haimu Orange Sea appeals to those favoring a lighter, more effortless keystroke. Ultimately, anyone choosing between these two options will experience distinct tactile sensations, dictated largely by their differing force specifications.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this regard. As a result, users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys, as both switches require the same amount of travel to actuate. This similarity in travel distance suggests that neither switch is shorter or longer, allowing for a consistent feel across both options during typing or gaming activities.
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 Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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
In terms of sound, the Huano Caramel Latte switch offers a bright and clacky sound profile, which can provide an engaging auditory feedback during typing. This can make interactions feel dynamic and lively but may not be the most discreet option in quieter environments. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switch features a neutral sound signature, suggesting a more subdued auditory experience. This switch would likely appeal to those who prefer a quieter typing environment or who dislike excess noise when typing. It's important to note that the overall sound and perception can be influenced by the choice of keyboard materials, design, and keycaps, which means users may achieve varying results with either switch.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Caramel Latte switch is characterized by a medium weight of 50 grams at bottom-out, which provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance the typing experience. The super smooth typing experience further contributes to its appeal, making each keystroke feel effortless and pleasurable. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is known for its impeccably smooth typing feel, which suggests a highly refined and tactile experience as well. This smoothness can result in a more comfortable typing experience, as users won’t have to contend with any tactile bumps or roughness during their keystrokes, which may also align with the smoother feel of the Caramel Latte.
Overall, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Haimu Orange Sea switches present attractive features for different user preferences. The Caramel Latte excites with its clacky sound and smooth typing, appealing to those who enjoy an engaging typing atmosphere, while the Orange Sea’s neutral sound and impeccably smooth feel provide a calm and refined experience ideal for those prioritizing discretion and comfort. Ultimately, whether you choose the Caramel Latte or the Orange Sea, both switches promise a delightful typing experience, and while their sound and feel may cater to different preferences, either can suit your needs with appropriate keyboard configurations.
Conclusion
To conclude, when you are deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the type of experience you want. If you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force that offers a clacky and bright sound profile, the Caramel Latte switches will provide a satisfying auditory feedback and a super smooth typing experience that elevates every keystroke. This makes them a great choice for those who enjoy a lively sound and moderately weighted switches. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of only 45 grams, the Haimu Orange Sea switches will deliver an impeccably smooth feel with a neutral sound signature, making them ideal for extended typing sessions where comfort and subtlety are of the essence. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize auditory feedback and a medium actuation force or a lightweight, quiet experience that emphasizes smoothness.
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