Huano Caramel Latte vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Black present two distinct options within the linear switch category. The Caramel Latte is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g at bottom out and a bright, clacky sound profile, providing typists with a smooth and enjoyable keystroke experience that enhances overall satisfaction while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Black offers a more subdued feel, although it lacks a standout characteristic in terms of sound or tactile feedback. While some users may prefer the lively auditory feedback and pleasing typing sensation of the Caramel Latte, others might gravitate towards the more minimalistic and straightforward design of the Outemu Black for its consistency and simplicity. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the top housings of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Black switches, we see a distinct divergence in their material composition. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing, notable for its smoothness and durability; its coefficient of friction at 0.04 makes it slightly slicker than the LY material at 0.03. Additionally, POK exhibits exceptional wear resistance, being 14 times stronger than POM, and has significant shock resistance, surpassing Nylon and POM considerably. In contrast, the Outemu Black uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its rigidity. While POK emphasizes smooth and clacky experiences, polycarbonate permits clearer acoustics, particularly beneficial for RGB lighting aesthetics thanks to its translucency.
Moving to the bottom housings, both the Caramel Latte and Outemu Black utilize nylon, a classic choice for switch housings. This material characteristics presume a deeper, fuller sound profile, as nylon acts as an acoustic absorber, offering a more muted typographical feedback compared to harder plastics. The identical choice of nylon for the bottom housings evokes a similarity in sound characteristics for both switches, ensuring that despite their differing top housings, both switches will provide that encrypted, rounded sound signature typically associated with nylon. Therefore, though their upper halves diverge in material intention—POK for smoother function versus polycarbonate for acoustic clarity—the bottom halves unify their auditory profiles.
When considering the overall impact of the switch operation, the distinct qualities of the top and bottom materials will dictate the feel and sound signature produced. As the user actuates each switch, the Caramel Latte’s POK top will contribute to the release sound, delivering a smooth egress, while the polycarbonate of the Outemu Black will amplify the keystroke, granting a crisp exit note. The nylon bottom in both switches ensures that the deeper sound profile remains consistent regardless of the material used above. Ultimately, while both switches offer a synthesis of unique tactile and acoustic experiences, they capitalize on the strengths of both their materials to deliver diverse, yet harmonious, performance.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams, which is considered medium-light, making it a preferable choice for users who favor longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Black has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Caramel Latte's is 55 grams, whereas the Black's is significantly higher at 82 grams. This reinforces the idea that the Caramel Latte is the lighter option overall, while the Outemu Black is the heavier switch, better suited for individuals seeking a firmer response with each keystroke. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch that allows for extended usage, the Caramel Latte would be the better choice, whereas the Black is ideal for those who appreciate a stronger push.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Black linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This 0.4 mm difference means that the Caramel Latte switch provides a shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker actuation and a more responsive feel, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the Outemu Black, with its 4 mm travel distance, offers a traditional depth that some users may prefer for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor the quicker action of the Caramel Latte or the deeper, more substantial feel of the Outemu Black.
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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 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 linear switch is characterized by a bright, clacky sound profile, which provides a lively auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience. This sound signature contributes to the overall joy of typing, making each keystroke feel more dynamic. Unfortunately, the Outemu Black linear switch lacks a well-defined sound profile as there isn’t specific information available regarding its acoustics, leaving it somewhat of a mystery in that regard. The sound produced by these switches will also be affected by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which means that the auditory experience may vary significantly.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch boasts a smooth typing experience, with a medium actuation force of 50g at bottom-out, allowing for comfortable extended use without too much finger fatigue. It’s designed to glide effortlessly under your fingertips, making every keystroke a pleasure. The Outemu Black switch, however, does not have a widely discussed feel or tactile feedback profile, leaving newcomers unclear about what kind of experience this switch might provide. This lack of characterization means potential users might not have a clear expectation about how it will feel during typing sessions.
Overall, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch clearly stands out with its defined auditory and tactile qualities, whereas the Outemu Black switch remains less defined in comparison. If you prioritize a lively sound and a smooth typing sensation, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice. Without specific details on the Outemu Black, it remains an enigma, but it could still provide a satisfactory linear typing experience depending on personal preference. For those exploring mechanical switches, the Caramel Latte sets a solid standard in both sound and feel, while the Outemu Black remains an open question that might only be resolved through personal testing.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Huano Caramel Latte linear switches and Outemu Black linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter, smoother keypress that allows for quick typing and a more responsive feel, the Caramel Latte switches are an excellent option, especially if you enjoy a clacky sound profile that adds character to your typing experience. They are ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, where speed and comfort are paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a firmer, more resistant feel with a heavier bottom out force, Outemu Black switches may suit you better. The Black switches are perfect if you like a more deliberate typing experience and do not mind sacrificing some sound profile nuances. Overall, selecting the right switch comes down to your individual needs—choose the Caramel Latte for a graceful and dynamic feel, while opting for the Outemu Black if you desire a robust and sturdy keystroke.
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