Huano Caramel Latte vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice can significantly impact your typing experience, making it essential to understand the differences between options like the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Blue. The Caramel Latte, with its medium actuation force of 50g and smooth, clacky sound profile, is designed for those who appreciate a refined, fluid keystroke without the added noise of a clicky switch. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a quieter workspace or enjoy gaming with rapid key presses while maintaining a pleasant auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switches offer a distinctive clicky sound with tactile feedback, catering to users who crave a more traditional typing experience reminiscent of typewriters. Their pronounced sound and feel can serve as a satisfying confirmation of each keystroke, appealing to both typists and gamers who appreciate the extra auditory stimulation. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Blue, we find a juxtaposition in their top housing formulations. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which offers a smooth action with a coefficient of friction of 0.04, slightly higher than that of LY. This results in a very fluid keystroke experience while offering exceptional durability—14 times stronger in wear resistance than POM and with superior shock resistance when compared to Nylon. In contrast, the Outemu Blue features a polycarbonate top housing which is stiffer and leads to a more resonant sound profile. While both materials aim to enhance the user experience, they accomplish this in notably different ways: POK focuses on creating an incredibly smooth and durable operation, while polycarbonate is designed to resonate more crisply, particularly useful for enhancing RGB lighting visuals.
Both switches share Nylon as their bottom housing material, making them somewhat comparable in the depth and fullness of sound they produce. This aspect of their design plays a crucial role, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound effectively, contributing to a darker and rounder audio profile when typing. Since both designs employ this classic material, users can expect similarly rich auditory feedback. Importantly, since the Nylon bottom influences the switch's bottom-out sound and feel, even with different top housings, both units maintain that immersive, tactile satisfaction when typing.
Overall, the differences between the Caramel Latte and Outemu Blue are highlighted primarily by their respective top housing materials, with POK prioritizing smoothness and durability, while polycarbonate emphasizes a bright and clear sound. However, their shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches offer a comparable depth and warmth in sound, making the overall experience unique yet somewhat similar. A user might find that while they can achieve distinct sound profiles tailored to their preferences with the top housings, the bottom’s consistent nylon contribution ties the typing experience together, ensuring rich auditory satisfaction in both cases.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Caramel Latte has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a medium-light switch that is easier to press, which can be more comfortable for long typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for an engaging typing experience. However, the bottom out force of the Blue switch is unknown, which makes it challenging to fully assess the overall pressure required when bottoming out compared to the Caramel Latte's bottom out force of 55 grams. Since the Caramel Latte has both an actuation and bottom out force specified, it can be concluded that it offers a more consistent tactile experience. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged use may lean towards the Caramel Latte, while users who enjoy a sturdier activation might find the Outemu Blue more appealing, despite the lack of bottom out data.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter of the two options, while the Outemu Blue has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference may appeal to different types of users; the shorter travel distance of the Caramel Latte could provide a more responsive experience, ideal for gamers who favor quick key presses for faster response times. Conversely, the Blue switch’s longer travel distance offers a more traditional feel, which some users prefer for its hearty depth. Overall, while both switches serve their purpose well, the choice between them largely depends on individual preferences for tactile feedback and key responsiveness.
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 Blue 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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch produces a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the typing experience, while still being pleasant in a variety of environments. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switch is known for its iconic clicky feedback that provides an audible confirmation with every keystroke. The sound of each switch will ultimately depend on additional factors like the choice of keyboard PCB and keycaps, but generally, the Caramel Latte tends toward a smoother and more muted sound, while the Outemu Blue delivers a sharper and more pronounced click.
Regarding feel, the Caramel Latte switch provides a smooth typing experience with a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. This smoothness can be greatly appreciated by users who prefer a linear switch that lacks tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch features a tactile bump and click, offering a distinct feedback sensation that some users adore for both typing and gaming. This tactile feedback not only contributes to the overall typing experience but also helps typists identify when a key has been actuated without needing to bottom out.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Outemu Blue switches cater to different preferences within the keyboard community. The Caramel Latte is suited for those seeking a smooth and silent linear experience, while the Outemu Blue appeals to users who enjoy tactile feedback and audible click sounds during their typing or gaming sessions. While both switches can potentially deliver a satisfying experience, your choice will largely depend on whether you prefer linear smoothness or tactile clickiness in your mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you prefer a smooth, quiet typing experience with a pleasant, almost effortless keystroke and enjoy a medium-light key feel, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice. It's particularly well-suited for long typing sessions or office environments where noise can be a distraction. On the other hand, if you thrive on the tactile feedback and satisfying click of a switch that engages your auditory senses, the Outemu Blue would be ideal for you. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a distinctly pronounced sound and feel when typing, making it especially enjoyable for gaming or in settings where sound is less of a concern. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to your personal preference for sound and tactile feedback, so consider what aspects of typing bring you the most joy.
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