Huano Caramel Latte vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference and typing style play a critical role. The Huano Caramel Latte switches stand out as a medium-weight linear option, featuring a smooth typing experience with a satisfying 50g bottom-out force and a bright, clacky sound profile, making them ideal for users who prefer a quieter yet enjoyable keystroke without the tactile feedback of a click. Conversely, the Outemu Blue Jade switches are recognized for their clicky feedback, providing both an audible sound and tactile sensation that can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction, which many typists appreciate for their gratifying response during every keystroke. While the Caramel Latte is favored for its smoothness and low noise, the Blue Jade appeals to those who enjoy an engaging, clicky 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
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
The Huano Caramel Latte and Outemu Blue Jade differ significantly in their top housing materials, showcasing contrasting strengths and acoustic profiles. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which is recognized for its durability and low friction characteristics. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, the POK material offers a smooth typing experience, even exceeding traditional materials like LY in terms of performance. However, the Blue Jade employs nylon for its top housing, a classic material known for its ability to produce a deeper sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This distinction leads to different tonal qualities and tactile responses when typing, as the POK aims for smoothness while the nylon fosters a richer auditory experience.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, it's interesting to note that both the Caramel Latte and the Blue Jade utilize nylon. This commonality means that the impact on the sound and feel when bottoming out will be similar across both switches. Nylon's inherent properties lend a softer touch and better sound absorption, contributing to a fuller sound profile during typing. Since both switches share this housing material on the bottom, they will produce comparable results in terms of the acoustic experience when pressed down, highlighting the importance of the bottom housing on the overall switch performance.
In summary, while the top housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and Outemu Blue Jade offer distinct characteristics—POK emphasizing smoothness and nylon enhancing acoustic depth—their shared nylon bottom housings create a common foundation that influences how each switch feels during key presses. The duality in material usage results in unique performances when typing, with the top housing primarily affecting the release sound and the bottom housing contributing to the overall feel and bottom-out sound. Ultimately, these differences and similarities define the unique identities of both switch options in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch to the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Blue Jade requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This means that the Caramel Latte is lighter and more suitable for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, which can be beneficial during extended typing sessions at work or gaming marathons. Conversely, the Blue Jade’s heavier forces provide a more substantial typing feel for users who enjoy a stronger push, making it a better fit for those who appreciate tactile feedback and resistance. Overall, the Caramel Latte offers a gentler touch while the Blue Jade delivers a firmer experience, catering to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Blue Jade features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Caramel Latte may be appealing, as it enables quicker actuation for gamers and typists who value speed. On the other hand, the Blue Jade, with its 4 mm travel distance, offers a more pronounced tactile feedback and depth, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing keys. Therefore, the Huano Caramel Latte is the shorter switch, while the Outemu Blue Jade is the longer one, catering to different user preferences in terms of responsiveness and tactile experience.
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 Jade 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 produces a bright, clacky sound profile that can enhance the auditory experience of typing, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. This sound can be quite satisfying, especially for those who appreciate a bit of audio feedback in their keystrokes. In contrast, specific descriptions for the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch are unavailable, leaving a gap in understanding how its auditory qualities compare. However, clicky switches typically produce a distinct and pronounced click sound that many users enjoy for its tactile feedback, although without precise information on the Blue Jade, its sound characteristics remain uncertain.
Regarding feel, the Caramel Latte switch offers a super smooth typing experience, allowing for seamless keystrokes that contribute to overall typing pleasure. The medium weight of 50 grams at the bottom-out stage strikes a balance between being neither too heavy nor too light, appealing to a wide range of typists. On the other hand, details about the tactile feel of the Outemu Blue Jade are not specified, which makes it challenging to compare directly. However, clicky switches generally exhibit a noticeable tactile bump that can provide satisfying feedback during typing, a contrast to the smoothness of linear options.
In conclusion, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is characterized by its bright and clacky sound along with a smooth keystroke feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a pleasant auditory and tactile experience. While the Outemu Blue Jade's sound and feel are not detailed, its clicky nature likely provides a different user experience marked by audible feedback and tactile bumps. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound and feel, guiding newcomers in their keyboard journey based on these qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between Huano Caramel Latte linear switches and Outemu Blue Jade clicky switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a smooth, enjoyable typing experience with a lighter bottom-out force, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice. Its 55g actuation provides a gentle resistance, making it ideal for long typing sessions, such as coding or writing, where fatigue might become an issue. The linear nature of the Caramel Latte also ensures a quieter environment, perfect for shared or open-office settings. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and a more pronounced auditory experience, the Outemu Blue Jade with its 65g bottom-out force could be your go-to. This switch's heavier resistance offers a satisfying click upon activation, making it suitable for typists who thrive on feedback or gamers who appreciate the distinct feel of each keystroke. Ultimately, your decision should align with your typing style, sound preferences, and the environment in which you'll be using your mechanical keyboard.
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