Huano Caramel Latte vs. Outemu Dustproof Black
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Dustproof Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Dustproof Black are two noteworthy linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Latte switch, with its medium weight of 50g bottom out and distinctive bright, clacky sound profile, provides a smooth and satisfying typing experience that enhances every keystroke, making it an appealing choice for those who value both tactile feedback and auditory enjoyment. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black switch, while lacking specific standout features, is designed to offer a reliable, consistent feel that is ideal for gamers and typists alike who prioritize durability and performance over sound. Both switches have unique attributes that make them suitable for different users; 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
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and Outemu Dustproof Black switches present a distinctive contrast in their top components, while both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, which is nylon. The Caramel Latte features a top housing made of POK (polyketone), a material known for its exceptional durability and smoothness, contributing to a clackier sound profile due to its slightly higher coefficient of friction (0.04). In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which enhances the switch's sound profile by delivering sharper and crisper acoustic qualities owing to its stiffer formulation. This difference in top housing materials creates varied auditory experiences when typing on the respective switches, with the Caramel Latte yielding a unique smoothness and clackiness, while the Dustproof Black offers a more resonant and articulate sound.
When analyzing the bottom housings of both switches, it becomes evident that they share the same nylon material, known for its capacity to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. Given that nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, leading to a more muted and rounded acoustic experience. Consequently, this shared nylon bottom allows both switches to elicit a similar foundational typing feel, emphasizing that the sonorous qualities produced during key presses stem significantly from this common material. As a result, users can expect a consistent immersive sound experience from both switches when they bottom out, highlighting the importance of the bottom housing in shaping the overall acoustic character.
Overall, the combination of the different top housing materials leads to a unique balance in sound profiles for each switch, while the agreement in bottom housing material ensures that both provide a satisfying typing experience. The distinctive auditory characteristics of the Caramel Latte and Dustproof Black take shape primarily based on their top housings. However, each switch retains a degree of familiarity in how they feel and sound when fully pressed down, attributable to the more profound impact of the nylon bottom on the acoustics during bottom-out. This allows users to enjoy the best of both worlds: the nuanced clarity of polycarbonate in the Dustproof Black, combined with the robust durability of the POK material in the Caramel Latte, all while benefiting from the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon at the core.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch exhibit distinct differences in both actuation force and bottom out force, impacting user experience and preference. The Caramel Latte features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for users who favor a quicker and less strenuous typing experience, ideal for prolonged use in work environments or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, catering to those who prefer a firmer push feel and a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while the Caramel Latte is the lighter option providing a medium-light typing experience, the Dustproof Black stands out as the heavier choice, perfect for users seeking more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, the Huano Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Black measures at 4 mm. This indicates that the Caramel Latte switch is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers or those who prefer quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Black, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial depth during key presses, which might be preferred by users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback. Therefore, if you're seeking faster response times, the Huano Caramel Latte would be the better choice, whereas those desiring a deeper typing experience might gravitate towards the Outemu Dustproof 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 Dustproof 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 produces a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the auditory experience of typing, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. This contrasts with the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, which does not have a defined sound profile mentioned, suggesting that it may have a more subdued or neutral acoustic characteristic. It's essential to note that the overall sound of both switches can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard construction and the type of keycaps used, so users looking for a specific sound may need to experiment with different setups.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte is renowned for its super smooth typing experience, boasting a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, which contributes to a balanced tactile feedback during use. While no specific description is available for the feel of the Dustproof Black switch, it could be inferred that it might resemble common linear switch characteristics, which typically provide a consistent and smooth keystroke. However, without distinct details about the Dustproof Black, potential users may need to try them out to fully assess their tactile nature.
In conclusion, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch stands out with its bright sound and smooth, enjoyable feel, making it a great option for those who value auditory feedback and a pleasant typing experience. The Outemu Dustproof Black's lack of detailed sound and feel descriptions leaves some unknowns, but it may offer a more neutral experience. If you're seeking a lively and engaging typing experience, the Caramel Latte would likely be the better choice, while the Dustproof Black may appeal to those who prefer simplicity and understated performance. Overall, both switches can cater to different preferences, ensuring that newcomers to mechanical keyboards can find a suitable option tailored to their needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a keyboard that offers a smoother typing experience with a slightly lighter touch, the Caramel Latte is a fantastic option. Its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams strikes a balance that can appeal to both casual typists and gamers alike, providing an enjoyable and responsive keystroke. Additionally, the bright, clacky sound profile of the Caramel Latte can add a delightful auditory element to your typing experience. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel and want to ensure that your keys won’t trigger accidentally, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, with its heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, would be the way to go. While it may lack the distinctive sound profile of the Caramel Latte, its heft can offer a satisfying tactile feedback for those who enjoy that more deliberate engagement with their keyboard. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your comfort and the primary tasks you perform on your keyboard, so consider trying them out if possible to find the perfect fit for your needs.
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