Huano Caramel Latte vs. Outemu Dustproof Blue

Overview

When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two compelling options to consider are the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Dustproof Blue. The Caramel Latte is a linear switch that delivers a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, featuring a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the tactile feedback with each keystroke. This makes it ideal for users seeking a quiet yet satisfying typing experience, perfect for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue, a clicky switch, provides a distinct tactile feedback that is favored by those who enjoy the auditory response of their typing, offering a more traditional mechanical feel. While both switches cater to different typing preferences—one favoring smoothness and the other emphasizing audible feedback—your choice will ultimately depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

Outemu Dustproof Blue Clicky

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Dustproof Blue utilize different top housing materials, setting them apart in terms of their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing, a material known for its smoothness and durability due to its low coefficient of friction and high wear resistance. This contributes to a switch that not only feels smooth during operation but also produces a distinct clack sound upon bottoming out. In contrast, the Dustproof Blue employs polycarbonate for its top housing. Although polycarbonate is also a durable material, it is characterized by its stiffness, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Hence, while both switches are designed for durability, the sound and feel produced by their respective top housings diverge significantly, with the Caramel Latte leaning towards a smooth and clacky sound versus the crisper tone of the Dustproof Blue.

Despite the differences in their top housings, both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a common thread in their overall performance. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound and produces a deeper, fuller acoustic experience when typing. As a result, both the Caramel Latte and Dustproof Blue have a similar auditory foundation in terms of sound dampening and overall depth due to having nylon in their bottom housings. This shared characteristic ensures that, despite the contrasting top housing materials, both switches can still deliver a pleasing sound profile that enhances user experience through rich auditory feedback during typing.

Overall, while the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Dustproof Blue showcase unique qualities in their top housings that cater to different preferences—smooth and clacky versus crisp and resonant—there's a notable harmony in their bottom housing materials with nylon. This connection means that while each switch may produce distinct sounds when active, the underlying depth provided by the nylon bottom contributes to a fuller typing experience in both cases. Hence, users looking for a blend of distinctiveness and richness in these switches can find satisfaction in either choice, as both configurations yield a gratifying tactile and auditory experience, albeit influenced by the top housing material.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Caramel Latte features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions due to its medium-light feel. In contrast, the Dustproof Blue requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. This means that users who prefer a firmer keystroke and more tactile feedback may gravitate towards the Dustproof Blue, while those who prioritize comfort and endurance in typing might favor the Caramel Latte. Ultimately, the difference in forces suggests that the Caramel Latte is better for users who want a lighter touch, whereas the Outemu Dustproof Blue appeals to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, it becomes clear that they cater to different preferences. The Huano Caramel Latte features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it an appealing choice for gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Blue has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, which may appeal to those who favor a more pronounced and hearty feel when typing. This difference in travel distance indicates that the Caramel Latte switch will feel less abrupt and provide a faster bottom-out experience, while the Dustproof Blue offers a more traditional, deeper keypress. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value speed and responsiveness or a more substantial typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch produces a bright, clacky profile that enhances the auditory experience of typing. This lively sound can be quite engaging, especially for those who appreciate auditory feedback while they work or game. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch does not have specific sound characteristics mentioned, making it difficult to assess its audio profile in comparison. However, blue switches generally tend to have a clicky sound, which can contribute to a more tactile experience but may also not be as refined or pleasant as the Caramel Latte’s bright clacks.

In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte provides a smooth typing experience, thanks in part to its medium weight of 50g bottom-out force, which strikes a good balance between resistance and comfort. This smoothness ensures that each keystroke feels satisfying and fluid. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Blue is not specified, leaving its characteristics unknown. Typically, blue switches are known for their tactile bump and audible click, which can add a different dynamic to the typing experience—this results in a more bumpy feel with clear feedback at the actuation point, contrasting significantly with the smoothness of the Caramel Latte.

In conclusion, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is favored for its engaging sound and smooth typing feel, making it a great choice for those who appreciate both auditory and tactile satisfaction in their mechanical keyboards. The lack of specific information regarding the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch leaves its nuances less defined, but it likely offers a clicky and tactile experience typical of blue switches. Ultimately, your choice may boil down to whether you prefer a smooth and bright auditory profile or a typical clicky tactile feel without the clarity of specific feedback for the Dustproof Blue.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch largely hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you gravitate towards a smooth and enjoyable typing experience with lighter keystrokes, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice. Its 55-gram actuation force provides a comfortable touch, making it ideal for long typing sessions, whether you’re writing, coding, or gaming. This switch delivers a satisfying feel without the distraction of noise, allowing you to focus entirely on your tasks. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and a distinct auditory element to your typing, the Outemu Dustproof Blue offers a heavier feel with its 65-gram bottom out force. It can invigorate your typing experience with its clicky sound, which may appeal to those who want more engagement with each keystroke. In summary, if you prefer a quieter and smoother experience, go with the Caramel Latte; however, if you're looking for a more traditional, tactile feedback with sound, the Dustproof Blue will suit you best. Ultimately, your choice reflects what makes you comfortable, productive, and satisfied as you type.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Dustproof Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more