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Huano Caramel Latte vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown

An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between Huano Caramel Latte and Outemu Dustproof Brown offers distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Caramel Latte, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium actuation force of 50g at bottom out, paired with a bright and clacky sound profile that creates an engaging and satisfying typing experience. Its smooth keystrokes are ideal for those who prefer uninterrupted linear feedback and quick key presses, making it a favorite among gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown is a tactile switch that, while lacking specific standout characteristics in its description, typically provides a subtle bump at the actuation point, giving users tangible feedback to confirm key presses without the audible click. This feature makes it an excellent choice for both office environments and casual typing, catering to those who appreciate a more nuanced response without disturbing others in the vicinity. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

45g

Actuation force

45g

Bottom-out force

55g

Bottom-out force

65g

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

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

22mm single-staged spring

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches, it's evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top housings, while their bottom housings share the same composition. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing, which is known for its exceptional smoothness and durability due to a low coefficient of friction and remarkable shock resistance. This results in a sound profile that is smooth and clacky when typing. In contrast, the Dustproof Brown employs a polycarbonate top housing, a material that produces a sharper, crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. This distinction between the top housings indicates that the overall auditory experience while typing will differ between the two switches, with the Caramel Latte leaning towards a more subdued clack and the Dustproof Brown achieving a more resonant and articulate sound profile.

When we turn to the bottom housing, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Dustproof Brown utilize nylon, a widely known and classic material in switch construction. Nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound profile that contributes to a softer typing experience. As both switches share this nylon bottom housing, they will offer similar characteristics in terms of sound absorption and the overall tactile response felt during use. This alignment in bottom housing materials implies that both switches will deliver a comparable feel upon bottoming out, lending a duller and rounder auditory response that stands apart from the more defined sounds produced by their respective top housings.

Combining these characteristics, one can expect a unique typing experience from each switch. While the nylon bottom housing provides a familiar and warm sound profile common to both switches, the contrasting top housings introduce a distinct auditory element. The Caramel Latte, with its POK material, delivers an emphasis on a smoother and more clacky experience as you release the keys, while the polycarbonate top of the Dustproof Brown design ensures that you enjoy a high-pitched, clear sound, particularly valuable if you're interested in switches optimized for RGB lighting effects. By appreciating how these materials interact within each switch, users can make informed choices based on their personal preferences in sound and feel.

Weight

The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive when it comes to key presses. This similarity means users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of the effort required to trigger keystrokes. However, the two switches diverge when it comes to their bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte has a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, while the Dustproof Brown features a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, falling into the medium-heavy range. Consequently, the Caramel Latte switch is the lighter option, suitable for those seeking a more effortless typing experience over extended periods, ideal for both work and gaming. In contrast, those who prefer a more substantial and tactile feedback might gravitate towards the heavier Outemu Dustproof Brown switch. Users will therefore need to consider their typing preferences when choosing between these two switches.

Travel distance

The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, the Caramel Latte offers a more responsive experience due to its shorter distance, which is often preferred by gamers seeking quicker response times. Conversely, the Dustproof Brown, with its deeper 4 mm travel, provides a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users may find more satisfying. In summary, if you prefer a switch that feels more abrupt and immediate, the Huano Caramel Latte would be the better choice, while those who enjoy a deeper keypress may gravitate towards the Outemu Dustproof Brown for its longer travel distance.

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 Brown 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

The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is characterized by a bright, clacky sound profile that can make typing feel lively and engaging. This auditory feedback is often appreciated by users who enjoy a more spirited acoustic experience from their keyboards. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch lacks specific sound characteristics, which makes it difficult to define its auditory qualities. However, it's important to note that sound perception can vary widely depending on the keyboard's build, material, and keycap choice. Therefore, while the Caramel Latte will deliver a more distinct acoustic performance, the Dustproof Brown may not stand out in this aspect.

When examining the feel of the switches, the Caramel Latte's linear mechanism ensures a smooth typing experience with a consistent actuation force of 50g, providing a fluid response without any tactile bumps. This creates a typing sensation that's often favored for gaming as well as prolonged typing sessions. Conversely, the Dustproof Brown switch does not have specific tactile feedback information available, but generally, Brown switches are known for a subtle tactile bump at the actuation point, making them more suited for those who prefer tactile sensations without the clicky noise of traditional clicky switches. Therefore, while the two switches may serve different preferences, the Caramel Latte offers a consistently smooth motion, while the Brown switch may deliver that subtle tactile experience.

In summary, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch excels with its bright sound profile and smooth feel, making it a spirited choice for both gaming and typing. In comparison, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch remains more ambiguous in terms of sound and feel but may cater to users seeking a tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences; if you enjoy a lively acoustic experience and uninterrupted keystrokes, the Caramel Latte is your go-to, while the Dustproof Brown can satisfy those who appreciate subtle tactile feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted feeling with a medium-light force and an engaging clacky sound, then the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice for you. It's particularly well-suited for typing and gaming where rapid keystrokes are essential, allowing for a fluid experience that won't tire your fingers as quickly. On the other hand, if you lean towards a tactile feedback and a more substantial actuation force, the Dustproof Brown may be your go-to. With its heavier bottom-out force, it provides a satisfying tactile bump that many typists enjoy, particularly for long writing sessions where you want to feel each keystroke distinctly. Ultimately, consider your needs—whether you seek a quieter, smoother experience with the Caramel Latte or the tactile resistance and feedback of the Dustproof Brown—before making your final decision.

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