Huano Caramel Latte vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Caramel Latte, with its medium weight of 50g and a bright, clacky sound profile, provides a tactile satisfaction that many typists love, making every keystroke feel smooth and enjoyable. This switch is perfect for users who appreciate auditory feedback and a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean stands out for its quiet operation, making it an ideal choice for those who value discretion and minimal noise during their typing sessions. While the Caramel Latte brings a vibrant energy to the table, the Silent Ocean is designed for serene environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits 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
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, the differences in their top housings highlight distinct auditory characteristics. The Caramel Latte features a Polycarbonate (POK) top housing, known for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it facilitates effortless keystrokes, contributing to a clacky sound profile that is both enjoyable to type on and resilient to wear. In contrast, the Dustproof Silent Ocean opts for a polycarbonate top housing, which, while also providing a clear sound profile due to its rigidity, focuses on producing a sharper and crisper auditory experience. Though both housings aim for a streamlined feel, the POK material enhances the user’s overall tactile sensation, while the polycarbonate top of the Dustproof Silent Ocean seeks to elevate sound quality, especially under RGB lighting conditions.
On the other hand, both switches share the same material composition for their bottom housings: nylon. This classic material is recognized for its sound-absorbing properties, resulting in a deeper and richer sound profile when typing. Notably, the use of nylon in both switches contributes to a fuller bottom-out sound, a characteristic that users appreciate for its comforting feedback. Since the nylon bottom housing contributes substantially to the overall acoustic experience, switch enthusiasts will likely find themselves enjoying similar depths of sound across both models, despite the differences in their upper counterparts.
Understanding how the varying top housings affect each switch's personality is crucial. While the POK material of the Caramel Latte prioritizes a smooth stroke and clackiness, the polycarbonate top of the Dustproof Silent Ocean leans towards sharper auditory precision. The common denominator in both is the nylon bottom housing, which ensures that regardless of the top housing choices, users will experience a satisfying and resonant typing feedback. Therefore, while the overall sound profiles will differ due to their top materials, the integration of nylon in the bottom housing provides a familiar depth and warmth across both models, creating a distinct yet cohesive typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, both feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that users will experience a consistent force required to trigger a keystroke with either switch. However, the difference becomes apparent in their bottom out forces; the Caramel Latte has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This difference makes the Caramel Latte the lighter option overall, ideal for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, making it suitable for extended use at work or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Dustproof Silent Ocean offers a more substantial push feel, appealing to users who prefer a firmer feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the intended use case.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, the Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that, for gamers or users who prioritize responsiveness, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean may provide a quicker actuation. Conversely, those who favor a more substantial keypress and a hearty depth will likely prefer the Huano Caramel Latte due to its longer travel distance. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Caramel Latte is the option that offers a deeper, more tactile experience compared to the more rapid but potentially abrupt feel of the Silent Ocean switch.
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 Silent Ocean 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 switch is renowned for its bright and clacky sound profile. This auditory characteristic provides a stimulating feedback for those who enjoy the acoustic aspect of typing, making each keystroke feel more pronounced. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch does not have a specified sound profile, which typically suggests a focus on quiet operation. While the Caramel Latte offers a vibrant sound experience that can be quite enjoyable, the Silent Ocean presumably aims for a more subdued acoustic presence, making it potentially more suitable for quieter environments where sound may be a concern.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switch is known for its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, providing a tactile balance that appeals to many typists. This weight contributes to a smooth typing experience, allowing for comfortable and consistent keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean does not provide detailed information about its feel. However, it is reasonable to assume that the Silent Ocean is designed for a gentle typing experience, correlating with its intended silent operation, though specifics on the feedback or actuation force are unclear.
Overall, the Huano Caramel Latte switch offers a lively auditory and tactile experience, ideal for those who relish a dynamic typing environment. Conversely, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean may lack explicit descriptions of sound and feel, its likely emphasis on silence suggests it could be an excellent choice for users seeking a more discreet typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, one might choose the energetic Caramel Latte for its pronounced qualities, or the Silent Ocean for a muted, serene setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, your preferences in typing feel, actuation force, and sound profile will significantly influence your decision. If you enjoy a smooth and pleasurable typing experience with a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, the Caramel Latte switches would be a great fit for you. Their bright, clacky sound adds a tactile enjoyment to each keystroke, making them ideal for environments where you can appreciate the acoustic feedback or when you want to indulge in a fun and engaging typing experience. Conversely, if you prefer a heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch may be more suited to your needs—especially if you value a quieter typing experience without sacrificing key feedback. These switches provide a more muted sound profile, making them perfect for shared spaces or when minimizing noise is a priority. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a livelier and smoother feel or a more subdued, quieter typing experience.
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