Huano Caramel Latte vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Maple Leaf 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 Outemu Maple Leaf present two distinct options tailored for different preferences. The Caramel Latte, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and a medium weight of 50g bottom out, offering a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the typing experience's overall satisfaction. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf, a tactile switch, emphasizes responsive feedback with each keystroke, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a noticeable bump to signal when a key has been actuated. While the Caramel Latte excels in delivering a fluid, uninterrupted typing experience, the Maple Leaf caters to users who thrive on tactile sensations and auditory cues. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches, notable differences emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Caramel Latte utilizes a POK material for its top housing, which is distinguished by its superior strength and resilience. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, this polyketone material allows for a smooth pressing experience, while its wear resistance is significantly higher—14 times stronger than POM. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf features a traditional nylon top housing, known for its sound profile rather than its durability. While both materials aim to enhance user experience, the POK material is geared towards longevity and smooth operation, setting the Caramel Latte apart in terms of performance.
On the other hand, both switches share similarities in their bottom housings, as both employ nylon for this component. This consistency highlights nylon's stature as a classic material for switch housing, appreciated for its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper, fuller typing experience. In both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Maple Leaf, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a mellow auditory feedback, with a dampening effect that softens the sound produced upon bottoming out. Given that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall feel and bottom-out sound, users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing on either switch, despite the differences in their top housings.
Ultimately, while the Caramel Latte and Maple Leaf switches differ in materials for their top housings—POK for the former and nylon for the latter—their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing fosters comparable results in sound profile and tactile feedback. Therefore, users can experience the characteristically rich and rounded sound that nylon provides when bottoming out, regardless of the distinct qualities brought forth by the respective top housing materials. This blending of attributes allows both switches to deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit through different mechanisms.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Maple Leaf features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This increased force may appeal to those who favor a more substantial typing feel, providing a sense of resistance that can enhance the tactile feedback of each keystroke. Consequently, if you're looking for a lighter experience, the Huano Caramel Latte would be the preferred option, while the Outemu Maple Leaf is better suited for users who appreciate a firmer typing sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, the Caramel Latte offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Maple Leaf features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte is better suited for those who prefer a more pronounced keypress, providing a deeper feel with its longer travel. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times and a snappier feedback. Therefore, if you are looking for a more robust key engagement, the Huano Caramel Latte may be the preferable option, while the Outemu Maple Leaf may be ideal for those who favor a more responsive and quicker keystroke.
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 Maple Leaf 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 is characterized by a bright and clacky profile, giving users an engaging auditory experience with each keystroke. This sound adds a lively flair to typing sessions and can enhance the overall enjoyment of using the keyboard. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is currently unknown, making it difficult to compare it directly to the Caramel Latte in this aspect. It is important to remember that the overall sound can be influenced by factors like the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, which can modify each switch's acoustic characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch boasts a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, providing a balanced and smooth typing experience. This weight is ideal for users who appreciate a responsive yet comfortable press, allowing for fluid typing without excessive fatigue. In contrast, details about the tactile feedback of the Outemu Maple Leaf switch are not provided, leaving a gap in understanding its tactile qualities compared to the Caramel Latte's known smoothness and responsiveness.
In conclusion, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch offers a bright sound and a beautifully smooth typing experience, making it an appealing choice for many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch lacks specific information about sound and feel, anyone considering a comparison should note that sound can vary widely based on the keyboard and keycap choices. For a well-rounded decision, it's essential to consider personal preferences for sound and feel, which can significantly influence the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smoother, more fluid typing experience that requires less force, the Caramel Latte is the ideal option. Its medium-light resistance of 55 grams combined with a bright, clacky sound profile provides an enjoyable and satisfying feel as you type, making it a great choice for fast-paced typists or gamers who appreciate a lighter touch. On the other hand, if you like to have a little more feedback with each keystroke, the Maple Leaf with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams is better suited for you. Although it doesn't have a specific sound profile highlighted, the tactile bump can make your typing more engaging and precise, catering to those who enjoy a sturdier feel. Ultimately, consider your typing preferences, whether you favor a quick and smooth typing experience or one with tactile feedback, to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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