Huano Caramel Latte vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Milk Blue offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Caramel Latte switch, a linear option, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and a medium actuation force of 50g, delivering a pleasurable and responsive typing experience with a bright, clacky sound profile that some users find satisfying. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue, known for its clicky characteristics, provides an audible and tactile feedback with each stroke, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a more pronounced response that enhances the overall typing rhythm. While the Caramel Latte caters primarily to those who favor smooth, uninterrupted motion, the Milk Blue appeals to users who thrive on auditory cues and tactile sensation. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond those generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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 used in the Huano Caramel Latte and Outemu Milk Blue switches present distinct differences, particularly in their top components. The Caramel Latte features a top housing made from POK (polyketone) material, which is known for its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. With a friction rating of 0.04 and wear resistance significantly higher than POM, it offers a smooth typing experience that is complemented by a strong, clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Milk Blue utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to sharper and crisper acoustics thanks to its relatively stiffer nature. The translucence of polycarbonate enhances its aesthetic appeal, especially under RGB lighting, but the result is a different auditory experience compared to the deeper tones produced by the Caramel Latte's POK top.
On the other hand, both switches share the same material for their bottom housings—nylon. This classic choice leads to a similarly warm and fuller sound profile for both switch types, since nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. Consequently, the typing experience produced by the Milk Blue and the Caramel Latte is characterized by a muted, rounded quality at the bottom-out point, due to the soft nature of nylon. While the top housing of the switches contributes to the sound when releasing a key, the uniformity in the bottom housing ensures that both switches exhibit a comparable depth in sound regardless of the differences in their top materials.
Ultimately, the varied top housings of the Huano Caramel Latte and Outemu Milk Blue switches create distinct sound profiles when pressed. The Correlating effects of their nylon bottom housings solidify a common auditory experience, making the deep sound signature consistent across both switches. Those seeking a sharp and resonant release will gravitate toward the Milk Blue, while fans of a smoother and clackier response will favor the Caramel Latte. However, the cohesive aspect of their nylon bottoms ensures that regardless of the contrast in top materials, users will still experience a satisfying and rounded sound when the keys are actuated.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, notable differences arise in their actuation force. The Caramel Latte switch requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Milk Blue switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This makes the Caramel Latte more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions with less finger fatigue; it’s ideal for both office work and extended gaming. The bottom out force of the Caramel Latte is specified at 55 grams, indicating a medium-light feel when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Milk Blue is unknown, leaving a potential gap in understanding how it feels at maximum compression. Overall, for those who favor a lighter switch, the Huano Caramel Latte is the better choice, while users seeking a more substantial typing experience might be inclined towards the heavier actuation force of the Outemu Milk Blue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it is clear that they cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly shorter, while the Milk Blue has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option. This difference may appeal to different types of users; the shorter distance of the Caramel Latte may provide a quicker response time, favored by gamers seeking rapid activation. In contrast, the Milk Blue’s longer travel distance might offer a more traditional and satisfying typing feel, ideal for those who enjoy a deeper keypress. Thus, while both switches serve distinct purposes, the Huano Caramel Latte is the choice for those prioritizing speed, whereas the Outemu Milk Blue caters to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience.
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 Milk Blue 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 can be quite satisfying to the ear, especially for users who appreciate a more engaging auditory experience while typing. This can make it an appealing choice for those who enjoy the noise of their keystrokes without the harshness often associated with more aggressive clicky switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch, being a clicky type, is designed to emit a distinct click sound with each actuation, providing auditory feedback that many typists and gamers find satisfying for its pronounced nature. Though details on the Milk Blue's specific sound characteristics are limited, it can be expected to deliver a sharp, tactile sound that complements its clicky design. However, the overall sound experience will greatly depend on factors beyond the switches themselves, like the choice of the keyboard’s build and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte offers a smooth typing experience with its linear action, providing resistance as you press down without any tactile bumps, making it easy to glide through typing tasks. This smoothness can contribute to fatigue-free typing over long sessions, making it ideal for typists looking for effortless keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue, being a clicky switch, is likely to provide a more tactile sensation during actuation, which can deliver a rewarding feedback for each keystroke. This tactile response can make typing feel more deliberate and engaging, though some users might find the extra feedback slightly bulky compared to the silky smoothness of linear switches.
Considering all available information, the Huano Caramel Latte switches are well-suited for individuals who prefer a bright sound and a smooth typing experience, ideal for both typing and gaming scenarios. Meanwhile, the Outemu Milk Blue caters to typists who appreciate audible and tactile feedback, likely enhancing their typing experience with the satisfying click. Ultimately, the choice between the two will hinge on personal preference for sound and feel; a user wanting a quieter, smoother operation will lean towards the Caramel Latte, while someone who enjoys pronounced auditory and tactile feedback may prefer the Milk Blue.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice, especially for long periods of typing or gaming, thanks to its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams that allows for quick keystrokes without causing fatigue. Additionally, the linear nature of the Caramel Latte provides a quieter and more subdued sound profile, which can be beneficial in shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions where noise might be an issue. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and auditory response, the Outemu Milk Blue may be the switch for you. The clicky nature of this switch, coupled with its unique sound, provides an engaging and satisfying typing experience that many users find nostalgic and enjoyable. However, be mindful of the noise level, as the clicky sound might not be suitable for quieter environments. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value a smooth, quieter experience with the Caramel Latte or a tactile, clicky feedback with the Milk Blue.
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