Huano Caramel Latte vs. Outemu Milk Peach
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Milk Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and Outemu Milk Peach are two linear options that offer distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences. The Caramel Latte switch is celebrated for its medium actuation force of 50g and its bright, clacky sound profile, delivering a smooth and satisfying feedback with every keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a lively auditory response while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Peach switch presents a more understated profile, providing a soft and smooth keystroke without the same level of sound feedback, which may appeal to users seeking a quieter typing experience for work or gaming in shared spaces. Both switches have their unique advantages and cater to different preferences, whether you prioritize auditory feedback or a subtle touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
The Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Milk Peach switches showcase distinct materials for their top housings, leading to differences in sound profile and tactile feedback. The Caramel Latte features a POK (polyketone) material, renowned for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK offers a slightly smoother experience than its counterpart, LY, while being significantly more robust, boasting wear resistance up to 14 times that of POM. This material contributes to a characteristic smooth and clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Milk Peach uses polycarbonate as its top housing material, which is inherently stiffer and grants a sharper, more resonant sound. This sharpness is enhanced by polycarbonate's translucency, making it an ideal candidate for applications involving RGB lighting. Both materials provide robust performance, but they excel in different sound qualities, with POK favoring smooth clackiness and polycarbonate emphasizing a higher-pitched resonance.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which plays a significant role in the overall sound profile and feel when the switch bottoms out. Nylon is recognized as a classic choice in the keyboard community due to its softer nature, which allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This shared bottom housing material means that users will likely have a similar tactile and auditory perception when the key is fully pressed down. While the top housing characteristics differ and contribute various elements to the sound and feedback during key release, the nylon foundation ensures a consistent, warm quality when the key is depressed.
Ultimately, the combination of unique top housing materials and the consistent nylon bottom housing means that while the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Milk Peach switches may offer different sound profiles and tactile sensations during key release, they will share a similarly subdued and rich bottoming sound due to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. This means that despite the contrasting nature of the top housings—smooth and clacky versus crisp and high-pitched—users can expect a cohesive experience in terms of bottom-out sound. The synergy between the nylon bottom and differing top materials allows for a richer auditory experience that appeals to a wide range of typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, we see some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally finger-friendly and suitable for prolonged typing sessions, which is ideal for those who require comfort during work or extensive gaming. However, the Caramel Latte's bottom out force is 55 grams, indicating that it provides a more substantial tactile feel when pressed to its limit. In contrast, the Milk Peach switch has an unknown bottom out force, leaving its total resistance and tactile feedback unclear. As a result, while both switches offer a light actuation, the Caramel Latte is the heavier option in terms of bottoming out, whereas the Milk Peach's properties in that regard remain undefined. Ultimately, if you prefer a slightly more substantial typing experience, the Caramel Latte may be the better choice, while both remain equally light on actuation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switches, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Milk Peach offers a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm makes the Milk Peach the more responsive option, which is often favored by gamers seeking quicker actuation times. On the other hand, the Caramel Latte, with its longer 3.6 mm travel distance, may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing keys, providing a deeper experience that isn't as abrupt. Thus, if you're looking for a balance between responsiveness and depth, the choice between these two switches presents a thoughtful consideration of your typing or gaming preferences.
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 Peach 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 switch features a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the overall auditory experience while typing. This distinctive sound can offer a satisfying acoustic feedback, making every keystroke feel more pronounced. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Peach switch does not have a specified sound profile available, which means that any potential sound characteristics remain unknown. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced by each switch can be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard, case materials, and keycap design, which might make them sound different in practice.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Caramel Latte is notable for its medium weight of 50g bottom out, promoting a balanced typing experience that leans towards a smooth and comfortable tactile sensation. This weight strikes a good compromise for users who enjoy a responsive switch without feeling overly heavy. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Milk Peach switch is also unknown, which leaves potential users to guess how it may compare to the Caramel Latte. The tactile experience can vary widely depending on the switch design and materials used.
Overall, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch stands out with its enjoyable auditory profile and smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a satisfying and pleasurable typing experience. The Outemu Milk Peach, however, lacks defined characteristics in both sound and feel, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. If sound and feel are paramount in your decision, the Caramel Latte clearly has the edge, whereas with the Milk Peach, much remains to be discovered. For those who appreciate the performance of the Caramel Latte, it is likely you will enjoy similar results if you explore other well-reviewed switches in this category.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switches, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a medium-light resistance with a satisfying clacky sound profile and a notably smooth typing experience, the Huano Caramel Latte is the way to go. These switches excel in a gaming or typing environment where you want each keystroke to feel less tiring and more pleasant, making them ideal for long writing sessions or gameplay. On the other hand, if you're seeking something unique but don't have specific information on the Outemu Milk Peach switches, it's essential to explore user reviews and experiences or available demonstrations to grasp their sound and feel. In summary, choose the Caramel Latte for a balance of comfort and auditory feedback, while remain open to considering the Milk Peach if you prioritize experimenting with lesser-known options or specific tactile feedback that fits your personal style.