Huano Caramel Latte vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Peach present unique choices for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The Caramel Latte switch, with its moderate actuation force of 50g and bright, clacky sound profile, delivers a tactile feedback that ensures every keystroke is both satisfying and enjoyable. It is ideal for users who appreciate a bit of auditory character in their typing without compromising on smoothness. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach stands out with its exceptionally lightweight design and silenced operation, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a subtle and polished feel without the loud clicks. This lightweight and muted switch is perfect for gamers and typists who want a more discreet experience without sacrificing performance. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
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 Peach switches, notable differences can be observed in their top housings. The Caramel Latte employs POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which is characterized by its high durability and low friction coefficient of 0.04. This makes for an exceptionally smooth typing experience and contributes to a clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Peach utilizes nylon as its top housing material, a classic choice known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. While nylon is softer compared to POK and absorbs sound more effectively, this attribute results in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. Thus, while both materials have their merits, they cater to different preferences in typist experience—POK offers a smoother, sharper response, while nylon produces a more mellow sound profile.
Interestingly, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Peach share nylon for their bottom housing. This commonality influences their performance by ensuring that both switches deliver a similar sound quality when bottoming out. As nylon is known to absorb sound and provide a softer experience, the bottom housing of both switches contributes to the overall typing experience through a rounder and deeper auditory output. Since the qualities of the bottom housing are more impactful during the key press, any differences in feel or sound during bottom-out will largely stem from the unique characteristics of the top housings—POK in the Caramel Latte and nylon in the Peach.
In summary, while the Huano Caramel Latte and Outemu Peach switches differ distinctly in their top housing materials, they align with their use of nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a shared audio characteristic. The Caramel Latte's POK top housing lends itself to a slicker typing experience with a pronounced sound on release, in contrast to the Peach's nylon, which smothers sound and emphasizes a fuller tone. Collectively, the duality in their housing configurations creates a diverse typing experience, appealing to a variety of preferences within the keyboard enthusiast community. Ultimately, understanding these nuances allows typists to select switches that align better with their auditory and tactile preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, we see notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classified as medium-light, while the Peach has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as light. This makes the Outemu Peach easier to press, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, especially during extended use such as long gaming sessions or work. Conversely, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Caramel Latte may appeal to those who favor a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Therefore, while both switches offer distinct characteristics suited to different preferences, the Peach is the lighter option, while the Caramel Latte is notably heavier.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, it is clear that they differ, as the Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Peach comes in shorter at 3.3 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte offers a slightly deeper feel when pressed, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced keypress and a more traditional typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Peach, with its shorter travel distance, might be ideal for gamers and those seeking faster response times in their keystrokes, though it could feel somewhat abrupt for those who enjoy a deeper key press. Ultimately, your choice between these switches should depend on your personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.
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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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 sound profile of the Huano Caramel Latte switch is characterized by a bright, clacky tone that adds a distinct auditory feedback to each keystroke. This lively sound can be particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate the acoustic experience of typing, making it ideal for a more vibrant keyboard atmosphere. In contrast, the Outemu Peach switch features a muted sound that keeps noises to a minimum while providing a neutral sound profile. This makes the Peach switches well-suited for quieter environments where minimizing sound is a priority. While both switches offer unique auditory experiences, they cater to different preferences—those who prefer a noticeable auditory response may lean toward the Caramel Latte, whereas those in shared spaces may favor the Outemu Peach for its quieter performance.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Caramel Latte switch provides a smooth typing experience with a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, offering a satisfying resistance that can enhance the tactile sensation of typing. This balance makes it great for users who enjoy a bit of heft in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switch is designed to be lightweight, providing a milder and more subtle typing feel that can be described as gentle yet responsive. Its polished finish contributes to a refined experience with reduced friction, making the typing action feel effortless. While the Caramel Latte may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel under their fingers, the Outemu Peach is excellent for users who prefer a light and delicate touch.
In summary, the Huano Caramel Latte and Outemu Peach switches offer distinctly different experiences in both sound and feel. The Caramel Latte provides a bright, clacky sound with a medium resistance for a satisfying typing experience, while the Outemu Peach excels with its muted acoustics and lightweight sensitivity. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preferences for tactile feedback and sound level in your mechanical keyboard experience. If you're looking for a spirited and audible typing session, go for the Caramel Latte. If you value a quieter, feather-light touch, the Outemu Peach should be your switch of choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Peach linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you seek a typing experience that boasts a medium-light touch combined with a bright, clacky sound, then the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice. It's perfect for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback with every keystroke, making it ideal for creative workspaces or personal setups where sound isn't a major concern. On the other hand, if you desire a feather-light typing feel that is quieter and more subdued, the Outemu Peach switch is the way to go. With its silenced design and polished finish, it allows for a gentle and muted sound profile, which makes it fantastic for shared environments like offices or study spaces where noise might be disruptive. Thus, consider the Caramel Latte for a more engaging typing experience and the Peach for a serene and comfortable vibe. Ultimately, the choice depends on what you value more: an engaging auditory experience or a discreet, muted feel.