Huano Caramel Latte vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can make all the difference. The Huano Caramel Latte, a linear switch, is recognized for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and its bright, clacky sound profile, which delivers an exceptionally smooth and enjoyable keystroke, perfect for those who appreciate a lively auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch designed for users who prefer a quieter yet satisfying experience. With its pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Silent Grey is ideal for those seeking a balance of feedback without the noise typically associated with mechanical switches. While both switches have their unique appeals—one favoring auditory pleasure and the other promoting a serene typing atmosphere—each caters to different preferences in typing comfort and sound. 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
50g
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
4.00 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
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 of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Silent Grey switches exhibit both distinct characteristics and shared qualities. The Caramel Latte features a polyketone (POK) top housing that is renowned for its smooth operation and durability, boasting a coefficient of friction slightly higher than that of other popular materials like LY. The sound profile of the POK material tends to be smooth and clacky, contributing to a lively typing experience. In contrast, the top housing of the Silent Grey is made from polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference in material composition is pivotal in determining how the switches feel and sound, particularly during gameplay or typing.
While the top housings demonstrate contrasting properties, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, showcasing a point of commonality. The nylon material is well-regarded for its acoustic properties, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound more effectively than tougher plastics. This shared use of nylon ensures that both switches will deliver a rounded and muted sound when pressing down on the keys. Given that both switches leverage the classic qualities of nylon at the bottom housing level, users can expect similar enriching auditory experiences, further enhanced by the unique attributes each top housing provides.
Ultimately, the harmonious interplay of different housing materials in the Huano Caramel Latte and Outemu Silent Grey switches illustrates how distinct characteristics can coexist to create varied typing experiences. The contrast between the smooth, clacky sound of the Caramel Latte's POK top and the sharper, crisper resonance of the Silent Grey's polycarbonate top highlights how the upper and lower housing materials collaboratively influence the overall feel and sound of the switches. Nonetheless, the use of nylon in both models ensures that the fundamental benefits associated with this classic material resonate throughout the bottom-out experience, bridging the gap between the two distinct sound profiles while allowing for a shared foundation of durability and performance.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch differ notably in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Caramel Latte has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Grey's actuation force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Caramel Latte is 55 grams, while the Silent Grey has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This indicates that users of the Silent Grey switch will experience a more substantial feel when bottoming out, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, if you seek a lighter switch for comfort in prolonged use, the Huano Caramel Latte is the better choice, whereas the Outemu Silent Grey caters to those who favor a firmer response in their typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent Grey has a longer travel distance, providing a deeper feel when pressed down compared to the Caramel Latte. For those who prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm in the Caramel Latte might be preferable, as it allows for quicker key actuation, making it ideal for gamers. Conversely, if you appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback and a heartier depth, the 4 mm travel distance of the Silent Grey could be more suited to your preferences. Thus, depending on your typing or gaming style, you may find one switch more advantageous than the other due to the differences in travel distance.
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 Silent Grey 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 switches are characterized by a bright and clacky sound profile that adds an audible richness to your typing experience, making each keystroke noticeable and engaging. This quality, coupled with a medium weight actuation force, provides a lively auditory feedback that appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced sound with their typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switches are designed for a quiet experience, featuring a tactile bump that introduces a satisfying feel without the clatter. They offer a stealthy solution for typists who want to avoid disturbing those around them, all while maintaining a satisfying sound that marries performance with discretion.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switches excel in delivering a super smooth typing experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. With a bottom-out force of 50g, they provide just enough resistance to offer feedback without feeling overly heavy, making them a delightful choice for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Silent Grey switches present a distinctly tactile feel with a pronounced bump that signals actuation. This tactile feedback enhances typing accuracy and evokes a pleasurable sensation as each key is pressed, catering to users who appreciate that extra physical acknowledgment during their typing routine.
In conclusion, while the Huano Caramel Latte linear switches offer a lively and bright auditory experience alongside smooth key action, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switches prioritize quiet performance combined with a tactile bump for a satisfying typing feel. The choice between the two comes down to personal preference—if you prefer a clackier, more engaging sound with smooth keystrokes, the Caramel Latte is your go-to. Alternatively, if you seek a silent, tactile response that suits a more subdued environment, the Silent Grey switches would be ideal. Each switch brings its unique strengths, ensuring that regardless of your selection, you’ll receive a quality and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between Huano Caramel Latte linear switches and Outemu Silent Grey tactile switches, you should consider your specific typing environment and personal preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and lively typing experience accompanied by the satisfying auditory feedback of a bright, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte switches would be the ideal choice for you. They are particularly well-suited for gaming and general typing, where the lighter 55g bottom-out force allows for quick key presses and a more playful, dynamic feel. However, if you find yourself in a quieter workspace or require a typing experience that won't disturb others, the Silent Grey switches are an excellent option. With their medium-heavy 65g bottom-out force and pronounced tactile bump, they offer satisfying feedback without the noise, making them perfect for both typing and professional environments where discretion is key. Thus, your ultimate choice will hinge on whether you prefer a bright and smooth engagement or a muted yet tactile experience in your mechanical keyboard journey.
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