Huano Caramel Latte vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Silent White can offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Caramel Latte, with its medium weight of 50g and a bright, clacky sound profile, delivers a satisfying and tactile feedback, making each keystroke a delight for gamers and typists alike who appreciate a more audible typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White caters to those seeking a quieter environment, eliminating distracting sounds while maintaining a smooth linear feel, which is ideal for office settings or night-time gaming sessions. Each switch has its unique appeal: the Caramel Latte for its engaging acoustic signature and the Silent White for its stealthy operation. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Polycarbonate
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 Silent White switches, it is evident that they utilize different materials for their top housings, while sharing the same material for their bottom housings. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, presenting a coefficient of friction slightly higher than that of LY and offering exceptional resistance to wear and shock. In contrast, the Silent White employs a polycarbonate top housing that produces a distinct sharpness in sound due to its stiffness, resulting in a higher-pitched and crisper auditory experience. This divergence in top housing materials likely contributes to differing tactile experiences during typing and the character of the sound produced when each key is released.
On the other hand, both the Caramel Latte and Silent White switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. As a classic material in the switch industry, nylon is favored for its ability to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared characteristic in the bottom housings implies that regardless of the differences present in the top housings, both switches will produce a similar auditory foundation upon bottoming out. This shared material allows for an alignment in the switches' key feel, establishing a rounder sound quality during contact.
Overall, the combination of differing top housing materials and the same nylon bottom housing means that both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Silent White can deliver unique yet complementary typing experiences. The distinct sounds generated by their respective top housings will vary; the Caramel Latte will present a smoother, clackier feedback, while the Silent White will provide a crisper, higher-pitched tone. However, the nylon bottom housing will ensure a cohesive deeper sound profile when the keys are pressed down. Therefore, while users may enjoy different auditory experiences based on the top housings, the overall durability and tactile sensation stemming from the nylon bottom lend a harmonious quality to both switches.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch both feature an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally easy to press, which can be advantageous for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Caramel Latte requires 55 grams to fully depress, while the Silent White has a slightly higher bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as medium. This means that while both switches have the same actuation force, the Silent White presents a heavier overall feel due to its increased bottom out force. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter touch and a softer landing may gravitate toward the Huano Caramel Latte, whereas those seeking a more substantial typing experience may find the Outemu Silent White to be more appealing. In summary, the Caramel Latte is the lighter option overall, while the Silent White is the heavier one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, we see that the Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent White measures slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This indicates that the Caramel Latte provides a greater depth when pressed, appealing to those who enjoy a more robust tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Silent White, with its shorter travel distance, may be preferred by users seeking quicker response times, especially in gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference; if you favor a more substantial keystroke, the Caramel Latte is the better option, whereas if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Silent White may be the ideal choice.
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 White 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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch stands out with its bright and clacky sound profile, which enhances the auditory feedback during typing, making each keystroke feel engaging. This can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound when typing, contributing to a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch does not have a specific sound profile mentioned, which could mean it prioritizes quieter operation or lacks distinctive acoustic characteristics. The sound of either switch will also ultimately depend on the keyboard design and keycaps used, but the Caramel Latte is likely to produce a more vibrant auditory experience compared to the more subdued characteristics of the Silent White.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte is known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out, which strikes a good balance for typists who like a moderate resistance without being overly heavy. Its smooth performance means that users are likely to enjoy a fluid typing experience, providing a satisfying tactile sensation with each keystroke. In contrast, there is no specific information available regarding the feel of the Silent White switch, leaving its characteristics somewhat ambiguous. If it were to mirror the Caramel Latte in terms of smoothness but differ in weight or resistance, users might experience a different overall sensation when typing.
In conclusion, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch offers a bright, clacky sound and a smooth, medium-resistance feel that many would find enjoyable for typing. The Outemu Silent White linear switch lacks detailed descriptions in both sound and feel, which leaves potential users with limited insight into its characteristics. Overall, if you prefer a lively auditory feedback with a balanced typing experience, the Caramel Latte would be a great choice. However, if you gravitate towards softer sound profiles, you'll likely want to explore the Silent White to see if it meets your preferences, even without specific details available.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, consider your preferences for both typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a lighter actuation with a smooth and satisfying keystroke, the Caramel Latte is the clear choice. Its playful, bright clackiness—and a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams—makes it ideal for those who type frequently or enjoy gaming, where a responsive touch can enhance performance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more muted experience with a slightly firmer bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Silent White switch might be more in line with your needs. This switch is specifically designed for quieter environments, making it suitable for office settings or shared spaces where sound could be a distraction. In summary, choose the Caramel Latte for an engaging, lively typing experience, or the Silent White for a more subdued, yet firm keystroke that prioritizes silence. Your ultimate choice will hinge on whether you value auditory feedback or minimal noise in your typing environment.
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