Huano Caramel Latte vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches significantly impacts the typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade. The Caramel Latte, a linear switch recognized for its medium actuation weight of 50 grams, delivers an exceptionally smooth typing experience accompanied by a bright, clacky sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer seamless keystrokes and an engaging auditory feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offers a tactile switch experience with its satisfying "thocky" sound and a noticeable tactile bump, designed for quieter environments thanks to its factory-lubed components and silent operation. While the Caramel Latte is perfect for gamers seeking swift key presses and an energetic feel, the Silent Yellow Jade is tailored for typists who want a balance of feedback without disturbing their surroundings. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing habits.
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
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
The Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches present a fascinating comparison of housing materials, showcasing both similarities and differences that significantly affect their performance characteristics. The Caramel Latte employs a POK material for its top housing, known for its exceptional smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04 and a wear resistance 14 times stronger than POM, the POK top contributes to a swift and slick typing experience, producing a clacky sound distinct to its construction. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade features a nylon top housing, a classic choice that offers a softer touch and a deeper sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound. This softness can make for a less noisy typing experience but may lack the crispness associated with the Caramel Latte's POK top.
Both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, which is paramount in determining the bottom-out feel and sound. Here, the similarities are striking: both the Caramel Latte and Silent Yellow Jade provide a fuller sound profile attributed to the nylon material. The inherent sound-absorbing characteristics of nylon mean that both switches will elicit a duller and rounder auditory experience when keys are bottomed out, contributing to a smooth tactile response. This shared use of nylon ensures that, irrespective of the varying top housing materials, users can expect a cohesive sound quality and tactile sensation during use.
When pressed, the differing qualities brought by the top housing materials come into play, resulting in a unique typing experience. The POK top of the Caramel Latte enhances the switch's quick responsiveness and sharp sound signature when releasing keys, while the nylon top of the Silent Yellow Jade produces a muted release sound that complements its softer tactile nature. The interplay of these materials results in two distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences: one that highlights a robust and lively feel with the Caramel Latte and another that promotes a more subdued and comforting interaction with the Silent Yellow Jade. Thus, while the two switches utilize similar nylon for the bottom housing to create a resonant sound experience, the contrasting top materials lead to divergent auditory and tactile feedback, enriching the users' choice depending on their personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Caramel Latte switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. Consequently, the Caramel Latte is the lighter of the two, which may appeal to users looking for a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long work hours or gaming sessions. Conversely, the heavier Silent Yellow Jade offers a more substantial push feel, catering to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Overall, users seeking a lighter switch may gravitate towards the Caramel Latte, while those desiring a stronger tactile feedback should consider the Silent Yellow Jade.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, we find that the Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Yellow Jade measures 3.3 mm. This indicates that the Caramel Latte features a longer travel distance, which may provide a more pronounced feel when pressed, potentially catering to those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade could appeal to gamers looking for a quicker response time, as shorter distances are often favored for faster actuation. Thus, for individuals who prefer a depthier feel while typing, the Huano Caramel Latte would be the better choice, whereas those seeking heightened responsiveness might gravitate towards the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade.
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 Yellow Jade 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 is renowned for its bright and clacky sound profile, which is often associated with a more pronounced audio feedback that can be satisfying for users who enjoy a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a more subdued auditory experience characterized by a quiet, thocky sound. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise may be a concern, providing a satisfying keystroke without being overly loud. It’s important to remember that the overall sound produced by either switch can vary depending on the keyboard they’re mounted on and the choice of keycap material.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the Huano Caramel Latte excels in offering a super smooth typing experience, assisted by its medium weight of 50g bottom out, which allows for effortless keystrokes and can lead to a more fluid typing rhythm. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch features a punchy tactile bump that provides a clear indication of actuation, enhancing feedback during typing. Despite being tactile, it maintains a factory-lubed, smooth action that adds to the overall user experience without the harshness often found in some tactile switches.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches cater to different preferences that can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Caramel Latte is ideal for those who appreciate a brighter sound and smooth keystrokes, while the Silent Yellow Jade is better suited for users who prioritize a quiet environment combined with tactile feedback. Depending on your specific needs, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch, knowing how they differ in sound and feel will help you make a more informed choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Huano Caramel Latte linear switches and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing or gaming environment. If you enjoy a smooth, light typing experience with a bright, clacky sound and appreciate a responsive feel, the Caramel Latte switches are likely the better fit for you. Their medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams caters to those who prefer a less straining keystroke and enhances the overall joy of typing. On the other hand, if you seek a quieter, yet tactile experience coupled with a satisfying "thocky" sound, the Silent Yellow Jade switches would suit you well. With a heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams, they provide a pronounced tactile response ideal for those who enjoy feeling the actuation point without excessive noise, making them a great choice for shared spaces or long typing sessions. Ultimately, assessing your priorities—whether they lean towards a lively, engaging sound or a subdued, focused atmosphere—will guide you towards the switch that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience the most.
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