Huano Caramel Latte vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Silver both fall into the category of linear switches, making them great options for those who prefer a smoother keystroke without tactile feedback. The Huano Caramel Latte switch is recognized for its medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bright, clacky sound profile, which provides a satisfying auditory experience while typing. This switch is ideal for users seeking a balance between comfort and sound, making it perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switch, which does not have a distinct reputation or sound profile ascribed to it, is often favored for its rapid actuation, making it a suitable choice for gamers looking for quick response times. While both switches offer unique advantages, the choice between them ultimately depends on your specific typing or gaming preferences. 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
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 Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Silver switches exhibit contrasting properties in their top housings, which significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing, a material known for its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. POK's properties provide a smooth and tactile experience while enhancing the overall sound quality of the switch. In comparison, the Outemu Silver's top housing is made of polycarbonate, which is recognized for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer resonance than that of the Caramel Latte's POK material. Although both materials contribute to unique auditory experiences, users can expect distinctly different sound profiles—smooth and clacky from the POK and crisp with resonant clarity from the polycarbonate.
Contrastingly, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Silver switches share the same nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a well-established switch housing material that provides a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. This shared bottom housing means that regardless of the differing top materials, both switches will present a consistent tactile feel and sound depth when typing, as the nylon absorbs more sound than stiffer materials. While the Caramel Latte's top housing creates a smooth feel and somewhat muted sound, the Outemu Silver's sharper top housing accentuates high frequencies, but the fundamental lower tones will remain consistent thanks to the nylon bottom.
Since the top and bottom housings in both switches contribute differently to the overall switch performance, users can experiment with the distinct sound profiles by switching between top housings without compromising the deep sound produced by the nylon bases. The Caramel Latte's smooth and clacky nature may appeal to those who enjoy a softer auditory experience, whereas the Outemu Silver could attract users seeking a crisper sound. Nevertheless, due to the nylon bottom housing being common, both switches maintain a certain level of auditory fullness, making them versatile options for different preferences in tactile feedback and sound clarity.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they will both require the same minimal effort to register a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces differ significantly, with the Caramel Latte bottoming out at 55 grams, which is on the lighter side, while the Silver bottom out force is 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This distinction in bottom out forces affects the overall typing experience: the Caramel Latte will provide a lighter feel, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions, whereas the heavier Outemu Silver switch may appeal to those who prefer a stronger tactile response and a more substantial push feel. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that feels lighter, the Huano Caramel Latte would be the better option, while those seeking a more robust experience should consider the Outemu Silver.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Outemu Silver has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the longer of the two. This distinction highlights the preference gamers often have for shorter travel distances, as the Caramel Latte's design offers quicker response times, ideal for fast-paced gaming. Conversely, the Silver's 4 mm travel distance may appeal to users who favor a more substantial keystroke, providing a more traditional feel that some find comfortable. Thus, the choice between these two switches hinges on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth.
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 Silver 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 noted for its bright, clacky sound profile, which adds a satisfying auditory feedback to each keystroke. This characteristic can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy a more pronounced sound when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have a specific sound profile associated with it, which means its auditory qualities may be more subdued and likely depends on external factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Therefore, if you prefer a more noticeable sound while typing, the Caramel Latte would be the better option, while the Silver may appeal to those seeking a quieter experience.
When evaluating the feel, the Caramel Latte switch is characterized by its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, providing a balanced resistance that contributes to a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. This makes it suitable for both casual typing and gaming. The specific feel of the Outemu Silver linear switch is not detailed, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares. However, linear switches are typically known for a smooth actuation without tactile bumps or audible clicks, which means that both switches may provide a smooth typing experience. Those who appreciate moderate actuation force may find the Caramel Latte to be particularly pleasing, while the feel of the Silver could range along the same lines, but remains unknown.
In conclusion, the Huano Caramel Latte switch stands out with its distinct sound and feel, making it an attractive choice for users who enjoy a responsive and auditory typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silver linear switch lacks specific sound and feel descriptors, which may interest those who prefer minimalistic features in their switches. While you may achieve a smooth typing experience with both switches, the Caramel Latte offers a more defined audio component, thus providing a different overall experience. If sound and specific feel are important to you, the Caramel Latte is likely the preferred option, while the Silver remains versatile yet undefined in those aspects.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Huano Caramel Latte linear switches and Outemu Silver linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a smoother, more tactile typing experience with a lighter touch, the Caramel Latte is an excellent option. Its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams makes it appealing for extended typing sessions, as it requires less effort while still providing satisfying feedback with its bright, clacky sound profile. This switch is particularly suitable for users who prefer a lively auditory response and a more forgiving feel, making it a great choice for both casual typists and gamers alike.
Conversely, if you lean towards a slightly heavier keypress that offers a firmer resistance, the Outemu Silver linear switch might be more to your liking. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches provide a more robust feel that can enhance your control during fast-paced gaming or typing environments. Although the Silver lacks a distinct sound profile compared to the Caramel Latte, its stable performance can be appealing for those who prioritize consistency and durability in their switch selection. Therefore, select the Huano Caramel Latte if you prefer a smooth and responsive typing experience; choose the Outemu Silver if you want a more substantial feel and can handle a bit more resistance.
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