Huano Caramel Latte vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the distinct characteristics of different options can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Huano Caramel Latte switches, with their linear action, provide a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, boasting a 50g bottom-out force and a high-pitched, clacky sound profile that brings a sense of delight to casual typing and gaming alike. This makes them an excellent choice for individuals who prefer rapid key presses without tactile resistance. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze switches are recognized for their unique nylon housing and POM stem combination, which contributes to a deeper sound than conventional clicky switches. This makes them particularly appealing to typists who enjoy the satisfying audio feedback from each click while still maintaining a distinctive feel. While both switches offer unique benefits—smoothness with the Caramel Latte and a gratifying click from the Spring Breeze—choosing the best one ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Spring Breeze, a notable distinction arises from their top housing compositions. The Caramel Latte utilizes a polyketone (POK) top housing, which boasts a low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. This material is recognized for its smooth operation, with a wear resistance significantly better than that of POM and shock resistance that outperforms nylon. In contrast, the Spring Breeze employs a nylon top housing, a traditional material known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller acoustic profile. While both materials serve the essential function of protecting the internal components of the switches, the POK contributes to a more refined tactile experience with a precise sound, while nylon emphasizes acoustic dampening, resulting in a softer auditory signature.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a more significant similarity between the two models. Both the Caramel Latte and the Spring Breeze utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which is a classic choice in switch design known for its sound-absorbing qualities. This shared material creates a harmonious baseline in the typing experience, as both switches will deliver a duller and rounder bottom-out sound due to the inherent properties of nylon. Therefore, regardless of the differences presented in the top housing materials, both switches will benefit from the deeper sound profile while typing, a characteristic attributable to their nylon bottom housing.
In essence, the combination of the different top housing materials brings about varied experiences in sound and feel. The Caramel Latte's POK top housing is engineered for smoothness and durability, ideal for users looking for tactile precision. Conversely, the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing prioritizes sound absorption, creating a softer auditory experience. However, both switches achieve similar results in the overall sound profile due to their identical nylon bottom housings. This symbiosis means that while users will notice differences in the feel and sound during keypresses, the rounded acoustics from the nylon bottom will create a sense of continuity in the overall typing experience across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, we can observe some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Huano Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Outemu Spring Breeze has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Spring Breeze will feel easier to press, making it a better choice for users who prefer a lighter touch, particularly for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating that they provide a similar amount of resistance when fully pressed down. Overall, while both switches fall under the medium-light category, the Huano Caramel Latte is the heavier option in terms of actuation force, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel during typing.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance means that the Caramel Latte is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that is often preferred by gamers looking for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Spring Breeze, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth for those who enjoy a fuller typing experience. Essentially, if you value responsiveness, the Caramel Latte is the better choice, whereas if you prefer a more pronounced key press, the Spring Breeze would be more suitable.
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 Spring Breeze 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 is notable for its bright, clacky sound profile, providing a high-pitched, crisp experience with each keystroke. This characteristic makes it appealing for those who prefer sharp auditory feedback, offering a delightful, percussive quality that enhances the typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch creates a deeper sound profile due to its unique material combination of nylon housing and POM stem. While the specifics of the sound characteristics for the Spring Breeze are not detailed, it is generally acknowledged that clicky switches deliver a more pronounced auditory response, which may lend itself to a distinctive auditory experience compared to the sharpness of the Caramel Latte.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte linear switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness, allowing for a seamless typing experience with minimal resistance. This smooth actuation not only enhances comfort but contributes to a more enjoyable and fluid typing rhythm. On the other hand, information regarding the feel of the Spring Breeze clicky switch is not provided. Typically, clicky switches offer increased tactile feedback, which users may find satisfying, yet without specific descriptors for the Spring Breeze, one can only assume that it may differ from the silky smooth feel of the Caramel Latte.
In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel, appealing to distinct typing styles. The Caramel Latte boasts a bright, clacky sound and a silky feel, making it excellent for smooth and pleasurable typing. Conversely, while the Spring Breeze offers a deeper sound, the specifics regarding its tactile feel remain unknown. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for auditory feedback and typing sensations, as each switch provides a unique yet satisfying keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch really depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice with its silky feel and bright, clacky sound profile. It's ideal for long typing sessions, quickly firing off emails, or enjoying the rhythm of your keystrokes without the distraction of a tactile bump or loud click. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and audible feedback while you type, the Spring Breeze could be the better fit. Its deeper sound, thanks to its unique material composition, adds a satisfying layer to each key press, making it particularly appealing for gaming or any activity where auditory cues matter. Ultimately, consider whether you lean more towards a streamlined, effortless typing experience or a more pronounced auditory feedback when making your decision—each switch will cater to specific needs and enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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