Huano Caramel Latte vs. KTT Peach
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Peach present intriguing options for enthusiasts who favor linear switches. The Caramel Latte is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g bottom out, providing a balanced feel that combines satisfying tactile feedback with a bright, clacky sound profile, delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Conversely, the KTT Peach switch boasts a syrupy smooth feel and a deep, thocky sound, appealing to users who prefer a more subdued auditory experience and a tactile sensation that remains neutral and mild. While both switches cater to the desire for fluid keystrokes, their auditory and tactile characteristics can greatly influence your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Peach, it is noteworthy to highlight the differences in their top housings. The Caramel Latte utilizes a polyketone (POK) material for its top housing, which is known for its smoothness and exceptional durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, which is slightly higher than that of LY (0.03), the switches made from POK deliver a smooth and clacky typing experience. Additionally, its remarkable wear and shock resistance mean that it can withstand significant use without degrading, making it a robust choice for mechanical switches. In contrast, the KTT Peach features a polycarbonate top housing that contributes a sharper and crisper sound profile to the switch. Due to its stiffer nature, polycarbonate yields a more resonant audio quality, especially beneficial for RGB setups due to its translucency. Thus, while both top housings are engineered for specific auditory experiences, they approach sound production quite differently.
On the other hand, both the Caramel Latte and the KTT Peach employ nylon for their bottom housings, leading to similarities in the sound profiles produced by typing on these switches. Nylon is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, which results in the deeper, fuller tones that many typists appreciate. This shared material means that, irrespective of the differences in their top housings, both switches will elicit a richer auditory feedback that merges seamlessly with their respective top-end characteristics. As such, the bottom housing of each switch plays a pivotal role in the overall sound signature, anchoring the acoustic experience in similar ways while maintaining distinct identities contributed by the top materials.
These contrasting top housing materials highlight the nuanced approach each switch takes toward sound production and performance while ensuring a harmonious sound experience from the nylon bottom. When pressed, the Caramel Latte's POK top delivers a smooth release and pronounced clack, aligning with its durable profile, while the KTT Peach’s polycarbonate top accentuates clarity, especially when responsive to RGB lighting. The interplay between the stiffer polycarbonate and the softer nylon creates an exciting dynamic in the KTT Peach, whereas the combination of durable POK with nylon in the Caramel Latte results in a more robust overall typing experience. Collectively, the materials used in each switch yield different sensory outcomes, yet the shared nylon bottom ensures that users will enjoy a fuller sound regardless of the top housing selected.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Peach linear switches both feature identical actuation forces of 45 grams, indicating that users will experience the same level of force required to trigger a keystroke with either switch. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Caramel Latte at 55 grams and the Peach at 53 grams. This means that while both switches are considered medium-light overall, the Caramel Latte is marginally heavier in terms of bottom out feel. Users who prefer a lighter overall experience will find both options suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, given their similar actuation forces. However, those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Caramel Latte due to its higher bottom out force, providing a firmer response when bottoming out the switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, a clear difference becomes apparent. The Huano Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Peach offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Peach switch provides a greater depth when pressed, which may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile and substantial feedback during key presses. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Caramel Latte might be more suitable for gamers who value quicker response times and a more responsive typing experience. Thus, for those looking for a balance between depth and speed, the Caramel Latte is the shorter option, whereas the KTT Peach, with its longer travel distance, caters to those who appreciate a deeper and potentially more satisfying keystroke.
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 KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Peach linear switches, there is a noticeable difference that caters to different auditory preferences. The Caramel Latte is known for its bright and clacky sound, providing an energetic and zippy auditory experience that can be quite exhilarating for typists. In contrast, the KTT Peach switches deliver a deep, thocky sound that is characterized by its low-pitched tones. This creates a more bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience that resonates well within a quieter environment or for those who prefer a less intrusive sound. Ultimately, while the Caramel Lattes offer a more pronounced and lively sound, the Peaches maintain a subtler yet equally satisfying auditory presence.
In terms of tactile feel, the Huano Caramel Latte offers a super smooth typing experience, making every keystroke feel seamless and pleasant. This can enhance speed and accuracy, offering an optimal experience for those who appreciate a consistently smooth actuation. On the other hand, the KTT Peach switches are described as mild, providing a more gentle typing sensation that is approachable for all users. The Peaches strike a balance that caters well to both beginners and experienced typists alike, offering a composition of sound and feel that resides in a comfortable middle-ground. While the Caramel Latte emphasizes its exceptionally smooth glide, the Peach emphasizes an overall soft touch across the board.
In summary, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch each offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Caramel Latte stands out with its bright and clacky sound as well as its super smooth feel, ideal for those seeking a lively and exhilarating typing experience. Meanwhile, the KTT Peach provides a mellow thocky sound combined with a mild and gentle feel, making it suitable for a wider range of users, ensuring comfort and approachability. Depending on your personal preference in sound and feel, either switch can elevate your mechanical keyboard experience, but you will find distinctive characteristics that set them apart.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you favor a bright, clacky sound profile that makes each keystroke lively and enjoyable, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice, particularly if you appreciate a slightly heavier feel with its 55 grams bottom-out force that provides tactile feedback without being too taxing. This switch shines in a setting where a more expressive typing experience can be appreciated, whether you're gaming or engaged in creative writing. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, thocky sound that delivers a smoother and more mellow typing experience, the KTT Peach is ideal. With a very marginally lighter actuation force at 53 grams, the Peach offers a balanced touch with its mild feel, making it suitable for both home and office environments where a quieter, more neutral ambiance is desired. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your style of typing and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard, ensuring that you derive the most satisfaction from your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
