Huano Caramel Latte vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular linear switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Durock Piano, stand out for their unique characteristics. The Huano Caramel Latte is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g bottom out, providing a bright and clacky sound profile that strikes a balance between auditory feedback and a smooth typing feel, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy lively keystrokes. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch delivers a deep, creamy sound signature with a gliding push feel, crafted from a proprietary material blend that enhances its pleasant typing experience. While the Caramel Latte caters to users who appreciate a high-pitched and clacky vibe, the Piano appeals to those who prefer a bassy, silky touch. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Mystery material
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Durock Piano switches, it becomes evident that while there are similarities, there are also notable differences that influence their overall performance and sound profile. The top housing of the Caramel Latte employs POK, a polyketone material known for its impressive smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it provides a tactile experience that is slightly smoother than the POM blend used in the Piano. In contrast, the Piano features a proprietary POM blend for its top housing, which, although less detailed in specification, contributes to a unique sound profile that many users find satisfying. While both materials aim to enhance the smoothness of the switch action, the distinct characteristics of POK may lead to a more controlled feel, while the POM blend could bring a different tonal quality into play.
Turning to the bottom housings, the contrast between the two switches becomes even clearer. The Caramel Latte utilizes nylon, a material revered for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller audio experience while typing. Conversely, the Durock Piano’s bottom housing is made from a proprietary POM blend, which similarly aims to deliver a deep sound profile but likely features a sharper resonance due to POM's different properties. This variance is significant; as the bottom housing greatly affects the bottom-out sound and feel during key presses, the Caramel Latte may provide a softer impact while typing, thanks to the nylon’s sound-dampening qualities. The Piano’s POM blend, on the other hand, could lend a more pronounced response, further bridging the gap between tactile feedback and auditory feedback.
Ultimately, the combination of the top and bottom housing materials in both switches leads to distinct tactile and sound experiences. With the Caramel Latte’s POK top housing paired with its nylon bottom housing, one can expect a smooth action complemented by a subdued sound profile. The Durock Piano’s choice of a POM blend for both the top and bottom housings promises a harmonized response that prioritizes resonance over absorption. In terms of results, achieving a vibrant yet controlled auditory feedback could be emulated by combining the best attributes of each material; for instance, one might explore ways to incorporate nylon in the Piano's design to balance its lively sound with a gentler touch. Thus, understanding the interplay of materials within these switches is crucial for those looking to customize their typing experience.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte has a specific actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light; this makes it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires relatively less effort to activate. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch has an unspecified actuation force but a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which places it firmly in the medium-heavy category. This indicates that, while the actuation force remains unknown, its bottom out force is noticeably higher than that of the Caramel Latte, suggesting a stronger push feel. Consequently, if users prefer a lighter touch for long-term use, the Caramel Latte is the ideal choice, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the heavier Durock Piano switch. Overall, the differences in bottom out forces highlight the contrasting tactile experiences these two switches offer.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Durock Piano linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Huano Caramel Latte the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times for faster gameplay. On the other hand, the Durock Piano, with its greater depth, offers a more substantial feel during key presses, catering to those who prefer a more traditional tactile experience. Therefore, if you prioritize rapid actuation, the Huano Caramel Latte would be more suitable, whereas if you enjoy a deeper, more deliberate keystroke, the Durock Piano would be the better 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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 switches produce a bright, clacky sound profile that adds a sharp, crisp auditory experience with each keystroke. This high-pitched and snappy sound can create a lively typing atmosphere, ideal for those who enjoy a more percussive engagement with their keyboard. Conversely, the Durock Piano switches offer a deeper, bassy sound signature, characterized by a rich and creamy resonance that provides a fuller auditory experience. While the Caramel Lattes lean towards brightness, the Pianos embrace a depth that some may find more pleasant and soothing. Ultimately, the sound profile of each switch may also be influenced by the keyboard and keycap choices, so your personal setup can further enhance these distinctive audio qualities.
In terms of feel, both switches share a silky typing experience that minimizes resistance and provides an exceptionally smooth transition when pressing and releasing keys. This quality allows for effortless typing, reducing finger fatigue and increasing overall comfort for longer typing sessions. While the Caramel Latte brings a certain joyfulness to the act of typing through its smoothness, the Durock Piano likewise ensures a gliding push feel that enhances tactile satisfaction. The similarity in this categorical aspect means that regardless of which linear switch you choose, you can expect a pleasant typing experience that prioritizes smoothness.
In summary, the Huano Caramel Latte and Durock Piano switches have contrasting sound profiles, with the former offering a bright, clacky tone and the latter delivering a deep, creamy resonance. However, both switches excel in providing a silky feel, ensuring that typing remains fluid and enjoyable. Your choice between these two will likely boil down to your sound preferences; if you're inclined towards brightness, the Caramel Latte will serve you well, whereas if a richer sound is more appealing, the Durock Piano may be your switch of choice. Ultimately, both options deliver a satisfying experience, but the unique auditory characteristics set them apart.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you prefer a medium-light feel with a bright, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice. This switch is ideal for typists who enjoy a crisp, lively auditory feedback and a silky smooth keystroke, making it a pleasure for both casual typing and fast-paced gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a medium-heavy typing experience with a deeper, bassy sound, the Durock Piano switch would better suit your needs. Its creamy sound signature and gliding push feel provide an exceptionally pleasant typing experience, catering to those who value a rich auditory feedback alongside smooth operation. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prefer a lighter, more percussive switch or a heavier, more resonant one; both options offer their unique advantages tailored to different typing styles and acoustic preferences.
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