Huano Caramel Latte vs. Jerrzi Poseidon
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Jerrzi Poseidon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Jerrzi Poseidon both stand out as linear options that cater to different typing preferences. The Caramel Latte is renowned for its 50g actuation force, providing a balanced feel that combines a satisfying, bright sound profile with a remarkably smooth typing experience, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize both auditory feedback and comfort during prolonged usage. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Poseidon, while lacking specific distinguishing features, offers its own unique blend of performance, appealing to users who prefer a straightforward switch that's easy to integrate into various setups or gaming rigs. Each switch has its merits, whether you're drawn to the acoustic pleasure of the Caramel Latte or the versatility of the Poseidon. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte and the Jerrzi Poseidon switch housings, it is evident that their top housings utilize different materials that significantly influence their acoustic and tactile characteristics. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing characterized by its exceptional smoothness and high durability, with a coefficient of friction of 0.04, slightly higher than that of LY at 0.03. This material provides a clackier sound profile while emphasizing durability, with impressive wear resistance that is 14 times greater than POM. In contrast, the Poseidon's top housing is made from POM, which promotes a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted. This fundamental difference in material composition between the two switches directly affects the auditory experience when pressing and releasing the keys.
The bottom housings of the two switches exhibit notable similarities, as both the Caramel Latte and the Poseidon employ materials known for their sound profiles. The Caramel Latte features a nylon bottom housing, a material traditionally recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and rounder sound profile due to its softer consistency. Similarly, the Poseidon utilizes a POM bottom housing, which also offers a deeper sound characteristic while being relatively muted. While both switch types deliver a deep sound profile, the unique softness of nylon in the Caramel Latte may contribute to a slightly richer and fuller resonance compared to the POM configuration of the Poseidon, which has its particular sound properties.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Huano Caramel Latte and Jerrzi Poseidon switches manifests distinctive sound profiles and tactile experiences. The tops and bottoms of each switch deliver unique auditory feedback — the POK on the Caramel Latte adds a smoother and clackier top-out sound, while the nylon bottom enhances the depth of the overall acoustic profile. In the Poseidon, the POM top contributes to a unique tonal quality that pairs with the similarly POM bottom housing. Despite differing designs, the switching characteristics and overall experiences of the two switches could still yield similar results due to how sound and feel interact with the varying materials in each housing.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch with the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force, while the bottom out force for the Poseidon remains unknown. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Poseidon's 40 grams, making the latter the lighter option. This difference indicates that users who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions may find the Poseidon more comfortable, while those who appreciate a more substantial feel might lean towards the Caramel Latte. Additionally, the Caramel Latte has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which provides a defined resistance at the key's end travel, offering a tactile feedback that some users favor. In contrast, without a specified bottom out force for the Poseidon, it's challenging to assess its overall resistance and typing experience fully. Therefore, while the Caramel Latte offers a balanced medium-light feel, the Poseidon’s lighter actuation force may provide a more effortless typing experience, albeit without clear bottoming out feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, the Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Poseidon measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte offers a more pronounced depth when pressed, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. On the other hand, the Poseidon's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and users who prioritize quicker response times, making their keystrokes feel more immediate and less abrupt. Ultimately, your preference will hinge on whether you value a deeper tactile experience or a rapid keypress response, with the Caramel Latte being the longer option and the Poseidon the shorter one.
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 Jerrzi Poseidon has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poseidon for $3.59.
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 linear switch is characterized by a bright, clacky sound profile, making it a lively option for typists and gamers alike. This acoustic quality adds an engaging element to the typing experience, providing auditory feedback that can enhance the feel of each keystroke. The Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, however, lacks specific sound characteristics mentioned, which leaves its auditory profile somewhat ambiguous. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch will also vary depending on the keyboard construction, plate materials, and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch boasts a medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, which lends itself to a balanced typing experience. This makes it suitable for a variety of tasks, from gaming to typing, as it achieves a harmonious mix of resistance and smooth actuation. The Jerrzi Poseidon, on the other hand, does not have detailed information available regarding its tactile qualities, so the sensory feedback it offers remains unclear. The smoothness and actuation force of a switch can significantly impact user preference, and the lack of details on the Poseidon switch means it could either match or differ greatly from typical linear standards.
In conclusion, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch presents a clear advantage in both sound and feel with its defined characteristics that promise an enjoyable typing experience. With its bright, clacky sound and balanced 50g actuation force, it stands out as a reliable choice for those seeking a smooth and engaging performance. The Jerrzi Poseidon, while lacking specific descriptions, may still provide a satisfactory experience, but without knowing its characteristics, it’s difficult to determine how it compares or if it will deliver similar results. Overall, if acoustics and tactile feedback are important to you, the Caramel Latte would be the more informed choice; for the Poseidon, more information would be necessary to make a clear comparison.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you're seeking a keyboard switch that provides a balanced mix of tactility and sound, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch would be an excellent choice. With its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, it creates a super smooth typing experience that can make long typing sessions feel effortless and enjoyable. Its bright, clacky sound profile adds a satisfying auditory element to your keystrokes, making it ideal for those who appreciate pleasing acoustic feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch lacks specific details regarding its bottom-out force and overall characteristics, making it difficult to recommend over the Caramel Latte. Therefore, unless you have a particular affinity for Jerrzi products or are drawn to aesthetic choices, the Caramel Latte clearly stands out as the more advantageous option, especially for users who prioritize both comfort and sound in their typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches should center on what you value most in your mechanical keyboard, with the Huano Caramel Latte likely being the more reliable and satisfying option for a variety of uses.