Huano Caramel Latte vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Purple Click often boils down to personal preference regarding typing experience and sound feedback. The Caramel Latte, a linear switch, features a medium actuation force of 50g, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke that is ideal for those who prioritize a quiet and fluid typing experience. Its bright, clacky sound profile enhances the pleasure of each keypress, making it a great option for gamers and typists alike who prefer an unobtrusive atmosphere. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click shines with its distinctively high-pitched, satisfying click feedback; this clicky switch presents a light tactile response balanced perfectly with a pronounced click sound. This combination makes it an invigorating choice for users who enjoy auditory confirmation with each keystroke. While both switches have their unique appeals—the Caramel Latte for its smoothness and quieter operation, and the Purple Click for its engaging clicks—it's important to explore their features in greater detail to determine which switch best aligns with your typing needs.
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
1.90 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte switch and the KTT Purple Click switch, it becomes clear that they exhibit both similarities and differences. The Caramel Latte uses POK for its top housing, known for its exceptional smoothness and durability, contributing to a clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Purple Click employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffness. While both materials are selected for their acoustic properties, the POK's smoother surface provides a different tactile experience compared to polycarbonate’s crispness. Ultimately, these differences manifest in the overall sound and feel of the switches, reflecting their respective objectives in design.
Both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, a choice that results in deeper and fuller sound profiles due to nylon's softer plastic characteristics. This shared material in the bottom housing means that for both switches, the foundation of sound quality is similar. Since the bottom housing significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, users can expect a consistent acoustic experience when bottoming out, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials. Both switches, with their nylon bases, will yield a rounder sound profile that complements the distinct qualities provided by the top housings.
In summary, the distinct materials in the top housings of the Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Purple Click switches contribute to varying sound profiles, while the common nylon bottom housing ensures a cohesive acoustic experience when pressing the keys. The Caramel Latte's POK top provides a smooth, clacky sensation, while the Purple Click’s polycarbonate top creates a more resonant, crisp sound. Despite these differences, the nylon bottom in both switches guarantees that users will experience a fuller, deeper sound when bottoming out both switches, highlighting how material choices profoundly shape the overall switch experience.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch differ in their actuation forces, with the Caramel Latte requiring 45 grams of force to actuate compared to the 40 grams needed for the Purple Click. This makes the KTT Purple Click a lighter switch in terms of actuation, which might appeal to users who favor less resistance, especially during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Both switches, however, share the same bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating that both require the same amount of force to press all the way down, which provides a consistent tactile experience at the end of a keystroke. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience will lean toward the KTT Purple Click for its lower actuation force, while users seeking a more substantial feel may find the Caramel Latte’s actuation force more satisfying, despite both switches being considered medium-light overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is evident that they differ slightly. The Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Purple Click boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional. This means that users who favor quicker response times may prefer the Caramel Latte switch due to its shorter travel distance, providing a more responsive feel. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their key presses might opt for the Purple Click switch for its longer travel distance. Overall, the distinction in travel distances between these two switches caters to different user preferences regarding tactile feedback and response time.
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 Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 boasts a bright, clacky sound profile that provides a delightful and engaging auditory experience with each keystroke. This sound is characterized by a clean and sharp resonance, making the typing experience both lively and satisfying, akin to the crispness found in autumn leaves. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch produces a high-pitched, crunchy sound that further accentuates its clicky nature. This combination of resonant qualities not only contributes to a clear and attention-grabbing sound but also enhances the overall enjoyment of typing, making it feel like every keystroke is marked by a satisfying auditory punctuation.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch delivers a super smooth typing experience, ensuring that each key press glides effortlessly without any hitches. This smoothness is complemented by a medium weight of 50 grams, which strikes a pleasant balance between ease of typing and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch offers a more invigorating experience with pronounced feedback and a moderate actuation force. It presents a tactile sensation that is both snappy and reactive, while its stepped feel provides a distinct two-stage actuation, giving typists a satisfying response with each keystroke. This combination of tactile and auditory feedback creates an immersive typing environment.
Overall, the Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Purple Click switches present distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Latte excels in smoothness and a clacky sound, making it perfect for those who prioritize fluid typing and a lively auditory experience. In contrast, the Purple Click focuses on providing a pronounced tactile feedback and a crisp, engaging click, appealing to users who enjoy a more dynamic, reactive experience. Depending on what qualities are most important to a typist, both switches can deliver satisfying results, albeit through different sensations—whether it be the seamless glide of the Caramel Latte or the invigorating feedback of the Purple Click.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, your choice should ultimately reflect your typing preferences and intended use. If you seek a smooth and effortless typing experience combined with a balanced sound profile, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice. It provides a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue, which is perfect for long hours of writing or coding. On the other hand, if you thrive on tactile feedback and an engaging auditory experience, the Purple Click switch is your go-to option. With its invigorating clicky feedback and resonant sound, it elevates typing into a more interactive experience, making it particularly satisfying for gamers and those who enjoy a pronounced auditory response with each keystroke. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prefer the smoothness of a linear switch or the satisfying feedback of a clicky option, aligning with how you engage with your keyboard on a daily basis.
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