Huano Caramel Latte vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference, and two compelling options to consider are the Huano Caramel Latte and the Bsun Ragdoll, both linear switches. The Caramel Latte is celebrated for its medium actuation weight of 50g, delivering a bright, clacky sound profile and a silky smooth typing experience that makes each keystroke enjoyable. Its distinctive characteristics make it an ideal choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing, along with a satisfying tactile feel. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll features a Y3 stem and a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which enhances the smoothness of travel and produces a lively clacky sound. This switch may appeal more to users looking for an efficient, responsive typing experience. While both switches have unique strengths—one focusing on sound and tactile delight, the other on smoothness and responsiveness—personal preference ultimately guides the decision. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Huano Caramel Latte and the Bsun Ragdoll switches display both similarities and differences that affect their performance and acoustic characteristics. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing, renowned for its low coefficient of friction and impressive durability. With a friction coefficient of 0.04, it offers a slightly smoother experience compared to nylon and boasts wear resistance dramatically superior to POM, as well as enhanced shock resistance. The use of POK provides the Caramel Latte with a unique clacky sound, which is complemented by the smoothness of typing, making it a strong contender for users seeking both performance and auditory satisfaction.
In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll predominantly employs nylon for both its top and bottom housing. The nature of nylon allows for a softer and rounder sound profile, characterized by a deeper tone when typing. This absence of harder materials means that the Ragdoll focuses more on sound absorption, creating typing feedback that is less clacky but fuller and warmer compared to the Caramel Latte. While nylon as a classic material tends to lack the aggressive durability of POK, it excels in providing a comfortable and acoustically pleasant typing experience, emphasizing a different facet of user satisfaction that many typists appreciate.
Both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which results in their shared qualities regarding sound absorption and feel during bottoming out. Although the Caramel Latte's top housing is made of POK and contributes to a smoother experience and sharper sound upon releasing a key, the nylon bottom maintains that deeper sound profile and plush feedback. This interaction between the differing top and bottom materials means that, while the Caramel Latte may appeal to those looking for sharper and more pronounced auditory feedback, the Ragdoll will satisfy enthusiasts of a more subdued and pleasant typing experience. These variations illustrate how materials can be selectively combined to achieve desired results in tactile and auditory performance.
Weight
Both the Huano Caramel Latte and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light and suitable for users who appreciate a softer touch during extended typing sessions. However, their bottom out forces differ slightly; the Caramel Latte has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Ragdoll's bottom out force is 52 grams. This means that while both switches feel similar to actuate, the Caramel Latte requires a bit more force to bottom out compared to the Ragdoll. Consequently, the Ragdoll could be seen as providing a slightly less strenuous bottoming out experience, appealing to those who prefer a less taxing sensation under their fingers. Overall, both switches offer a medium-light typing experience, but the Ragdoll leans towards the lighter end in terms of bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch exhibit slight differences in their travel distances, which can affect user experience based on individual preferences. The Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ragdoll has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the shorter option, appealing to gamers and users who favor a more responsive keystroke for quicker reaction times. On the other hand, the Ragdoll's longer travel distance of 3.8 mm may cater to those who prefer a more traditional feel with a deeper engagement. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that provides brisk responsiveness, the Caramel Latte is the optimal choice, while the Ragdoll may suit users inclined towards a fuller typing experience.
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 Bsun Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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 are known for their bright and clacky profile, delivering a high-pitched, crisp sound that can be quite engaging. This sharp and snappy auditory feedback can make typing feel more dynamic and satisfying, particularly for those who prefer a more pronounced acoustic response from their keyboard. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll switch produces a clacky sound, although details regarding its specific sound characteristics are not provided. It’s important to keep in mind that the overall sound experience will also depend on factors such as the keyboard's build and the keycap material, but those who favor clacky switches will likely find enjoyment in both options.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte boasts a silky smoothness, providing a highly pleasurable typing experience that minimizes resistance during key presses and releases. The smooth travel not only enhances typing efficiency but also contributes to a more refined tactile sensation with each keystroke. Unfortunately, the description for the Bsun Ragdoll’s feel is not provided, making it difficult to directly compare it against the Caramel Latte switch. However, given that both switches belong to the linear category, one might expect a similar, though unverified, smoothness in their operation.
In summary, the Huano Caramel Latte and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches offer distinct auditory experiences with the Caramel Latte’s well-defined clack and bright tones, while the sound profile of the Ragdoll is still unknown but also clacky. The Caramel Latte stands out with its silky feel, ensuring a smooth typing experience, whereas the Ragdoll’s tactile characteristics remain to be explored. Overall, if you prefer a bright and engaging auditory experience complemented by a pleasantly smooth typing feel, the Caramel Latte may suit you well, while the Ragdoll could result in a similar experience if it shares the same qualities typical of linear switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switches hinges on your personal preferences in typing experience and sound profile. If you value a smooth, exceptionally crisp typing feel along with a bright and clacky sound, the Caramel Latte is likely your best option. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams allows for effortless key presses, making it an ideal choice for long typing sessions or fast-paced gaming where a lively response is essential. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that combines a light touch with a consistent feel but you don't have a specific preference for sound, the Ragdoll may be the way to go. It features a slightly lighter bottom out force at 52 grams, paired with the unique Y3 stem that ensures smooth travel without the pronounced clackiness of the Caramel Latte. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a bubbly, engaging typing sound or if you prefer a low-key, smooth experience that still performs reliably.
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