Huano Caramel Latte vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Red Panda offers enthusiasts a fascinating contrast in typing experiences. The Caramel Latte, a linear switch, is characterized by its smooth keystrokes and a satisfying clacky sound profile, making it a popular choice for those seeking a fluid and uninterrupted typing experience. With a medium actuation weight of 50g at bottom out, it is ideal for fast typists and gamers alike who value speed and precision. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switches provide a tactile feedback experience, delivering a light-medium amount of tactility that adds a distinctive feel to each keystroke. Their unique sound profile features a bassy, raindrop-like bottom-out sound, complemented by a clackier top-out, which many users find pleasant during long typing sessions. Both switches have their unique strengths that cater to different preferences; while the Caramel Latte excels in seamless performance, the Red Panda provides engaging feedback that enhances the typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Red Panda, it's clear that each switch employs distinct top housing materials that affect their overall acoustic profiles. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing, renowned for its smoothness and durability, contributing to a clacky sound when typing. In contrast, the Red Panda utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which produces a sharper, more resonant sound profile due to its stiffer characteristics. While both materials aim to enhance the typing experience, their differing properties highlight the contrasts in sound and feel: the Caramel Latte offers smoothness and durability, whereas the Red Panda promises clarity and a high-pitched response.
On the other hand, both switches share an identical bottom housing material—nylon—which underscores a commonality in their acoustic properties. Both the Caramel Latte and Red Panda use nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb sound. This similarity in bottom housing allows both switches to provide a rich, rounded typing experience, despite the differences in their top housing materials. Consequently, while the top housings introduce distinct elements to the typing sound and feel, the shared nylon bottoms bring a cohesive depth to both switches.
Ultimately, the unique interaction between the top and bottom housing materials shapes the overall performance of each switch. The influence of the nylon bottom housing ensures that, regardless of the differences in top materials, the Caramel Latte and Red Panda can achieve a balance in sound and feel. Users would experience the durability and smoothness of the Caramel Latte’s POK housing and the resonance of the Red Panda’s polycarbonate top, while both enjoy the deepening nuances brought by nylon at the bottom. This combination leads to a diverse yet harmonious typing experience, showcasing how varying materials contribute to distinct auditory and tactile sensations.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it relatively medium-light. In contrast, the Red Panda demands a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as medium. Therefore, if you're seeking a lighter switch that may contribute to longer typing sessions or less fatigue during extensive use, the Caramel Latte is the preferable option. Conversely, if you favor a more substantial push feel, the Red Panda is the heavier choice, offering a different tactile experience. Overall, while both switches provide distinct actuation and bottom out forces, the Caramel Latte is lighter and more geared toward comfort, while the Red Panda leans towards a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we observe that the Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Red Panda has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte provides a more substantial feel when pressed, catering to those who prefer a more profound depth in their key presses. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Red Panda aligns with the preferences of gamers who favor quicker response times due to its brisk actuation. Ultimately, for those seeking a more responsive experience, the Outemu Red Panda is the better choice, whereas the Huano Caramel Latte would suit individuals who enjoy a deeper, more pronounced 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 Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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
The sound profile of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is characterized by a bright, clacky quality that enhances the auditory feedback of typing. This lively sound is enjoyable and provides a sense of satisfaction with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch produces a unique auditory experience marked by a combination of a deeper, bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. The Red Panda's sound can be described as slightly "thocky," offering a deep and rich resonance that is often considered more immersive. Therefore, while both switches provide enjoyable sound experiences, the Caramel Latte leans towards a brighter characteristic, whereas the Red Panda offers a fuller, bass-heavy presence.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch delivers a super smooth typing experience, allowing for a consistent and pleasant tactile response with each press. It features a medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, making it relatively accessible for most typists. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda incorporates a light to medium level of tactility, which can create an engaging typing experience that isn't overly pronounced but still gives a noticeable feedback. The Red Panda’s mild tactile nature ensures that it remains approachable for a wide variety of users while still providing enough feedback to feel satisfying. Overall, while both switches aim for a comfortable finger experience, the Caramel Latte offers a smoother ride, and the Red Panda introduces a gentle tactile bump.
In conclusion, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch appeal to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Caramel Latte is perfect for those who enjoy a bright, clacky sound and a super smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Red Panda entices users with its deeper, thocky sound and a mild tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience without being overwhelming. Depending on personal preference, both switches can provide satisfying and enjoyable results, though they cater to different auditory and tactile sensibilities in the mechanical keyboard realm.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switches and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switches, consider your typing preferences and the type of feedback you desire. If you appreciate a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience with a slightly lighter actuation force and a bright, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte is your ideal choice. It’s particularly well-suited for fast typists and gamers who seek velocity during use, as its medium-light resistance of 55 grams allows for rapid keystrokes without tiring your fingers. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and a distinct sound, the Red Panda is a great fit. With its medium actuation force of 60 grams, it offers a pleasant blend of tactility while maintaining a deep, thocky sound for those who favor a more acoustic typing experience. Its milder feel is approachable for most users and makes it suitable for both typing and gaming, ensuring that each keystroke feels gratifying without being overwhelming. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prefer a smooth, linear experience or a tactile switch with a satisfying auditory signature, as both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences.
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