Huano Caramel Latte vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience. The Huano Caramel Latte, a linear switch known for its medium actuation force of 50g and its bright, clacky sound profile, is an excellent option for those who enjoy a smooth typing experience coupled with auditory feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch, classified as a hall effect switch, provides a unique blend of smooth operation and a deeper sound. It not only offers a satisfying and precise typing experience but is also fully compatible with Wooting’s innovative keyboards, appealing to enthusiasts who value performance and versatility. Each switch has its own distinct characteristics, catering to different preferences in terms of comfort and auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences due to their differences in top housing materials. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing, which is renowned for its smoothness and strong durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04—slightly higher than that of LY—POK provides a distinct touch sensation that aims to enhance the user experience, making it one of the top choices in switch design. In contrast, the Rice Pudding opts for a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to generate a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. While the Caramel Latte emphasizes smooth and clacky acoustics, the Rice Pudding delivers a more resonant and clear sound, especially beneficial for setups that utilize RGB lighting.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which is a classic material in the keyboard industry. This shared choice affects the auditory characteristics of both switches; nylon's softness allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a rounder and more muffled auditory experience that softens the clack of the keystroke. Regardless of the differences evident in the top housings, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a level of familiarity in sound quality, thus catering to users who enjoy a rich auditory feedback in their typing experience. The nylon’s ability to absorb sound contributes significantly to how the bottoming out of the switch feels, providing a pleasant acoustic experience in both iterations.
The contrast in top housing materials represents a balance in how each switch functions, allowing for unique yet complementary performances. The combination of POK's smoothness with nylon's depth in the Caramel Latte aims for a blend of tactile feedback and sound, while the Rice Pudding’s sharper polycarbonate top complements its softer nylon bottom for a more vivid auditory feedback. Therefore, although the switches differ in top housing materials, the shared nylon component provides a baseline quality that ties them together, making both switches appealing depending on users’ preferences for tactile feedback and sound characteristics. Ultimately, these differences and similarities highlight how variations in housing materials can significantly impact the overall performance and experience of mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Caramel Latte switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch is lighter overall, featuring an actuation force of just 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This difference in weight could influence user preference: those who prioritize a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Rice Pudding for its softer engagement, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or casual gaming. Conversely, users seeking a more pronounced and robust feel when typing might favor the Caramel Latte due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, providing a more substantial experience. Thus, while both switches offer distinct benefits, the Rice Pudding is the lighter choice, whereas the Caramel Latte provides a heftier push that some users may find preferable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, a slight difference is noted. The Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the Rice Pudding measures at 3.5 mm, indicating that it is the shorter switch. For those seeking quicker response times, the Rice Pudding may be more suitable due to its shorter distance. However, if you appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing keys, the Caramel Latte with its greater travel distance might be more appealing. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired balance of responsiveness and tactile depth.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 that enhances the auditory experience of typing. This can create an engaging atmosphere, especially for those who enjoy the acoustic feedback of their keyboard. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is noted for its deep sound, providing a more resonant auditory feedback with every keystroke. While both switches offer distinct sound qualities, the precise auditory character can vary based on the keyboard construction, plate material, and keycap choice.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch has a medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, providing a balanced resistance that contributes to a smooth typing experience. This weight makes it comfortable for extended use while still allowing for deliberate keystrokes. Conversely, the Rice Pudding switch is designed to facilitate smooth operation, offering a satisfying tactile sensation that appeals to typists who appreciate precision. While the specific weight for the Rice Pudding is not mentioned, both switches are designed to prioritize a smooth action, which can give users a comparable experience in fluidity.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Everglide Rice Pudding switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences, each with its unique sound and feel. The Caramel Latte’s bright, clacky sound and smooth typing offer one type of satisfaction, while the Rice Pudding’s deep sound and precision-oriented feel cater to another set of desires. Users can choose between these switches based on their personal preferences for sound and typing experience, and regardless of which switch is selected, the emphasis on smooth operation presents an opportunity for an enjoyable typing journey.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between Huano Caramel Latte linear switches and Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a slightly heavier feel with a weight of 55 grams and a bright, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte is a great fit. Its smooth operation allows for a delightful typing experience, making it an excellent choice for both casual typing and gaming sessions where feedback and responsiveness matter. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of only 48 grams, the Rice Pudding switches might be the way to go. These switches not only deliver a satisfying deep sound but also offer a remarkably smooth operation that enhances precise keystrokes, making them particularly attractive for gaming enthusiasts or anyone looking for versatility, especially given their compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards. In conclusion, consider the weight and sound profile that resonate with your typing style; whether you lean toward the pleasing clack of the Caramel Latte or the deeper tones of the Rice Pudding will ultimately guide you to the right choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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