Huano Caramel Latte vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Rose both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, despite both being linear switches. The Caramel Latte is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g bottom out, delivering a satisfying, bright, and clacky sound profile that adds a lively touch to your typing experience, making every keystroke feel enjoyable and smooth. On the other hand, the KTT Rose, while equally appealing, stands out with its progressive springs that provide a substantial yet not overly heavy typing experience; users often describe the sound it produces as bassy raindrops, contributing to a more muted auditory feedback. These distinct qualities make the Caramel Latte an excellent choice for those who favor an engaging auditory experience and tactile enjoyment, while the Rose may appeal to users looking for a more neutral and polished feel during extended typing sessions. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Rose, it becomes clear that there are significant differences in the composition and resulting sound profile of each switch. The Caramel Latte features a POK (polyketone) top housing, known for its exceptional smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it offers a tactile experience that is both smooth and responsive. On the other hand, the KTT Rose utilizes polycarbonate in its top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This stiffness results in a more resonant acoustic experience, particularly when used with RGB lighting due to its translucency. While the Caramel Latte's POK material excels in durability, the Rose’s polycarbonate enhances clarity in sound, illustrating the distinct characteristics of these two materials.
Both switches share a common material in their bottom housing: nylon. This classic switch housing material is synonymous with a rich and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer composition that tends to absorb sound. As a result, the typing experience provided by both the Caramel Latte and the KTT Rose emphasizes a rounder, more subdued acoustic sensation. Given that the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out feel and sound when typing, users can expect a cohesive experience regarding sound absorption and depth across both switches. Therefore, despite differences in the top housing, the nylon bottom housing unifies their auditory characteristics.
While the differing top housing materials create distinct sound profiles, the combination of the nylon bottom on both switches assures that the typing experience retains a consistency in acoustic depth. The Caramel Latte, with its durable and smooth POK top, contrasts with the crisp, resonant sound of the Rose’s polycarbonate top housing. However, the softer nylon bottom contributes to a common foundation, where both switches excel in producing a fuller sound despite the variances in their upper housing materials. Thus, the synergy of these two differing top housings with the matching nylon bottom reinforces that a thoughtful combination of materials can yield diverse yet complementary auditory results.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light and making it easier on the fingers during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the KTT Rose's bottom out force is 63.5 grams, while its actuation force remains unspecified. Regardless of the unknown actuation force, we can conclude that the Rose switch is heavier overall, given its higher bottom out force. This increased weight provides a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer for a tactile feel. Therefore, with the Caramel Latte being the lighter option and the Rose the heavier, users looking for a gentler touch should opt for the Caramel Latte, while those desiring a firmer response might lean towards the KTT Rose.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, it's clear that they differ significantly. The Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Rose has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the KTT Rose provides a deeper pressing experience, which may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Caramel Latte can lead to quicker key presses, making it more suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference: choose the Caramel Latte for a more responsive feel, or select the Rose if you favor a heartier depth in your keystrokes.
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 Rose comes in at $3.01 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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Caramel Latte switches deliver a bright and clacky auditory profile that enhances the tactile experience of typing. This lively sound can be quite engaging, making each keystroke feel pronounced and satisfying. In contrast, the KTT Rose switches produce a low-pitched sound reminiscent of bassy raindrops, giving them a more mellow tone. While the Caramel Latte's sound is likely to resonate more in a lively and energetic manner, the Rose switches provide a neutral, balanced sound suitable for various environments, from personal to professional settings. The overall acoustic experience can vary significantly based on factors like board design and keycap selection, but the distinct characteristics of these two switches make them appealing for different preferences.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switches offer a smooth typing experience that allows for effortless keystrokes. With a medium bottom-out weight of 50g, they strike a balance between resistance and ease, perfect for typists who enjoy a responsive yet comfortable touch. On the other hand, the KTT Rose switches feature progressive springs that lend themselves to a mild and polished feel. This means they deliver a gentle typing experience with reduced friction, making them approachable for a wide range of users. The polished nature of the Rose's design enhances the smoothness of key travel, contributing to a sleek typing experience. While both switches provide a desirable typing feel, the Caramel Latte leans towards a more traditional tactile feedback, while the Rose offers a refined and gentle approach.
In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Rose switches deliver unique sensory experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Caramel Latte stands out with its bright, clacky sound and smooth resistance, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more energetic typing session. In contrast, the KTT Rose offers a neutral, low-pitched sound and a mild, polished feel, perfect for users seeking a serene and sophisticated typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying mechanical experience, with the choice ultimately coming down to your personal typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're someone who appreciates a lighter touch and enjoys a smoother typing experience, the Caramel Latte, with its 55g bottom-out force and bright, clacky sound profile, may be the perfect fit for you. It excels in environments where a more gentle keystroke is desired, making it ideal for long typing sessions without the strain. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a richer sound, the KTT Rose, with its heavier 63.5g bottom-out force and low-pitched, bassy typing sound, might be your switch of choice. The progressive spring design provides a unique typing experience that feels both comfortable and grounded. Therefore, consider what kind of feedback and sound you find most enjoyable; whether that's the light, smooth, and bright notes of the Caramel Latte or the mild, polished, and bassy tones of the Rose, each switch caters to distinct typing preferences.
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