Huano Caramel Latte vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options worth considering are the Huano Caramel Latte and the HC Studio Roselle, both of which are linear switches. The Caramel Latte is celebrated for its medium actuation force of 50g bottom out, coupled with a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the typing experience with a delightful auditory feedback. Its smoothness and satisfying acoustics make it an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike who crave a lively keystroke. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle distinguishes itself with a unique material blend, offering a sensation that is remarkably smooth and ethereally wispy. The Roselle's low-pitched sound signature presents a subtle yet pleasant auditory experience, appealing to users who prefer a more muted and refined typing ambiance. Both switches provide excellent ergonomics and performance, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. 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
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
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte and the HC Studio Roselle in terms of housing materials, one notable distinction is the choice of top housing. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK, a highly durable material known for its low friction coefficient and impressive shock resistance, enhancing the switch's smoothness and longevity. In contrast, the Roselle opts for POM for its top housing, which, while not quite as slick as POK, is renowned for producing a distinct sound profile that adds a unique auditory experience. The different materials create a divergent feel, with the Caramel Latte likely providing a smoother actuation while the Roselle focuses on creating a richer sound feedback.
Examining the bottom housing, both switches use the same material—POM—although the Caramel Latte incorporates nylon instead. Nylon is known for its softer texture and ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound profile that contributes to a more muted experience. In comparison, both switches employing POM in their bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound profile as well, but the sound is characterized as clear and unique with a subtle complexity. This similarity in bottom housing material between the Roselle and the Caramel Latte means that both switches can achieve a deep and full sound, albeit with different tactile and auditory characteristics based on their respective choices for the top housing.
Overall, while the Huano Caramel Latte’s blend of POK and nylon in the top and bottom housing creates a switch that prioritizes smoothness and durability, the HC Studio Roselle's combination of POM top and bottom housings focuses on delivering a noticeably pleasing sound with a unique tonal quality. Although their top housing materials differ, resulting in distinctive tactile and sound nuances, the shared POM in the bottom housing leads to similar auditory outcomes, allowing users to enjoy rich depth in both switches. Ultimately, the choice of materials presents contrasting tactile experiences while providing notably rich sound profiles across both models.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch to the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, which indicates a consistent typing experience for those who prefer a lighter touch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Caramel Latte has a slightly heavier force of 55 grams compared to the Roselle's 52 grams. This difference suggests that while both switches offer a similar feel during initial key presses, the Caramel Latte may provide a slightly more substantial resistance at the end of the keystroke. Consequently, users who favor a lighter overall experience and extended typing sessions may gravitate toward the Roselle, while those who appreciate a more pronounced feedback upon bottoming out might prefer the Caramel Latte. Ultimately, both switches cater to medium-light preferences, but the Roselle is marginally lighter due to its lower bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distances of both the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch are identical, measuring 3.6 mm each. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys for both switches, as they share the same distance from the top to the bottom. Consequently, the pressing force and key feel will also be comparable, offering a consistent performance for those who choose either switch for their mechanical keyboard.
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 HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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 switch is characterized by a bright, clacky sound profile that provides a lively acoustic feedback during typing. This energetic sound adds a touch of vivacity to each keystroke, making it particularly pleasing in a lively environment. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle switch features a more subtle, low-pitched sound signature that delivers a bassy richness. The Roselle's sound is mellower and less obtrusive than the Caramel Latte, which can be appealing for users who prefer a quieter, more understated typing experience. Overall, while the Caramel Latte offers a more pronounced auditory engagement, the Roselle caters to those who appreciate a deeper, softer tone.
In terms of feel, the Huano Caramel Latte provides a super smooth typing experience, described by its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, ensuring that each keypress feels satisfying without being overly strenuous. The switch allows for a pleasant tactile feedback that enhances the typing rhythm. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle takes smoothness to another level with its inherently frictionless characteristics, creating an effortless and fluid typing motion. This makes for a typing experience that feels almost ethereal in nature. Additionally, the Roselle's mild feel ensures that users experience a gentle resistance that is approachable for both new and experienced typists alike, providing a comfortable and non-fatiguing experience.
In summary, while both the Huano Caramel Latte and HC Studio Roselle linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Caramel Latte is vibrant and lively, making it perfect for those who enjoy pronounced sound profiles and a medium actuation force. Meanwhile, the Roselle embodies a smooth, mild typing experience complemented by a softer bassy sound, ideal for users seeking a more subtle and elegant feel. Choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal tastes in typing sound and feel, as you'll find rewarding experiences with either switch type.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it's essential to consider the specific qualities you’re looking for in your typing experience. If you prefer a switch that delivers a bright, clacky sound profile along with a pleasantly smooth typing experience, the Caramel Latte, with its slightly higher bottom-out force of 55 grams, could be your ideal choice. This makes it particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while typing, possibly enhancing your overall engagement with the keyboard. On the other hand, if you prioritize an ethereal smoothness and a more nuanced sound profile, the Roselle's exceptionally frictionless feel and low-pitched, bassy tone might be more appealing. With a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 52 grams, it could provide a more delicate and soothing typing experience, making it a great fit for quiet environments or long periods of typing. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should reflect your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and the environments in which you’ll be using your keyboard.
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