Huano Caramel Latte vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both offer appealing linear experiences, each catering to different preferences for typists and gamers alike. The Caramel Latte switch is characterized by its medium weight of 50g bottom out, delivering a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the satisfaction of every keystroke. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a smooth typing experience coupled with a delightful auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch boasts an exceptionally light touch while still providing vibrant feedback, making it an enticing option for users seeking an energetic and responsive typing experience. Both switches have their unique charm: the Caramel Latte for its balanced weight and sound, and the Salt Ice for its effortless actuation and lively feel. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, which results in contrasting auditory experiences. The Caramel Latte features a top housing made of POK, known for its relatively low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability, yielding a smooth, clacky sound profile. This material contributes not only to the tactile sensation experienced by the user but also ensures a long lifespan, outperforming other common materials like Nylon and POM in terms of shock resistance. Conversely, the Salt Ice employs polycarbonate for its top housing, offering a sharper and higher-pitched sound due to its rigidity. Polycarbonate's translucency also allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts looking for aesthetic appeal and sound clarity.
The bottom housing of both switches tells a different story, as they both utilize Nylon for the Caramel Latte and polycarbonate for the Salt Ice. While nylon is a classic material that generates a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing properties, polycarbonate contributes a more resonant and crisp auditory experience. This divergence in bottom housing materials further influences the overall sound signature of each switch. When typing on the Caramel Latte, users may notice a duller sound that is soothing and rounded, whereas the Salt Ice might emit sharper, crisper tones that appeal to those preferring a more high-pitched auditory feedback.
Despite these differences in materials, the performance of both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Jerrzi Salt Ice can be fine-tuned to suit various preferences. For instance, if one's priority lies with sound clarity and responsiveness, the combination of a polycarbonate bottom with a POK top would yield a well-balanced experience that captures the best of both worlds. Conversely, users may opt for a softer key feel and deeper sound with nylon in the bottom housing, further enriching the tactile feedback. This interplay of materials ensures that even with contrasting top and bottom housing choices, achieving desirable results in both sound and feel is certainly feasible.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally easy to press, which is advantageous for long typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly; the Caramel Latte has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the bottom out force for the Salt Ice is unknown, making it difficult to assess how they may feel during use when bottoming out. This indicates that the Caramel Latte offers a slightly heavier feel overall, especially when fully pressed down, which might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, since the Salt Ice's bottom out force is not available, it's unclear how it would compare in this aspect, potentially making it feel lighter overall depending on the design. Consequently, the Caramel Latte is the heavier option due to its defined bottom out force, while the Salt Ice's softer response remains uncertain.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, we find that the Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Salt Ice has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte switch offers a more substantial feel with a deeper press, which can be preferable for those who appreciate a more traditional tactile experience. In contrast, the Salt Ice, with its shorter 3.4 mm travel distance, caters to users who favor quicker response times, such as gamers, who benefit from the reduced distance for faster actuation. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on your preference for depth versus responsiveness; the Caramel Latte provides a heartier depth, while the Salt Ice facilitates speed and agility.
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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 Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is well-regarded for its bright and clacky sound profile, creating an engaging auditory experience with every keystroke. This lively acoustics can be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but the inherent qualities of the Caramel Latte inherently lend themselves to a vibrant soundscape. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch also showcases a bright and clacky sound, suggesting a similar acoustic environment that will resonate well in both casual typing and gaming scenarios. Users can expect both options to provide an energetic sound experience, which can enhance the overall enjoyment of typing.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte delivers a super smooth typing experience with a medium weight of 50g for bottoming out. This weight strikes a favorable balance for users, allowing for confident keystrokes without being overly taxing on the fingers. On the other hand, the Salt Ice is characterized by a light touch, which promotes effortless actuation and responsive feedback. This distinction makes the Salt Ice particularly appealing for those who prioritize speed in their typing experience. While both switches offer enjoyable tactile feedback, the Caramel Latte may cater to those who prefer a more substantial feel, whereas the Salt Ice is tailored for quicker, lighter keystrokes.
In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches provide bright and clacky sound profiles, making them enjoyable for users seeking a lively auditory experience. Their feel differs, with the Caramel Latte providing a medium weight for a more grounded typing experience, while the Salt Ice offers a lighter touch for quick and responsive actuation. Users can choose between these switches based on their personal preferences for weight and typing style, knowing that both options can deliver a satisfying sound and overall experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches, it's essential to consider both your typing preferences and the typing environment. If you prefer a medium-light feel and enjoy a smooth typing experience paired with a bright, clacky sound, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who want a satisfying keystroke without being overly heavy, making it ideal for long typing sessions or if you appreciate a balance between a tactile feel and auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more energetic typing experience and desire vibrant feedback with a lighter touch, the Salt Ice switch stands out. Its exceptionally bright and clacky sound profile combined with its responsive actuation makes it a perfect fit for fast-paced gaming or situations where you want each keystroke to feel lively and engaging. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you're seeking smoothness and moderate resistance with the Caramel Latte or a lively, responsive touch with the Salt Ice.
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