Huano Caramel Latte vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear are two compelling options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Caramel Latte stands out with its medium weight of 50g bottom-out force and a bright, clacky sound profile, delivering a delightful audio experience with every keystroke. This switch is a great choice for those who enjoy a tactile and vibrant typing feel, making it a fitting option for both typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offers innovative design elements with its whisper-quiet topping-out sound, combined with a smooth, yet subtly clacky bottom-out that provides a unique typing experience. Its subdued sound makes it an excellent fit for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions where noise levels are a concern. Both switches exhibit smoothness in their feel, yet differ significantly in their auditory feedback and sound profiles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, notable differences emerge, especially in their top housings. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing—polyketone—which is known for its remarkable durability and smoothness. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it allows for a seamless typing experience, resonating with a clacky sound profile due to its strength and shock resistance. This provides a stark contrast to the Semi-Silent Linear’s polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, crisper sound profile owing to its stiffer nature. While polycarbonate is known for its aesthetic qualities, particularly suitable for RGB lighting, it lacks the higher durability seen in the POK material of the Caramel Latte. Therefore, while both switches may deliver impressive auditory experiences, their top housing materials distinctly influence their sound characteristics.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, which is particularly notable during keystrokes. The nylon’s softer composition absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a more muted, rounder auditory experience regardless of the switch's top housing material. As such, the similarities in bottom housing result in consistent sound quality when the key is bottomed out. The resonance created by nylon ensures both switches share a commonality in acoustic feedback during typing, showcasing the effectiveness of this widely-used material.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different housing materials in each switch helps delineate their unique sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Caramel Latte's POK top housing complements its nylon bottom housing by providing smooth and clacky sounds, while the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing enhances its sharper characteristics, all underpinned by the warm sound signature from the nylon. As a result, even though their top housings differ significantly, both switches manage to deliver high-quality performance, capitalizing on the soft absorption qualities of nylon for their bottom housings. Overall, this dual approach to materials leads to distinct auditory experiences from the top-down feel to the bottom-out sound, while still maintaining a shared foundation in their bottom housing choice.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch present notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, impacting the typing experience they offer. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This lighter feel may appeal to users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it allows for less fatigue. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force of 62 grams places it in the medium range, indicating a heavier feel. This higher bottom out force suggests it may provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer stronger key presses. Overall, the Caramel Latte is the lighter option, while the Jwick is heavier, which could influence personal preferences based on typing style and usage.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, we find that they differ slightly, with the Caramel Latte measuring 3.6 mm and the Semi-Silent Linear at 3.7 mm. This means that the Huano Caramel Latte has a shorter travel distance, which could appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive feel. Conversely, those who prefer a deeper, more substantial keystroke may find the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Jwick Semi-Silent more satisfying. While both switches provide a relatively similar experience, opting for the Caramel Latte offers the advantage of heightened responsiveness, while the Semi-Silent Linear provides a more traditional depth, reflecting user preferences in the tactile feedback when pressing down a key.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 switch produces a bright, clacky profile that enhances the typing experience with its high-pitched feedback, giving excellent auditory satisfaction with each keystroke. This lively sound is particularly appreciated by typists who enjoy the acoustic feedback of their typing. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a more nuanced sound quality, featuring a subdued topping-out sound that allows for quieter typing while still retaining a clacky bottom-out noise. The semi-silent nature of this switch offers a balanced auditory experience, making it ideal for environments where noise can be a concern yet still providing enough auditory feedback to satisfy those who prefer an engaging sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Caramel Latte is celebrated for its super smooth typing experience, which allows for effortless keystrokes that enhance productivity and comfort. This smoothness makes each press feel pleasant and enjoyable, catering to those who appreciate a fluid typing action. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch boasts a complex feel characterized by mildness, snappiness, and a buttery texture. This combination results in a responsive typing experience while maintaining an approachable quality that appeals to a wide range of users. The silky smooth action combined with a slight responsiveness makes this switch versatile for both casual and dedicated typists.
In conclusion, while the Huano Caramel Latte and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches have distinct sound profiles, they both offer enhanced typing experiences suited for different preferences. The Caramel Latte’s bright sound and smooth feel cater well to those seeking vibrant feedback, while the Semi-Silent Linear presents a compromise between quieter operation and engaging responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference regarding noise levels and tactile feedback, ensuring that each typist can find a satisfying option to meet their needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a lighter tactile feel combined with a bright, clacky sound that enhances the joy of typing, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice. Its 55 grams bottom-out force provides a smooth and engaging typing experience, making it perfect for casual and enthusiastic typists alike. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more subdued and versatile, the Semi-Silent Linear switch, with its 62 grams bottom-out force, offers a silky smooth feel while keeping the noise to a minimum. This switch is particularly suitable for office settings or shared spaces where maintaining a quieter environment is essential, as it features a whisper-quiet top-out while retaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Ultimately, consider your typing needs, the desired sound profile, and the environments in which you will use your keyboard to find the switch that perfectly aligns with your requirements.
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