Huano Caramel Latte vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often boil down to tactile feedback and sound profile, and this is where the Huano Caramel Latte and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches stand out as distinct choices. The Caramel Latte, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth actuation and a medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, providing a satisfying and clacky sound that enhances the typing experience. It's an excellent option for those who seek a seamless, uninterrupted keystroke ideal for both gaming and typing. Conversely, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, a tactile switch, offers a medium-high level of tactility paired with a long, two-staged spring design, delivering a pronounced tactile bump. It produces deep, resonating "thocks," making it a perfect choice for users who appreciate feedback with each keypress, enhancing the physical engagement of typing. Both switches cater to different stylistic preferences—whether you enjoy the fluid motion of a linear switch or the satisfying feedback of a tactile one. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
No
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches present distinct characteristics that impact their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Caramel Latte features POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which is renowned for its smoothness and durability, yielding a clacky sound while providing excellent wear and shock resistance. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, generating a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer composition. While both materials excel in durability, with the POK material offering notably better wear resistance than typical plastic counterparts, polycarbonate's translucency contributes to a different aesthetic appeal, especially beneficial for setups with RGB lighting.
The bottom housing of the switches further exemplifies their contrasting sound profiles. The Caramel Latte employs nylon, a classic switch material that absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Conversely, Aflion's Shadow (Ink) features polycarbonate in its bottom housing as well, mirroring the traits found in the top housing. This duality propels the Shadow's sound profile towards a crisper and clearer output, demonstrating how the choice of material profoundly influences the auditory results of each switch. Thus, the Caramel Latte's nylon bottom provides a more muted experience while the Shadow (Ink) maintains a consistent sharpness throughout its construction.
In conclusion, while both switches integrate high-quality materials tailored for specific outcomes, they showcase contrasting results due to their housing compositions. The blending of POK in the Caramel Latte and nylon's sound absorption creates a rich and smooth typing experience, whereas the Shadow (Ink), with its dual polycarbonate housing, prioritizes clarity and resonance. Users considering these switches may find varying typing experiences, but both can offer satisfactory results depending on personal preference. The differences in the housing will distinctly shape the response and auditory feedback of each switch, emphasizing the role that housing material plays in crafting the perfect typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Caramel Latte has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Shadow's 55 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer effortless typing, ideal for extended work sessions or gaming. Additionally, the Caramel Latte reaches a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is again lighter than the Shadow's 63 grams. This means that the Caramel Latte provides a softer keystroke experience overall, while the Shadow offers a more substantial push feel due to its higher force requirements. For users who favor a lighter switch for comfort during prolonged use, the Huano Caramel Latte would be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a firmer typing sensation should lean towards the Aflion Shadow.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte offers a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers or those who prefer quicker keystrokes. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial and tactile experience that some users find more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences; those who enjoy a shorter, snappier response may lean towards the Caramel Latte, whereas those who appreciate a deeper feel would likely prefer the Shadow (Ink) switch.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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 considering the sound profile of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, users can expect a bright and clacky auditory experience, characterized by sharp and crisp notes. This clacky sound lends itself to a lively typing atmosphere, often reminiscent of a mechanical keyboard that emphasizes the acoustic feedback of each keystroke. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch produces deep, resonating thocks, creating a sound that is not only more bass-heavy but also carries a rich depth. The combination of its auditory qualities results in a noticeably more robust sound, which provides a completely different acoustic experience compared to the bright clack of the Caramel Latte.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte linear switch is known for its super smooth typing experience, allowing for seamless keystrokes without any tactile interruption. This smoothness is ideal for those who prefer an uninterrupted, linear typing experience without the distinct feedback of bumps. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is designed to deliver a high level of tactility with its prominent tactile bump. With characteristics such as being sharp and snappy, these switches provide a pronounced response to every key press, making them feel lively and engaging. The presence of dual-staged springs enhances the bounce and return of the key, offering a responsive and dynamic sensation that contrasts sharply with the smoothness of the Caramel Latte.
In summary, if you're looking for a swap between these two types of switches, expect to experience significant differences in both sound and feel. The Caramel Latte's clacky, bright sound contrasts with the deep thocks of the Shadow (Ink), while the former’s smoothness stands in stark opposition to the tactile and responsive nature of the latter. Your choice will ultimately depend on the kind of acoustic feedback and typing sensation that resonates with your personal preference, as they each cater to different aspects of the mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switches and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switches ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the experience you seek in your keyboard. If you prefer a smooth, fluid keystroke with a medium-light actuation force and a bright, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte switches are an excellent choice. They provide a very pleasant typing experience that can be particularly enjoyable for both casual typing and gaming, as they require less effort to press down. On the other hand, if you lean towards a tactile feedback sensation and appreciate the sharp, resonating "thock" that comes with a more pronounced tactile bump, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches will likely be more to your liking. These switches offer a firmer bottom-out force and a snappy feel that can enhance your typing accuracy and responsiveness, ideal for tasks that require a bit more nuance, such as coding or extensive writing. Ultimately, your choice comes down to whether you prefer the smoothness and light touch of the Caramel Latte or the tactile and robust feedback of the Shadow switches, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard experience to your specific needs.
Mentioned in this article
