Huano Caramel Latte vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between Huano Caramel Latte and TTC Silent Brown can significantly influence your typing experience. The Caramel Latte switch, known for its medium weight of 50g and bright, clacky sound profile, provides a smooth and enjoyable keystroke, making it an ideal option for users who favor a linear switch that emphasizes fluidity in typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switches feature a light to medium resistance with a satisfying tactile bump that offers feedback without the annoyance of excessive noise, thanks to their muted sound profile. This makes the Silent Brown a great choice for those who prefer a tactile feel while keeping the auditory distractions to a minimum. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you lean toward the engaging and lively Caramel Latte or the discreet and polished Silent Brown. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Silent Brown switches differ significantly in their top housing materials but share similarities in their bottom housing composition. The Caramel Latte utilizes a POK top housing, which is known for its smoothness and strength. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK is slightly more frictional compared to the polycarbonate material used in the Silent Brown. This property of POK lends itself well to achieving smooth and durable switch performance, contributing to a clacky and vibrant auditory feedback. In contrast, the Silent Brown employs a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, largely due to its stiffer structure that resonates more clearly. Therefore, while both switches aim for excellent user experience, they achieve sound profiles and tactile sensations using different materials for the top housing.
In contrast, both switch options utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which aligns them closely in terms of auditory experience. Nylon's inherent softness results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder materials. Since the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottoming-out sound and feel, users can expect a similarly warm sound signature with both the Caramel Latte and Silent Brown. This shared characteristic helps unify the switches despite their differing top housings, ensuring that the overall tactile experience remains rich and rounded during usage. The nylon bottom undoubtedly acts as a stabilizing factor for both switches, creating harmony in their sound profiles.
Ultimately, while the Huano Caramel Latte and TTC Silent Brown exhibit contrasting top housing materials leading to different sound characteristics, their commonality in using nylon for the bottom housing ensures that certain auditory traits will be similarly experienced. This strategic combination allows for a blending of distinct upper resonance qualities from the POK and polycarbonate with the deeper tones generated by nylon. As users engage with either switch, they can expect a fusion of smooth tactile feedback from the top and a warm, reverberating sound from the bottom, providing a satisfying typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch with the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in that regard and suitable for users looking for a lightweight typing experience, ideal for long hours of use. However, the comparison diverges when examining their bottom out forces; the Caramel Latte has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is lighter than the Silent Brown's bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This indicates that while both switches require the same force to register a keystroke, the Silent Brown will feel heavier overall upon bottoming out, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, for users who prioritize lighter typing, the Caramel Latte may be the preferred option, while those looking for a heavier, more tactile feedback should choose the Silent Brown.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it's evident that there is a distinction between the two. The Caramel Latte boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference suggests that users of the Caramel Latte will experience a quicker response time, making it an appealing option for gamers who favor shorter distances for enhanced performance. Conversely, the Silent Brown's greater travel distance may provide a more tactile and satisfying feedback for those who appreciate a deeper keystroke. Consequently, if you prefer responsiveness, the Caramel Latte is the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a hearty depth in their typing experience might lean towards the Silent Brown.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 linear switches produce a bright and clacky sound profile that can be quite vocal and engaging, making every keystroke resonate prominently. This characteristic can be particularly appealing to those who enjoy tactile feedback and an audible response while typing. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches are known for their muted sound profile, which results in a softer and quieter keystroke experience. This makes the Silent Brown switches a great choice for environments where noise reduction is essential, allowing for a more discreet typing experience while still providing feedback through tactile bumps.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Caramel Latte switches offer a smooth typing experience without any tactile feedback since they are a linear switch. This smoothness can make for an effortless typing experience, allowing for rapid key presses without interruptions. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switches are characterized by their buttery, mild, and polished feel. The buttery quality implies a seamless flow during typing, while the mild nature offers an approachable experience suitable for typists who prefer less pronounced feedback. The polished finish suggests a refined construction that minimizes friction and promotes a smooth key travel, enhancing overall comfort during longer typing sessions.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Caramel Latte and TTC Silent Brown switches cater to different preferences, they each offer unique qualities that will appeal to various users. If you value a more expressive sound and a smooth, linear feel, the Caramel Latte switches are an excellent choice. Conversely, if you prefer a quieter environment with tactile feedback and a polished typing experience, the Silent Brown switches might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches promise satisfying results, but your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound or tactile feedback in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing environments. If you enjoy a smooth, clacky typing experience and prefer a lighter touch, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams makes it ideal for extended typing sessions where you want every keystroke to feel effortless and enjoyable. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more tactile feedback with a satisfying bump while typing, the TTC Silent Brown would suit you better. With its medium-heavy resistance of 63.5 grams, it offers a comfortable yet robust feel that enhances typing accuracy without the disruptive noise often associated with mechanical keyboards. The muted sound profile of the Silent Brown also makes it a great option for quieter settings, such as an office environment, where you might not want to disturb others around you. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value a lighter, smoother experience or a firmer, more tactile sensation combined with reduced sound.
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