Huano Caramel Latte vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) present two distinct but appealing options for enthusiasts seeking a smooth typing experience. The Caramel Latte switches are celebrated for their medium weight of 50g bottom-out force, delivering a bright and clacky sound profile that many typists adore; their smoothness enhances every keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback and an engaging auditory experience. In contrast, the Silent Frozen (V2) switches cater to those who prioritize a quieter environment, boasting an extremely muted sound profile while retaining a silky feel and a pillowy type response that many users find comforting. These features make the Silent Frozen (V2) perfect for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. Each switch has its unique charm, with the Caramel Latte providing a lively, tactile soundscape, while the Silent Frozen (V2) offers a serene and smooth typing experience. 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
39g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), notable distinctions arise, particularly with regards to their top housings. The Caramel Latte features a polyketone (POK) top housing, which is recognized for its low coefficient of friction, making it one of the smoothest options available. Its durability is impressive as well, boasting wear resistance significantly stronger than POM and superior shock resistance compared to Nylon. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. Despite these differences, both materials excel in producing satisfying and durable typing experiences, suggesting that users can achieve smoothness and longevity regardless of the specific material used in the top housing.
Turning to the bottom housing, the differences are even more pronounced, as both switches utilize distinct materials that further characterize their acoustic profiles. The Caramel Latte employs a nylon bottom housing known for producing a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound waves. In comparison, the Silent Frozen (V2) opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing that amplifies the sharper and crisper characteristics associated with its top housing. Thus, while the Caramel Latte focuses on a warmer sound, the Silent Frozen maintains a brighter, more resonant tone. These contrasting properties in the bottom housing showcase how significant material choice can be in determining the overall auditory experience of each switch.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials in each switch influences the overall performance and feel, providing unique typing experiences to users. For those who enjoy a smooth and clacky action, the Caramel Latte's combination of POK and nylon delivers exceptional results, whereas users seeking a sharper, more resonant feel may prefer the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) with its all-polycarbonate construction. However, both options illustrate how the interplay between top and bottom housing materials can tailor acoustic profiles and tactile feedback. Despite their differences, one could achieve satisfactory results with either option, particularly if they are mindful of the strengths each housing material brings to the table.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, we see notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it feel slightly more substantial during use. In contrast, the Silent Frozen (V2) has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and an even lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, catering to users who prefer a softer typing experience. Consequently, those who value a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming would likely lean towards the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), whereas those who enjoy a more tactile and forceful feel may favor the Caramel Latte. Overall, consumers seeking a heavier typing experience should choose the Huano Caramel Latte, while those who prefer lighter switches would find the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) more suitable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, we find that the Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Frozen (V2) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the longer option by a mere 0.1 mm. For gamers seeking quicker response times, the Silent Frozen (V2) may be favorable due to its shorter travel distance, promoting a more immediate tactile feedback. However, those who prefer a more substantial keystroke feel may appreciate the extra depth provided by the Caramel Latte. Despite both switches being on the shorter side compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, their subtle differences could affect user experience significantly depending on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.55.
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 distinguishes itself with a bright and clacky sound profile, providing a more pronounced auditory feedback on each keystroke that can be satisfying for typists who enjoy a lively experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) boasts an extremely quiet sound profile, characterized by a muted and low-pitched tone. Users can expect a thocky sound—rich and deep—creating a bass-heavy experience, while the overall noise level remains discreet, making it suitable for quiet environments where noise might be a concern. Therefore, while the Caramel Latte offers a more energetic sound, the Silent Frozen (V2) focuses on subtlety and discretion.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte is celebrated for its smooth typing experience, characterized by a balanced and tactile feedback that leads to an enjoyable time while typing or gaming. The TTC Silent Frozen (V2), however, emphasizes a creamy and buttery feel, offering a silky sensation with a light actuation force that promotes reduced fatigue during extended use. These switches can also be described as feathery and polished, ensuring a smooth and effortless gliding experience as your fingers move across the keys. While the specific qualities of the Caramel Latte's feel are less detailed, it's likely that the inherent smoothness can still provide satisfying results for those who appreciate effortless keystrokes.
In summary, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch presents a bright sound and smooth feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy an engaging auditory experience combined with tactile pleasure. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) caters to users seeking a more subdued auditory profile with a silky, buttery typing experience that minimizes noise. While the two switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, both offer unique advantages that can enhance the typing experience based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch largely depends on your specific needs and typing environment. If you prefer a medium-light switch that offers a bright, clacky sound profile and a smooth typing experience, the Caramel Latte is a fantastic option. Its bottom-out force of 55 grams makes it ideal for those who enjoy a bit more tactile feedback with each keystroke, adding a satisfying dimension to both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you value a discreet and quiet environment, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) is the perfect choice. With its exceptionally light bottom-out force of 43 grams, these switches provide a creamy, buttery feel and a muted sound profile, making them suitable for shared spaces or long typing sessions without disturbing others. In summary, select the Caramel Latte if you’re looking for a vibrant, engaging typing experience, but choose the Silent Frozen (V2) for a gentle, whisper-quiet operation that prioritizes comfort and subtlety. Consider what aspects matter most to you—be it feedback and sound or silence and ease—and your decision will lead you to the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
