Huano Caramel Latte vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g both present compelling options, yet cater to distinctly different preferences. The Huano Caramel Latte, weighing in at a medium 50g bottom-out force, is celebrated for its bright, clacky sound profile and buttery smooth keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy an engaging and tactile experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura, with its lighter 43g bottom-out force, prioritizes a serene and whisper-quiet typing atmosphere, perfect for those who prefer a subtler sound while typing—ideal for shared workspaces or late-night sessions. While both switches are linear, enhancing smoothness in keypresses, your choice ultimately depends on whether you value a more pronounced auditory feedback or a quieter typing environment. 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
37g
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
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, we see distinct differences in their compositions that influence their auditory and tactile experiences. The key feature of the Caramel Latte's top housing is its use of POK (polyketone), which provides a smoother typing experience due to its low coefficient of friction of 0.04. This is contrasted by the Silent Sakura's nylon top housing, which, while also being a classic choice, offers a sound profile that is deeper and fuller because of its softer plastic nature. Therefore, while the POK material enhances smoothness and durability, the nylon top of the Silent Sakura gives a warmer, more rounded auditory feedback, highlighting the unique characteristics each material brings to the typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Caramel Latte employs nylon, which again parallels the Silent Sakura’s use of this material. The shared nylon bottom housing in the Caramel Latte contributes to a consistent sound profile that users expect, enabling a duller and rounder sound transmission when typing. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura incorporates polycarbonate for its bottom housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This rigidity means that while both switches feature some nylon for their bottoms, the presence of polycarbonate in the Silent Sakura creates a distinction, with the potential for more resonant auditory feedback when the key bottoms out.
Ultimately, if you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel when using these switches, the nylon components play a vital role in both. While the top housings differ in material, the nylon component of the Caramel Latte’s bottom will help unify the overall experience, resulting in a comfortable balance. Conversely, the combination of nylon and polycarbonate in the Silent Sakura may create a more varied typing experience, where the sound profile reflects the natural properties of the materials used. In summation, though both switches utilize nylon in the bottom housing, the differing top materials and their inherent properties yield unique typing dynamics that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, while the Silent Sakura is lighter with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that those who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, may gravitate towards the Silent Sakura due to its lower force requirements. In contrast, the Caramel Latte offers a more substantial push feel, appealing to users seeking a heftier typing experience. Ultimately, users will find a significant difference in the typing experience due to the Caramel Latte's heavier forces, making it better suited for those who enjoy a stronger feedback when typing or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there is a distinct difference. The Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Sakura has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the shorter of the two switches, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive keystroke. On the other hand, the longer 4 mm travel distance of the Silent Sakura may provide a more satisfying and hearty typing experience for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Thus, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed with the Caramel Latte or depth with the Silent Sakura.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 switch produces a bright, clacky sound profile that is entertaining and lively, contributing to an engaging typing experience. This auditory signature can be stimulating and fulfilling, particularly for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers a whisper-quiet experience, characterized by soft, muted sounds akin to gentle raindrops, which aligns perfectly with the desires of typists who prioritize a serene and non-disruptive environment. The difference in sound profiles essentially reflects the intended usage of each switch: the Caramel Latte for those who appreciate a more vibrant auditory feedback, and the Silent Sakura for those who seek quietude.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte boasts a smooth typing experience with a medium 50g bottom-out weight, allowing for a balanced and pleasurable keystroke that typists can enjoy over long periods. Its slightly heavier actuation gives some typists a sense of control and feedback that they may find satisfying. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 43g, making it ideal for typists who prefer a more delicate touch. The lighter feel lends itself well to quick typing speeds, offering a sense of responsiveness that can reduce fatigue for users who may type for extended durations.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and HMX Silent Sakura switches cater to different preferences, with the former providing a tactile and audible engagement and the latter emphasizing a soft, quiet touch. While the Caramel Latte excels in delivering an expressive auditory experience, the Silent Sakura prioritizes an unobtrusive sound, making it suitable for settings where noise levels need to be minimal. Your choice between the two should depend on your sound preferences and how you like your keyboard to feel while typing. Each switch offers unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience in distinct ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a bit more resistance in your keystrokes and enjoy a brighter, clackier sound profile, the Caramel Latte switch with its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams would be an excellent fit for you. It offers a super smooth experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate feedback in their typing without being overly loud. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and more subdued atmosphere—perhaps for a shared workspace or late-night typing sessions—the Silent Sakura switch is a top choice. With its lighter actuation force of 43 grams, it enables effortless typing while providing a whisper-quiet experience that won't disturb anyone around you. In essence, consider your typing environment, desired sound level, and personal comfort with switch resistance to select the best switch for your needs.
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