Huano Caramel Latte vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g both stand out as appealing options tailored to different user preferences. The Caramel Latte is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, clacky sound profile, which provides a super smooth typing experience that turns every keystroke into a delightful event. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a whisper-quiet typing experience that mimics the gentle sound of raindrops, featuring a balanced 53g bottom out force that suits those who appreciate a light yet satisfying keystroke without the distraction of noise. Whether you prioritize an enjoyable auditory feedback with the Caramel Latte or a serene typing environment with the Silent Sakura, both switches present unique benefits. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches exhibit notable differences in their construction, which contributes to their performance and sound profiles. The Caramel Latte’s top housing is made from POK material, which is renowned for its durability and smoothness, boasting a coefficient of friction of 0.04. This characteristic makes it one of the smoothest materials available for switch design, resulting in switches that feel clacky and durable. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a top housing made of Nylon, a more traditional material. While Nylon can offer a pleasing typing experience, it tends to produce a deeper sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder materials. Thus, while both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the Caramel Latte leans towards a smoother and more vibrant sound, whereas the Silent Sakura focuses on producing a fuller, deeper auditory tone.
The bottom housing of each switch further emphasizes their differing sound profiles. Both the Caramel Latte and Silent Sakura utilize different materials that significantly impact their acoustic qualities. The Caramel Latte features a Nylon bottom housing that similarly enhances its sound profile with a softer and rounder auditory quality. Conversely, the Silent Sakura’s bottom housing is made of polycarbonate, known for its stiffness and ability to create a sharper, crisper sound. This distinction means that the Caramel Latte has a more consistent, muted sound profile across its housing, while the Silent Sakura delivers a higher-pitched sound due to the use of polycarbonate in its bottom housing. This variance in materials allows users to choose between smoother, clackier sounds and more resonant auditory experiences according to their preferences.
Despite these differences in materials, the overall performance and result of both switches could be made similar through careful selection of typing styles and usage preferences. The unique qualities of the POK and Nylon in the Caramel Latte can still yield a satisfying typing experience akin to that of the Silent Sakura, especially when considering the impact of bottom housing materials on the overall feel of the switches. When pressed, both switches demonstrate the importance of their respective bottom housing materials in contributing to the sound and feel during typing. Thus, by understanding how the different materials work together, users can optimize their experience for a typing preference that suits them, regardless of whether they choose the Caramel Latte or Silent Sakura.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel equally responsive when it comes to triggering a keystroke. However, the key difference lies in their bottom out forces; the Caramel Latte has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Silent Sakura bottoms out at 53 grams. This indicates that while both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of actuation, the Caramel Latte delivers a slightly heavier feel when fully pressed down. Consequently, the Caramel Latte switch is the heavier option in this comparison. For users who appreciate a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, either option would work well, but those who enjoy a more substantial feedback when bottoming out might prefer the extra heft of the Caramel Latte.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, a clear difference emerges. The Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter of the two, while the Silent Sakura boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, the longer option. For those who prioritize quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Caramel Latte may be more appealing, as it aligns with the trend among gamers seeking swift keystrokes. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura’s longer travel distance offers a more pronounced tactile experience, which some users might find more satisfying. Therefore, your choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer the snappy responsiveness of a shorter travel distance or the deeper, more deliberate feel of a longer one.
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 - 53g 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 sound profile of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is characterized by a bright and clacky sound, making it an audible choice for those who enjoy hearing their keystrokes. Its lively sound can add an engaging auditory element to the typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a whisper-quiet operation reminiscent of gentle raindrops, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. While the Caramel Latte’s sound can make typing feel more dynamic, the Silent Sakura's muted qualities cater to those seeking a more subdued atmosphere. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound can be influenced by the keyboard's material, construction, and choice of keycaps.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is known for its super smooth typing experience, providing an enjoyable sensation with each keystroke. This smoothness contributes significantly to a pleasurable and responsive feel that typists can appreciate during long typing sessions. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch, with its 53g bottom-out force, strikes a balance between providing a satisfying keystroke and ensuring that the force required feels light yet substantial. This balance can cater to users who prefer a slightly more substantial tactile feedback without being overly heavy. Thus, while both switches offer smooth actuation, their distinct bottom-out forces might make each preferable for different typists based on weight preference.
In summary, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch presents a bright and lively sound paired with a super smooth feel, making it an engaging option for typists who enjoy auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g emphasizes a quiet typing experience with a well-balanced actuation force, suitable for users in noise-sensitive environments who still want a satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your specific preferences for sound and feel, but both can provide satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a smooth and satisfying keystroke with a bright, clacky sound, the Caramel Latte is an excellent option for you. It’s particularly suited for those who want a more audible feedback during their typing experience, making it ideal for environments where sound isn’t a concern, such as a personal home office or gaming setup. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience—such as in shared workspaces or situations where silence is necessary—the Silent Sakura - 53g would be your go-to choice. With their whisper-quiet operation and slightly lower bottom-out force, these switches provide a soft touch and subtle feedback while still maintaining a pleasant feel. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches boils down to whether you value sound and tactility over silence and smoothness, allowing you to tailor your keyboard experience to your specific needs.
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