Huano Caramel Latte vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) present two compelling options, each catering to different preferences and needs. The Caramel Latte, with its medium weight of 50g and vibrant clacky sound profile, provides a delightful linear typing experience that many typists crave for its smooth keystrokes and distinct auditory feedback. Its high-pitched and silky characteristics make it a top choice for gamers and typists who enjoy a little extra auditory flair with every keystroke. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) serves those in noise-sensitive environments, offering a tactile experience with a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel. This muted switch strikes a balance between tactile feedback and discretion, making it ideal for quiet workspaces or shared settings. While both switches offer unique advantages—enticing sound and smoothness versus silent, tactile responsiveness—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) exhibit a fascinating juxtaposition in their choice of materials for their top housings. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK (polyketone), which is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK provides a surprisingly smooth typing experience while being 14 times more wear-resistant than POM. In contrast, the Silent T1 embraces polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for imparting a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer composition. While POK prioritizes a smooth, clacky feel, polycarbonate emphasizes resonance and clarity, particularly notable when RGB lighting is used, thanks to its translucency. Thus, while both materials contribute to enhancing the user experience, they do so in distinctly different ways: POK offers smoothness and durability, whereas polycarbonate delivers a crisp auditory quality.
On the other hand, both the Caramel Latte and Silent T1 feature nylon for their bottom housings, making this aspect of their construction a commonality. Nylon is a well-established choice known for its ability to absorb sound, thus contributing to a deeper and fuller typing experience. This characteristic allows for a softer bottom-out sound, creating a more muted acoustic profile. With both switches employing nylon for their bottom housings, they share similar auditory traits that will likely appeal to users who prefer a more rounded sound. Therefore, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials, which give rise to contrasting auditory experiences, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that users will encounter a familiar, deeper tonal resonance.
When pressed, the interaction between the different materials reveals the nuanced qualities each switch offers. The distinct sound and feel of the Caramel Latte's POK top housing, combined with the nylon bottom housing, results in a switch that is not only durable but also smooth and enjoyable to type on. In contrast, the Silent T1’s polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper auditory experience paired with the same nylon component, yielding a sound that can be both articulate and resonant. Therefore, while their top housing materials diverge in character and focus, the combination of nylon in the bottom housing remains a unifying factor that lends itself to a fuller sound profile, allowing both switches to coexist while appealing to different user preferences. In essence, both models achieve specific auditory and tactile characteristics through their unique material combinations, yet they converge through the shared use of nylon, harmonizing the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch exhibit notable differences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features a defined actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Silent T1, with an unspecified actuation force, has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This difference implies that the Caramel Latte is lighter and more suitable for prolonged typing sessions, making it ideal for those who seek comfort during long hours of work or gaming. Conversely, the heavier bottom out force of the Silent T1 can offer a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a firmer keystroke. Overall, while the Caramel Latte is designed for ease and speed, the Silent T1 may appeal to those looking for a more tactile and resistant feel.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Caramel Latte switch provides a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent T1. For gamers or users who favor quicker response times, the more immediate feedback from the 3.6 mm Caramel Latte may be appealing, as it allows for more rapid keypress activation. Conversely, the 4 mm travel distance of the Silent T1 may provide a more substantial feel, ideal for those who appreciate a deeper keypress and tactile feedback, allowing for a more deliberate typing experience. Thus, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Caramel Latte would be the better choice, while the Silent T1 might suit those who prefer a richer keypress experience.
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 Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), distinct differences emerge that cater to varying preferences. The Caramel Latte is characterized by a bright, clacky sound that is both sharp and crisp, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. This high-pitched auditory feedback contributes to an exuberant typing experience, particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate the more pronounced sounds of mechanical switches. Conversely, the Silent T1 delivers a muted sound profile, designed for environments where noise sensitivity is paramount. Its subdued tones minimize the typical clack associated with mechanical keyboards, providing an unobtrusive typing experience that won't disturb those around you.
In terms of tactile feel, the Caramel Latte offers a silky smooth typing experience. The switch is designed to enhance the overall smoothness of key presses, allowing for seamless transitions between keystrokes without significant resistance. This feature makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize fluid typing over tactile feedback. In contrast, the Silent T1 presents a stepped tactile feel, offering mild tactile feedback with a noticeable bump during the keystroke. This design allows users to sense a distinct engagement point while feeling less aggressive than hypertactile switches, rendering it a suitable option for typists who enjoy some feedback without overwhelming tactile sensation.
In conclusion, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) cater to different typing preferences through their unique sound and feel characteristics. While the Caramel Latte is ideal for those who favor a lively auditory experience and a silky smooth typing action, the Silent T1 appeals to users in noise-sensitive environments seeking a quieter operation alongside mild tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound or tactile sensation, as both switches offer their own distinct advantages.
Conclusion
In closing, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you favor a smooth, effortless keystroke paired with a bright and lively sound profile, the Caramel Latte would be an excellent fit, especially if you enjoy the auditory feedback of a clacky switch. Its lighter bottom-out force makes it suitable for extended typing sessions where comfort is a priority, and its silky feel enhances the overall experience for both gaming and general use. Conversely, if you find yourself in a noise-sensitive environment or simply prefer a quieter experience while still enjoying the tactile feedback, the Silent T1 should be your go-to choice. With its medium bump and muted sound, this switch allows for discreet typing without sacrificing the satisfying feel of a tactile response. Its heavier bottom-out force also offers more resistance, which some users may find beneficial for precise inputs. In essence, your decision should be guided by the balance of sound, tactile feedback, and typing comfort that best suits your unique needs.
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