Huano Caramel Latte vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference, especially between options like the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Sky POM, both of which are linear switches. The Huano Caramel Latte offers a delightful typing experience with its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, providing a vibrant, clacky sound profile that enhances the tactile feedback during every keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM stands out for its entirely POM composition, which not only contributes to its buttery, creamy feel but also ensures an exceptionally smooth performance at a more accessible price point. While both switches share a similar linear feel, the Caramel Latte's brightness may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced audio element in their typing, whereas the Sky POM is ideal for users seeking a silkier, low-pitched response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POM
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 spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Sky POM, both sequences exhibit a unique interplay of materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Caramel Latte features a top housing made from POK (polyketone), a material known for its low coefficient of friction and remarkable durability, providing a smooth and clacky switch experience. In contrast, the Sky POM utilizes a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is also valued for smoothness but usually offers a different auditory character, producing a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials serve their purpose well, the POK material’s superior wear and shock resistance give the Caramel Latte an edge in durability, whereas the Sky POM leans into a richer sound experience.
Both switches utilize nylon as their bottom housing, which serves a similar acoustic purpose in both designs. Nylon is a classic choice in the switch industry, providing a softer and more absorbing quality that dulls the sound and contributes to a fuller auditory experience. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the overall sound profile, and since both the Caramel Latte and the Sky POM use nylon, they share the same characteristic of eliciting a deeper sound upon key press. This similarity indicates that, despite having different materials for the top housing, the sound experience during key presses would yield a comparable response due to the use of nylon in the bottom housing.
Ultimately, the different qualities of the top housings in both switches lead to varied sound experiences when releasing a key, while the nylon bottom assists in creating a consistent tonal foundation. The Caramel Latte's POK top housing enhances the tactile feedback with its smoother and more resilient nature, whereas the Sky POM’s POM top provides a unique auditory signature that complements the nylon's softer sound. Thus, while these switches diverge in terms of top materials, they converge in the overall acoustic performance and durability, resulting in an interesting blend of characteristics that enthusiasts might appreciate in various contexts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, several distinctions can be noted. The Huano Caramel Latte has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, which makes it suitable for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, although its bottom out force remains unknown. This makes the Sky POM potentially more appealing for users who favor a lighter touch, thus allowing for prolonged use during typing or gaming sessions. Overall, while the Caramel Latte offers a more substantial actuation force, the Sky POM stands out for its lighter actuation. However, without the bottom out force for the Sky POM, it is unclear how its overall typing experience would compare when pressed to the maximum.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, the Caramel Latte measures 3.6 mm, while the Sky POM has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Huano Caramel Latte the shorter option, appealing to gamers or users who prioritize faster response times due to quicker actuation. Conversely, the Dareu Sky POM, with its longer travel distance, might offer a more traditional feel that some prefer, providing a sense of depth during use. If you're drawn to a more tactile experience and enjoy a bit more resistance, the longer travel of the Sky POM would be more suitable. Overall, choosing between these switches will depend on your preference for either a quicker or a more substantial keystroke.
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 Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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 Dareu Sky POM linear switches, it is clear that both offer a clacky sound but with distinct tonal qualities. The Caramel Latte is characterized by a bright, clacky tone that delivers a lively auditory feedback with each keystroke, creating a delightful and engaging typing atmosphere. In contrast, the Sky POM produces a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound, lending a mellow and more soothing auditory experience. While the exact sound perception can be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used, the overall design of each switch provides a unique auditory experience that can cater to different preferences.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switch provides a super smooth typing experience with a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, allowing users to enjoy a comfortable yet responsive keystroke. On the other hand, the Sky POM switch is celebrated for its buttery, creamy, and silky sensations, attributed to its unique POM material. This translates to an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, where each keystroke feels seamless and fluid. While the Caramel Latte excels in smoothness with a solid feel, the Sky POM pushes the boundaries of smooth typing to new heights with its refined textures.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Sky POM switches present excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Caramel Latte is bright and lively in sound, with a gratifying smoothness in feel, the Sky POM offers a deeper, more mellow auditory experience alongside a buttery typing sensation. Users seeking a satisfying typing experience will find both switches can deliver unique yet enjoyable results, enabling a choice that ultimately depends on personal preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for tactile feedback, sound, and overall typing experience. If you prefer a medium-light actuation force and a bright, clacky sound that adds an energetic feel to your typing, the Caramel Latte switch may be the better choice for you. Its combination of smooth keystrokes and lively acoustics can enhance your typing enjoyment, whether you’re engaging in productivity tasks or casual gaming. On the other hand, if you lean towards a gentler actuation with a low-pitched, creamy sound, the Sky POM switch could be more suited to your needs. Its silky and buttery feel allows for a seamless typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or a quieter environment. In the end, consider your priorities—whether it's sound profile or tactile smoothness—before making your decision, as both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences.
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