Huano Caramel Latte vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Sky V4 present intriguing options for users seeking a linear typing experience. The Caramel Latte switch boasts a medium actuation force of 50g, delivering a bright and clacky sound profile that enhances the overall pleasure of every keystroke, making it an attractive choice for those who appreciate an energetic auditory feedback. In contrast, the Sky V4 distinguishes itself with its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature that lends a rich, thocky feel to each press, ideal for users who prefer a more muted and robust acoustic experience. While both switches offer smooth linear action, the Caramel Latte provides a lively, enjoyable sound, whereas the Sky V4 caters to those seeking a balanced and bouncy typing experience with a low-pitched resonance. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
The housing materials used in both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Sky V4 switches are primarily composed of POK for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, highlighting a strong similarity in their construction. The POK material, renowned for its low friction coefficient of 0.04, offers a smooth actuation and contributes significantly to the overall feel of each switch. Its impressive durability characteristics, such as wear resistance that's 14 times greater than POM and shock resistance that outstrips Nylon and POM by substantial margins, ensure that both switches not only perform seamlessly but also maintain their integrity over time, providing users with a consistent typing experience.
In contrast to the shared properties of the top housings, the bottom housings bring in distinctively different sound profiles due to their nylon composition. Both the Caramel Latte and the Sky V4 utilize nylon for their bottoms, leading to a fuller and deeper auditory experience when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than rigid plastics, resulting in a rounder sound profile that users often find enjoyable. This characteristic of nylon creates a harmonic balance when paired with the crisp and clear tones delivered by the POK top housing, allowing for a well-rounded typing experience across both switch models.
Ultimately, the relationship between the top and bottom housings informs the overall performance of each switch. The POK material contributes to the durability and smoothness during actuation, while the nylon bottom enhances the acoustics, resulting in the overall clackiness experienced when releasing a key. Since both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Sky V4 are designed with identical materials for their top and bottom housings, users can expect a similar typing experience characterized by both tactile satisfaction and an enveloping sound profile. This thoughtful design allows enthusiasts to enjoy the distinctive qualities of each switch while ensuring that they share performance attributes that are beneficial for daily typing tasks.
Weight
Both the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch share identical specifications with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing them as medium-light switches. This similarity means that users will experience comparable performance when typing or gaming, as both switches require the same amount of force to activate a keystroke and to bottom out. Consequently, those who favor a lighter switch will find these options appealing for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming marathons. Since both switches offer equal forces, users can expect a consistent typing experience regardless of their choice between the two.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that users can expect similar tactile feedback and engagement when pressing down on the keys of either switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, they will provide a consistent experience in terms of key actuation, making them apt choices for those who prefer linear switches. This uniformity in travel distance ensures that whether you opt for the Caramel Latte or the Sky V4, you will achieve comparable results in terms of key responsiveness and overall typing feel.
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 V4 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 V4 for $4.76.
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
In terms of sound, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switches are characterized by their bright and clacky sound profile, making each keypress notably audible and engaging. This liveliness can give your typing a vibrant and expressive quality. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 switches produce a deeper, thocky sound that resonates with a rich and satisfying thud upon actuation. The thocky quality of the Sky V4 provides a more muted yet impactful auditory experience, offering a bass-heavy tone that can feel more substantial, especially when used in conducive environments. While the Caramel Lattes lean toward a higher pitch, the Sky V4's low-pitched character creates a warm and enveloping auditory atmosphere. Ultimately, the sound of each switch can be further influenced by the keyboard build and keycap materials, making personal preference key.
When it comes to their tactile feel, the Caramel Latte switches are known for providing a super smooth typing experience. The keys glide effortlessly under fingers, resulting in a fluid motion that suits long typing sessions or gamers looking for quick response times. On the other hand, the Sky V4 switches offer a bouncier experience, characterized by spring-like feedback that gives a lively feeling as you type. This elasticity can enhance the engagement of the typing process, creating a sensation reminiscent of rebounding. While both switches have a smooth action, the Caramel Latte excels in effortless linearity, while the Sky V4 infuses a buoyant quality that some typists might find more invigorating.
In conclusion, both Huano Caramel Latte and Dareu Sky V4 linear switches cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel. The Caramel Latte's bright, clacky sound and ultra-smooth typing experience can appeal to those looking for a lively and engaging keyboard interaction. In contrast, the deeper, thocky auditory signature coupled with a bouncier feel of the Sky V4 can suit typists seeking a more resonant and responsive experience. Ultimately, regardless of the choice, both switches can deliver satisfying results tailored to your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, your decision should depend on your individual preferences for sound and feel. If you lean towards a smooth and clacky typing experience that enhances each keystroke, the Caramel Latte, with its bright sound profile, may be the ideal choice for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams balances a delightful touch with sufficient feedback, making it a great option for typists who appreciate a more pronounced auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, if you value a deeper and more satisfying sound signature, the Sky V4's thocky and low-pitched characteristics could be more appealing. Its bouncy feel offers that spring-like sensation, allowing for a lively typing experience perfect for both work and gaming. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prefer a brighter, clackier effect or a deeper, richer sound, along with the feedback that suits your typing style best.