Huano Caramel Latte vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Snow 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 Dareu Snow offer unique features tailored to different typing preferences, despite both being linear switches. The Huano Caramel Latte is characterized by its medium actuation weight of 50g and a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the tactile experience with a sensation of satisfaction on every keystroke. This makes it an appealing choice for users who enjoy a lively typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch is notable for its innovative POK material, which contributes to its deeper sound signature while forging a smooth typing experience. The Snow's attributes—described as 'thocky,' 'neutral,' 'low-pitched,' and 'bouncy'—offer a softer and more muted keypress that may appeal to those preferring a more subdued auditory feedback. Both switches cater to distinct user needs, whether you're seeking spirited keystrokes or a delicate touch. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Snow, it's notable that both switches utilize POK material for their top housings. The use of POK, or polyketone, in both cases provides a high-performance characteristic due to its low coefficient of friction of 0.04, making these switches exceptionally smooth during operation. Furthermore, the durability of the POK material is exemplary, with a wear resistance that outperforms POM by a factor of 14 and shock resistance exceeding Nylon by 2.3 times. The uniformity in top housing materials implies that users can expect a consistent and satisfying experience when typing, with the POK top contributing to a smooth, clacky sound profile.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Caramel Latte and Dareu Snow are made from nylon, which is recognized for its softer texture compared to harder plastics. This shared bottom housing material enhances the acoustic properties of both switches, imparting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's ability to absorb sound contributes to a rounder and duller auditory experience when typing, reinforcing the perception of softness and comfort. Since both switches feature nylon in their bottom housing, the overall typing experience is characterized by a warm and rich sound, making them enjoyable for prolonged use.
Despite the similarity in top and bottom housing materials between the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Snow, the nuances of each switch's acoustic and tactile feedback could differ based on other variables such as switch design or actuation mechanisms. Nonetheless, the combination of POK and nylon ensures that both switches are well-equipped for durability, smoothness, and an engaging sound profile. Users can anticipate a comparable overall performance, with individual preferences likely swaying between the two based on slight variations in feel or responsiveness rather than fundamental material differences.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch exhibit some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte has an actuation force of 45 grams, categorized as medium-light, whereas the Snow switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, placing it in the medium range. In terms of bottom out force, the Caramel Latte bottoms out at 55 grams, while the Snow switch has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Caramel Latte is generally lighter and may be more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Snow offers a heavier feel, catering to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch that enables longer use with less fatigue, the Huano Caramel Latte would be the better choice, while the Dareu Snow provides a firmer tactile feedback for users who enjoy a stronger keystroke response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, we find that the Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Snow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that for those who prioritize quick response times, the Snow may be the preferable choice, as its shorter travel can lead to more rapid actuation. On the other hand, for users who enjoy the feeling of a more substantial press, the Caramel Latte offers a deeper travel distance, which may feel more satisfying and less abrupt. Therefore, while both switches appeal to different preferences in tactile feedback, the Caramel Latte stands out as the longer option, while the Snow caters to those seeking a shorter distance for increased responsiveness.
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 Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Caramel Latte switches produce a bright and clacky profile that is particularly engaging and may evoke a playful typing experience. This type of sound is often appealing to users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switches have a deeper sound signature, characterized as thocky. This gives them a rich, satisfying auditory response that resonates more like a soft thud when keys are pressed and released. Additionally, the Snow switches are noted for their low-pitched tones, which can create a more subdued and mellow ambiance compared to the Caramel Lattes. However, it’s essential to note that individual sound characteristics can vary depending on the keyboard and keycap choices used with the switches.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switch is celebrated for its super smooth typing experience, providing an easy and enjoyable action with each keystroke. This smoothness can be quite advantageous for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, where fluid motion is beneficial. Meanwhile, the Dareu Snow switch is described as bouncy, delivering a spring-like feedback sensation. This bounciness can add an element of liveliness and a pronounced rebound feel, making the typing experience feel more dynamic and engaging compared to the smoother action of the Caramel Lattes. While both switches provide a form of satisfying feedback, the Caramel Latte leans towards smoothness, while the Snow emphasizes bounce.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Snow switches offer distinct experiences in sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Latte's bright and clacky sound paired with its smooth typing experience appeals to those looking for a lively and enjoyable auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the Snow’s deeper, thocky sound and bouncy feel provide a rich, satisfying response that can feel more energetic. Depending on your personal preferences, either switch could enhance your mechanical keyboard experience, with the choice ultimately coming down to whether you prefer a smooth action or a more lively bounce.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, you'll want to consider your specific preferences for typing experience and sound. If you lean toward a smoother feel with a lighter actuation force and enjoy a bright, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte would be the ideal choice for you. Its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams enhances effortless typing, making it perfect for those long writing sessions or casual gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound signature along with a bouncier and more responsive key feel, then the Dareu Snow switch is likely to suit your needs better. The 60 grams of actuation force gives it a bit more heft, which may provide greater satisfaction for those who enjoy a more deliberate typing style. Additionally, the Snow's thocky, low-pitched sound makes it a great option if you're looking for a switch that performs well in both home and office environments. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not just your tactile and auditory preferences but also how you intend to use your keyboard in day-to-day scenarios.
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