Huano Caramel Latte vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offer distinct characteristics tailored to different types of users. The Caramel Latte is revered for its medium actuation force of 50g and its bright, clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback with every keystroke. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) presents a more nuanced experience, featuring a neutral sound signature that produces the desirable "thock" sound without overwhelming noise, perfect for those seeking a refined typing feel. With its dustproof stem designed to minimize wobble, the Sticky Rice switch emphasizes a smooth and controlled keystroke, appealing to users who prioritize performance and tactile satisfaction. While both switches excel in their own right—one favoring a lively auditory experience and the other prioritizing a steady, plush touch—it is essential to explore their unique features in greater detail to determine which switch aligns best with your personal typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), we see a clear distinction in their top housing materials while they share the same bottom housing material, nylon. The Caramel Latte utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is notable for its high durability and smooth performance. With a low coefficient of friction at 0.04, the POK material enhances the switch's overall feel by providing a smooth keypress experience. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is recognized for its rigidity and clarity, creating a sharper, more resonant sound profile. This fundamental difference in top housing materials will yield dissimilar experiences in sound modulation and tactile feedback, particularly when keystrokes are released.
On the other hand, both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material. Nylon is a classic choice known for its sound-absorbing properties, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The usage of nylon here is key, as it maintains consistency across both switch types in terms of their auditory experience. While POK and polycarbonate influence the top end of the sound spectrum differently, the incorporation of nylon in the bottom housing creates a shared foundation of smoothness and resonance in both switches, leading to a more cohesive auditory profile. This means users can expect similarly rich and rounded sound experiences from both switches when typing, even though the tops affect sound differently based on their material composition.
To summarize, users looking for a switch with a pronounced and resonant top-end sound should gravitate towards the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) for its polycarbonate housing, while those preferring durability and a smoother feel might find the Huano Caramel Latte’s POK material more suitable. However, thanks to the shared nylon bottom housing, both switches will retain a coherent sound profile with depth and fullness, providing satisfying acoustic feedback during use. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for the characteristics derived from the top housings, as the nylon bottom ensures a baseline of quality across both options.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, characteristic of a medium-light feel. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option between the two. This difference means that users who prefer a more effortless typing experience or extended gaming sessions might gravitate toward the Sticky Rice (V2) switch. Meanwhile, the Caramel Latte provides a slightly heavier push feel, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches exhibit different feel and weight, they cater to varying preferences, ensuring there’s an option for both light and heavier switch enthusiasts.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the measurements reveal that the Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the longer option by a mere 0.1 mm. For gamers seeking quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Sticky Rice (V2) may provide an edge in responsiveness. However, those who appreciate a richer tactile experience might lean towards the Caramel Latte for its greater depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference regarding responsiveness and typing comfort, as the variance in travel distance, though minimal, can impact the overall feel while typing or gaming.
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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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 switch is characterized by a bright, clacky sound profile that adds a lively character to each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy an audible typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) features a more subdued and neutral sound signature that leans toward the desirable "thock," appealing to enthusiasts who prefer a richer, deeper acoustic feedback. While both switches can produce satisfying auditory experiences, the Caramel Latte leans towards a brighter sound, while the Sticky Rice presents a smoother, more rounded tone. Keep in mind that the final sound can also be significantly influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap materials.
When examining the feel, the Caramel Latte offers a smooth keystroke with a medium actuation weight of 50g, providing a balanced typing experience that allows for comfortable and effortless input. The super smooth performance is designed to minimize any friction, making every press feel satisfying and fluid. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) also emphasizes a smooth keystroke, enhanced by its dustproof stem that reduces wobble and contributes to a refined tactile sensation. Both switches are engineered for a pleasurable typing experience, but the Caramel Latte’s specified weight will yield a different level of resistance compared to the unknown weight of the Sticky Rice, which may appeal differently to individual preferences.
In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches provide excellent typing experiences, but they cater to slightly different auditory and tactile preferences. The Caramel Latte excels with its bright, clacky sound and smooth action, making it ideal for users who enjoy a lively typing atmosphere. Conversely, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a more muted yet deeply satisfying "thock" sound combined with a refined feel, appealing to those who prioritize a balanced and less intrusive acoustics. Depending on the qualities you value most—whether it's the sound signature or the typing feel—you can expect to find comfort and satisfaction with either switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a medium-light touch and enjoy a bright, clacky sound profile that adds a bit of character to your typing experience, then the Caramel Latte may be the perfect fit for you. Its smooth keystrokes and enjoyable feedback make it an excellent choice for casual typing, gaming, or creatives who value responsiveness in their keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force with a more subtle "thock" and a refined tactile sensation, the Sticky Rice (V2) might suit you better. Its balanced typing experience and reduced wobble due to the dustproof stem provide a high level of performance and satisfaction for those focused on a more understated yet elegant feel. Ultimately, consider the sound and feel you crave while also reflecting on how you typically use your keyboard—whether for leisure, work, or competitive gaming—as this will guide you toward the switch that enhances your typing experience the most.
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