Huano Caramel Latte vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Strawberry 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 KTT Strawberry are two noteworthy contenders, each presenting distinct advantages for different typing preferences. The Caramel Latte, with its medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, clacky sound profile, is celebrated for delivering a super smooth typing experience that enhances the pleasure of every keystroke. Its audible feedback can be particularly gratifying for those who enjoy a more tactile audio experience while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry stands out with its attractive pink and clear housings, known for its low-pitched, silky, and buttery smooth actuation. Users often appreciate the comfortable feel and reliable performance these switches provide, making them ideal for long typing sessions. While both switches provide a linear typing experience, they cater to different tastes in sound and feel. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Strawberry switches, it becomes evident that the two switches offer contrasting characteristics that influence their overall sound and feel. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK material for its top housing, which is known for its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. With a wear resistance that's 14 times stronger than POM and notable shock resistance, the POK material promotes a smooth and clacky acoustic profile. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry features a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic. This results in a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, rendering the acoustic feedback more resonant and clear, particularly beneficial when RGB lighting is integrated thanks to its translucent nature.
The bottom housings of both switches highlight further distinctions. The Caramel Latte incorporates nylon, a classic choice that provides a deeper and fuller sound owing to its softer texture, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder auditory characteristic that contrasts sharply with the KTT Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing. Similar to its top counterpart, the polycarbonate in the bottom housing contributes to a crisper sound profile, ensuring that the switch's auditory experience is both bright and clear. Therefore, while the Caramel Latte is designed to deliver a warm, enveloping sound, the KTT Strawberry aims for a more pronounced and sharp auditory clarity.
In summary, while both switches employ different materials for their top and bottom housings, each design choice results in unique audio characteristics that are influenced by the combination of materials used. The POK and nylon pairing in the Caramel Latte results in a smooth, clacky feel with a rich sound, while the combination of polycarbonate in both housings of the KTT Strawberry fosters heightened resonance and clarity. If one were to pursue similar acoustic results across these two switches, they would need to focus on the individual material traits: a softer, more absorbent material for a rounder sound, or a stiffer, clearer material for a sharper auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, we see notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry features a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. This means that while the Strawberry switch requires less force to register a keystroke, it takes more effort to fully depress the key compared to the Caramel Latte. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter feel might gravitate towards the Strawberry switch due to its lower actuation force, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may find the greater bottom out resistance of the Strawberry appealing. Overall, for long typing sessions or gaming, the Caramel Latte could be a better option for those who favor a lighter touch, whereas the Strawberry might suit individuals who prefer a firmer feedback when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Strawberry has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you prefer a quicker response time and a more responsive feel, the Huano Caramel Latte would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and depth in your keystrokes, the KTT Strawberry would suit your preferences better with its deeper travel distance of 4 mm. Ultimately, the selection between these two switches depends on individual taste, with the Caramel Latte offering a snappier feel and the Strawberry providing a more substantial pressing 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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 per 10 switches.
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 switch possesses a bright and clacky sound profile that can add an engaging auditory feedback to your typing experience. This sound is indicative of its construction and can create an exciting environment for users who enjoy a pronounced click with each keypress. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch offers a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow, providing a quieter and more subdued auditory experience. Depending on your keycap and board choice, the overall sound characteristics of each switch can vary, but you can expect the Caramel Latte to stand out with its clackiness while the Strawberry offers more of a smooth, soft tone.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch is known for providing a super smooth typing experience, making each keystroke enjoyable without any mention of friction or resistance, suggesting a pleasant tactile sensation during use. However, the KTT Strawberry switch excels in the realm of smoothness with descriptors like frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. These attributes indicate an exceptionally fluid typing experience that minimizes resistance between key presses, allowing for effortless and seamless typing. The KTT Strawberry appears to provide a more refined and polished sensation overall, giving it an edge in terms of the smoothness of the pressing motion.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Strawberry switches boast their unique auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Caramel Latte features a bright, clacky sound paired with a smooth typing feel, ideal for those who enjoy an exciting auditory feedback with a generally engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry excels in providing a soothing and polished auditory presence with an exceptionally smooth tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the lively feedback of the Caramel Latte or the serene fluidity offered by the Strawberry, as both can provide satisfying results but appeal to different aspects of user preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using them. If you prefer a medium-light switch with a bright, clacky sound profile and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Caramel Latte may be your best bet. Its lower bottom-out force of 55 grams makes it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming where you need to execute repeated keystrokes with minimal effort. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly heavier feel (62 grams), favor a low-pitched sound, and desire a frictionless, silky, and buttery smooth typing sensation, the KTT Strawberry is worth considering. Its polished feel can enhance your typing experience, especially in environments where a softer sound is preferred. In the end, the choice ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize a more active, bright typing experience with the Caramel Latte or a refined, smooth approach with the KTT Strawberry.
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