Huano Caramel Latte vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to distinct typing preferences, such as the Huano Caramel Latte and the Huano Strawberry Latte, both of which are linear switches yet deliver unique experiences. The Caramel Latte is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, providing a tactile response that pairs beautifully with its bright, clacky sound profile. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a lively auditory feedback while typing, making every keystroke feel pleasurable and engaging. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte boasts an ultra-smooth operation, enhanced by new state-of-the-art molds from Huano, which yield a more balanced sound profile—neither too quiet nor overly resonant—suitable for users who appreciate a subtle, refined auditory experience while maintaining an enjoyable typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Standard
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Huano Strawberry Latte are strikingly similar, both featuring the same polyketone (POK) material for the top housing and nylon for the bottom. The POK material, renowned for its low coefficient of friction at 0.04, allows for a smooth typing experience that enhances the overall functionality of the switches. With its impressive durability and wear resistance—14 times stronger than POM—this material ensures that both the Caramel and Strawberry Lattes provide a long-lasting performance suitable for sustained use. Furthermore, the shock resistance of POK outmatches nylon and POM, contributing to the stable and agile response that typists often seek. In both cases, the use of POK for the upper part of the switch leads to an outstandingly smooth, clacky sound, generating a consistently positive auditory experience for users.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both lattes shares nylon as its primary material, recognized for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile. Its relatively softer nature allows it to absorb more noise compared to harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder. This characteristic is vital, as it shapes the bottom-out sound and feel of the keystrokes in both versions. Thus, despite the difference between the top and bottom housing materials, the shared use of nylon in both the Caramel and Strawberry Lattes guarantees a similar aural experience, typical of switches boasting nylon bottoms.
Given that both switches utilize the same housing materials—POK for the tops and nylon for the bottoms—they are likely to produce similar results in terms of smoothness, sound response, and resilience. The harmonious combination of POK's advanced properties and nylon's sound-dampening attributes leads to a uniform and pleasing typing experience across both models. While the individual switch characteristics, such as tactile feedback or specific sound signature, may differ based on potential internal components or design adjustments, the primary material consistency ensures that users can expect a gratifying and reliable performance from both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Huano Strawberry Latte.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, the actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct differences in their typing feel and experience. The Caramel Latte has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light in terms of overall resistance. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a lower bottom out force of 45 grams, positioning it as a lighter option. This difference in weight means that typists or gamers seeking a more effortless keystroke will likely prefer the Strawberry Latte for longer sessions, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Caramel Latte. Overall, with the Strawberry Latte providing a softer touch, and the Caramel Latte offering slightly more resistance, users will experience a notable contrast in their typing dynamics, based on their preference for lighter or heavier switch options.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that pressing down on a key with either switch will yield the same physical sensation and depth of travel. This equality in travel distance ensures that users will experience similar results in terms of key responsiveness and feedback, making both switches equally effective for those who prioritize a consistent key feel. Since both switches are designed with the same travel measurement, there isn't a shorter or longer option between the two; instead, users can choose based on other preferences, such as aesthetics or feel, knowing that the actuation distance remains consistent.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 linear switch stands out with its bright and clacky sound profile. This switch produces a high-pitched, crisp noise that adds a percussive character to every keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a sharper auditory feedback from their typing experience. On the other hand, while the specific sound characteristics of the Huano Strawberry Latte are not detailed, it is noted to have a balanced sound profile that isn’t too quiet or overly resonant. This suggests a more neutral auditory experience compared to the Caramel Latte, which may be more suitable for users who appreciate a less intrusive sound while still enjoying a satisfying keystroke.
Regarding the feel, the Caramel Latte is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This minimizes resistance during key presses and releases, enhancing overall comfort during extended use. In contrast, the feel of the Strawberry Latte switches is not specified, leaving some uncertainty about their tactile feedback. However, given that both switches are designed by Huano and feature modern design elements, it's reasonable to speculate that they may offer a similarly pleasant typing experience, even if the exact characteristics differ.
In conclusion, while the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch excels with its bright, clacky sound and silky, smooth feel, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a more balanced sound without specific details on its tactile sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide enjoyable typing experiences, with the Caramel Latte favoring those who enjoy a sharper auditory feedback and ultra-smooth key presses. If you’re looking for a versatile option, either could potentially meet your needs, although the Caramel Latte clearly delineates its traits more explicitly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a more tactile experience that combines a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams with a bright, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte would be an excellent choice for you. Its high-pitched, crisp sounds make it ideal for those who appreciate feedback from their keystrokes and enjoy a lively typing atmosphere. On the other hand, if you are looking for a gentler experience with an even lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, the Strawberry Latte may be the better option. Its smoothness and balanced sound profile provide a quieter typing experience that may suit those who work in shared spaces or prefer a less pronounced auditory environment. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you—be it sound, feel, or actuation force—and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing habits and preferences.
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