Huano Caramel Latte vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences, yet both fit comfortably within the realm of linear switches. The Caramel Latte is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g at bottom out and a bright, clacky sound profile, providing a delightful typing experience that emphasizes smoothness with every keystroke. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) stands out with its resonant and clacky notes, enhanced by an impeccable factory lube job that ensures a silky smooth typing experience overall. While the Caramel Latte may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Strawberry Wine (V2) may attract users looking for a refined and aesthetically pleasing keystroke sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Y3
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) present both distinctions and similarities that significantly influence their typing experiences. The Caramel Latte features a top housing made of POK, or polyketone, which is celebrated for its excellent durability and smoothness, boasting a coefficient of friction of 0.04—marginally higher than that of LY used in the Strawberry Wine (V2). This means that while the Caramel Latte's switches are designed to be exceptionally smooth with a clacky sound profile, the LY top housing of the Strawberry Wine contributes to a brighter sound signature and a more resonant typing experience. The choice of housing material directly influences factors such as typing feel and auditory feedback, with the POK's durability and smoothness standing in contrast to the more resonant and sharp tones produced by LY.
In contrast, both switch models utilize nylon for their bottom housings, a material known for its sound-absorbing properties, leading to a deeper and fuller audio profile. This shared material ensures that regardless of the differences in top housing, both switches elicit a similar auditory experience when bottoming out. Nylon's softer composition contributes to a duller and rounder sound, which offsets the brighter tones from the top housings. Consequently, while the feel of the switches may differ owing to their top housing materials—one contributing smoothness and sturdiness while the other amplifies resonance—the overall sound profile when typing is anchored by the nylon, which remains a constant feature in both designs.
The interplay between the top and bottom housings is pivotal in shaping the overall experience of both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2). With the Caramel Latte's POK top providing smoothness and the LY offering a more resounding clack, the contrasting auditory responses are balanced by the nylon bottoms, ensuring a rich and satisfying typing feel across both switches. As a result, while one may lean towards a more pronounced sound with the Strawberry Wine or a smooth experience with the Caramel Latte, the use of nylon for the bottom housing guarantees a deep resonance that enhances the typing experience of both options. The unique combination of materials leads to diverse user experiences that cater to varied typing preferences while maintaining shared characteristics that bond these two products.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that both switches provide a similar level of effort required to trigger a keystroke. However, they differ slightly in their bottom out forces; the Caramel Latte has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a bottom out force of 52 grams. As a result, the Caramel Latte switch feels slightly heavier when pressed all the way to the bottom compared to the Strawberry Wine (V2), which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches are classified as medium-light; however, the Caramel Latte offers a heavier feel at bottom out, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) is on the lighter side overall. This difference may influence user preference depending on whether they lean towards extended typing comfort or a firmer keystroke response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, both switches exhibit the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users can expect a similar keypress experience with both switches, providing consistent feedback and feel when typing or gaming. Since their travel distances are equal, individuals seeking a tactile and satisfying keyboard experience would likely find both switches to meet their needs without any significant differences in actuation distance.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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
The sound profile of the Huano Caramel Latte switch is characterized by a bright, clacky quality that produces a lively acoustic experience with every keystroke, infusing a sense of energy into your typing. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) also features a clacky sound but adds a layer of resonance that enriches the auditory feedback. It presents sharp, high-pitched tones that are crisp and percussive, creating an immersive auditory experience. Both switches promise a lively sound profile, but the Strawberry Wine offers a more sophisticated acoustic quality with its resonant notes.
When it comes to the feel of the two switches, the Caramel Latte is renowned for its super smooth typing experience, ensuring a fluid action with each stroke. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) distinguishes itself with an impeccable factory lube job that results in a silky smooth typing feel. This minimal resistance while pressing and releasing keys allows for an effortless experience, making it comfortable for long typing sessions. Thus, while both switches excel in smoothness, the Strawberry Wine provides an added dimension of refinement.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches offer unique strengths, particularly in sound and feel. If you prefer a bright, clacky sound that energizes your typing experience, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice. However, for those who enjoy a richer auditory experience with resonant clacks and a silky smooth feel, the Strawberry Wine (V2) stands out. Despite their differences, both switches ensure a satisfying typing experience; depending on your preferences, either could be the ideal addition to your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Huano Caramel Latte and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound. If you are looking for a switch that offers a slightly heavier bottom-out force at 55 grams, and you enjoy a bright, clacky sound that adds a lively dynamic to your typing experience, then the Caramel Latte is an excellent option. Its smooth operation enhances every keystroke, making it a suitable choice for both typing and gaming alike. On the other hand, if you prefer an even lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 52 grams and value an impeccably smooth typing experience thanks to its excellent factory lubrication, the Strawberry Wine (V2) will likely be your go-to. The added clacky and resonant sound profile makes for an engaging auditory experience, perfect for those who enjoy a sharper, higher-pitched keystroke. Ultimately, it's about matching the switch to your typing style and audio preferences, ensuring you find the one that enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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