Huano Caramel Latte vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between various options that offer different experiences. Two popular choices in the realm of linear switches are the Huano Caramel Latte and the Bsun Taichi. The Caramel Latte is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, delivering a satisfyingly bright and clacky sound profile that enhances the typing experience with a smooth and silky touch. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi captivates users with its polished feel and enchanting high-pitched sound, thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs, which work together to promote exceptional smoothness and stability. Both switches provide an impressive typing experience, but they cater to slightly different preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte and Bsun Taichi switches showcase the intricate ways in which housing materials can influence the auditory and tactile experience of a keyboard. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing, renowned for its smoothness and durability, with a coefficient of friction that provides a slightly more gliding sensation compared to the Taichi’s polycarbonate top housing. The POK material’s exceptional strength and shock resistance lead to a smooth, clacky sound profile, making it a preferred choice for users who prioritize both auditory feedback and durability. In comparison, the polycarbonate used in the Taichi's top housing is characterized by its rigidity, producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound that resonates clearly. This fundamental difference between the two materials illustrates how the Caramel Latte might appeal to those seeking a softer and smoother typing experience, while the Taichi would cater to users who prefer crisp and precise keystrokes.
Both the Caramel Latte and Taichi switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile. This commonality allows both switches to absorb sound effectively, contributing to a more muted and rounded typing experience at the base of each key press. The shared use of nylon highlights its classic status in the keyboard switch industry, as it offers a consistent, enjoyable sound that aligns with user expectations. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, both the Caramel Latte and Taichi will likely provide a similar depth and warmth in sound due to the acoustic properties of the nylon despite their differing top housings.
In considering the overall impact of the different housing materials, it becomes evident that the combination of POK and nylon in the Caramel Latte offers a unique typing experience characterized by smoothness and rich sound. In contrast, the Taichi's incorporation of polycarbonate for the top housing enhances clarity and resonance, complemented by the consistent depth of nylon in the bottom. If users desire specific auditory feedback, they can manipulate their expectations based on the top housing material used. For those seeking a balance of sound characteristics, both switches ultimately deliver competent results due to their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing, thereby creating a unique blend of auditory experiences shaped distinctly by their top housing choices.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch differ in their actuation forces, with the Caramel Latte requiring a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Taichi’s lighter 40 grams. This means that for users who favor a lighter touch, the Taichi may be more appealing, allowing for prolonged typing sessions with less effort. However, the bottom out force for the Taichi remains unknown, making it difficult to assess how it compares with the Caramel Latte, which has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This bottom out force contributes to the tactile experience; a heavier bottom out may offer a more substantial feeling, while an unknown bottom out force for the Taichi leaves its heftier characteristics ambiguous. Overall, for those seeking a more robust push with substantial feedback, the Caramel Latte may be the better choice, whereas the Taichi provides a lighter actuation option, though its overall feel cannot be completely determined without additional information on its bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users can expect similar tactile responses when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. Since both switches travel the same distance from the top to the bottom, typists and gamers alike will experience comparable key feel and actuation, enhancing consistency in their usage. Therefore, when choosing between these two switches, factors other than travel distance, such as sound and actuation force, might be considered to find the best fit for individual preferences.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Bsun Taichi linear switches share a vibrant and clacky acoustic profile. The Caramel Latte is noted for its bright, high-pitched sound, delivering a sharp and crisp auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying, especially those who prefer a less bass-heavy experience. Similarly, the Taichi switch also produces a clacky sound that is described as sharp, bright, and percussive, making it equally appealing to users who enjoy that characteristic sound. The clackiness of both switches ensures a lively typing atmosphere, though the Caramel Latte may have a slight edge in overall brightness due to its specific design features.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness, offering an exceptionally pleasant typing experience with minimal resistance during both keypresses and releases. This smooth action contributes to a sense of fluidity, allowing for effortless typing. On the other hand, the Taichi is described as polished, indicating a refined finish that also provides a sleek typing experience. While both switches aim for smoothness, the Caramel Latte focuses more on the silky texture, while the polished nature of the Taichi emphasizes reduced friction and overall stability. This results in a similarly satisfying tactile response, ensuring that both switches offer a comfortable typing experience.
In summary, while the Huano Caramel Latte and Bsun Taichi linear switches exhibit similarities in sound with their clacky profiles, they present distinct characteristics in terms of feel—silky versus polished. Both switches appeal to different preferences, yet any typist looking for a vibrant clacky sound will find suitable enjoyment in either option. The unique qualities of each switch contribute to a rich typing experience, making them both excellent choices depending on individual tactile and auditory preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you find joy in a medium-light keystroke that delivers a super smooth and silky typing experience, combined with a bright, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte switch would likely be your best choice. This switch excels in providing a satisfying auditory response while remaining comfortable for extended typing sessions, making it ideal for both casual users and those who engage in extended writing or gaming marathons. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a unique high-pitched sound and an exceptionally polished feel, the Bsun Taichi switch may be more to your liking. With its long-pole stem and extended springs, the Taichi switch promises unparalleled smoothness and stability, which can be particularly rewarding during fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios where precise keystrokes are essential. Therefore, assess what aspects resonate most with your needs—whether it's the clackiness and smoothness of the Caramel Latte or the enchanting sound and polished feel of the Taichi—and choose accordingly to enhance your typing experience.
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