Huano Caramel Latte vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) present intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking a smooth typing experience, albeit with distinct characteristics. The Caramel Latte, with its medium actuation force of 50g and a bright, clacky sound profile, beckons users who appreciate tactile feedback and an engaging auditory experience with each keystroke. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a notably heavier feel, favored by those who prefer a firmer response while typing. It features Ly stems that contribute to an exceptionally smooth operation, paired with a resonant sound profile that adds to its unique charm. Both switches have their merits depending on user preference, whether it's the lively and responsive feel of the Caramel Latte or the robust solidity of the Tomcat (Heavy). However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Caramel Latte and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The Caramel Latte utilizes polyketone (POK), a material celebrated for its durability and smoothness, yielding a coefficient of friction of 0.04. This gives it a superior feel during typing compared to the Tomcat's polycarbonate housing, which, while stiffer and lending itself to a sharper, crisper sound, may not provide the same level of tactile smoothness. The translucency of polycarbonate enhances visual aspects, particularly when RGB lighting is involved, but the clacky, resonant sound produced by the POK material stands apart for those who prioritize tactile feedback and typing experience alongside aesthetic consideration.

Both switches share a common trait in their bottom housing, as they both feature nylon, a classic material renowned for its sound absorption properties. This similarity results in a deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of the differing top housing materials. The nylon's ability to soften the acoustic footprint contributes to a dampened typing experience, leading to the characteristic roundness typical of switches that use this material. As such, while the top housings create unique auditory experiences, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches provide a consistently satisfying sound signature during key presses.

When considering the combined effects of both housings, the contrast in the top materials plays a critical role in defining the overall user experience. For instance, the Caramel Latte will deliver a smooth and durable feel thanks to its POK top, while the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a sharper, more resonant tone facilitated by its polycarbonate top, catering to different user preferences. However, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a cohesive sound quality when bottoming out, as the properties of nylon absorb excessive harshness and produce a rounder audio profile. Therefore, though the top housings differ, the commonality in the bottom housing contributes to a unified and enjoyable typing experience across both switches.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces reveal their intended use and typing experience. The Huano Caramel Latte features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming due to the reduced resistance, allowing for less finger fatigue. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience that some users prefer for its tactile feedback. Overall, if you're seeking a lighter feel for ease of use over extended periods, the Caramel Latte is the better choice, while the Tomcat (Heavy) caters to those who favor a stronger push.

Travel distance

The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users will experience the same amount of travel when pressing down on a key for both switches, resulting in a similar tactile feedback and overall typing feel. Since both switches share this travel distance, they will likely produce comparable results in terms of keypress responsiveness and comfort, making either choice suitable for those seeking a consistent typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is characterized by a bright, clacky sound profile. This makes it a lively option that offers a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke, adding a certain engagement during typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch produces a resonant sound profile, suggesting a deeper and fuller tonal quality. While both switches provide a distinct sound experience, the Caramel Latte leans towards a sharper auditory signature, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) might provide a more muted and less invasive sound, depending on the rest of the keyboard setup. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound of either switch will also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch offers a smooth typing experience with a medium weight bottom out of 50g, making it accessible for both casual and more experienced typists who appreciate a balanced resistance. This smoothness translates to a comfortable, enjoyable keystroke that minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Likewise, the Tomcat (Heavy) also promises a super smooth typing experience, attributed to its Ly stems, though the specifics about its weight aren’t provided. This could suggest a different level of resistance that may appeal to users who prefer a heavier switch, possibly offering more feedback and a strong tactile presence that can influence typing rhythm.

Overall, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches cater to those who appreciate smooth linear action. While the Caramel Latte brings a lively sound and a medium actuation weight, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a resonant acoustic profile without specifying its weight. If you're a newcomer, these characteristics make both switches worth considering, as they promise smooth experiences that can cater to different sound preferences and tactile feedback desires. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prefer a brighter sound or a more resonant tone during your typing sessions.

Conclusion

To conclude, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and uses. If you prioritize a lighter touch and enjoy a smooth typing experience with a bright, clacky sound, the Caramel Latte’s 55-gram bottom-out force will likely suit you well, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions or casual gaming. Its medium-light resistance can also promote quicker typing for those who value speed. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier key feel that provides a more intentional press, the Tomcat (Heavy) with its 64-gram bottom-out force may be the better option for you. The resonant sound profile and the smooth action of its Ly stems can deliver a satisfying tactile feedback when gaming or typing, lending itself well to users who appreciate a more substantial key press. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences in sound, feel, and typing experience, whether you lean towards the lighter, airy sensation of the Caramel Latte or the more robust, distinct feel of the Tomcat (Heavy).

Mentioned in this article

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more