Huano Caramel Latte vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a fascinating exploration of typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Caramel Latte switches, with their medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, clacky sound profile, deliver a smooth and tactile typing sensation that many enthusiasts crave. Ideal for those who enjoy a lively auditory response, the Caramel Latte brings a touch of personality to every keystroke. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switches provide a deeper and thocky sound profile that creates a satisfying typing ambiance. The lengthened single-stage spring contributes to a bouncy feel, making them not only enjoyable for extended typing sessions but also accessible for a wide range of users. While the Caramel Latte is perfect for those looking for a more vibrant, clacky experience, the Tourmaline Blue caters to those who appreciate a more neutral yet engaging 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
59g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches, we see a marked contrast in the choice of top housing materials, with the Caramel Latte utilizing POK (polyketone) and the Tourmaline Blue opting for polycarbonate. POK is renowned for its superior durability and smoothness, possessing a coefficient of friction slightly higher than LY, thus enhancing the slickness experienced when typing. This material boasts outstanding shock resistance and wear durability, making it a robust choice for switch manufacturing. In contrast, the polycarbonate in the Tourmaline Blue features a stiffer composition that delivers a sharper and more resonant sound profile. While both materials serve their unique purposes effectively, the POK material is preferred for producing smooth, clacky sounds, whereas polycarbonate enhances clarity and brightness in sound output.
The bottom housings of these switches present an even greater divergence. The Caramel Latte employs nylon, a classic choice praised for its ability to produce a deep and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Nylon's sound-absorbing properties contribute to a rounder typing experience, making the switch feel more substantial during use. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue also features polycarbonate in its bottom housing, mirroring the characteristics of its top housing, which results in a stiffer profile that generates a crisper and brighter sound. This consistency in using polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings enhances the overall sharpness and clarity of sound, also facilitating a more vibrant interaction with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Ultimately, the combined effect of using different materials for the top and bottom housings creates distinct yet understandable output characteristics for each switch. For the Caramel Latte, the robust POK top combined with the absorbent nylon bottom gives it a unique typing feel with a balanced sound profile. Conversely, the entirely polycarbonate configuration of the Tourmaline Blue promotes a cohesive sound signature marked by higher pitches and responsiveness. Despite the differences in materials, both switches can deliver satisfying sound profiles suited to user preferences, whether one seeks the robust, rounded acoustics of the Caramel Latte or the bright, crisp sounds of the Tourmaline Blue. The overall typing experience can be achieved through a careful balance of housing materials, ensuring both styles meet distinct acoustic desires.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch present a clear distinction in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option that is suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less effort to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. This increased resistance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Consequently, the Caramel Latte is the lighter switch, offering ease of use, while the Tourmaline Blue is heavier, providing a firmer feel for those who enjoy a stronger push. Overall, these differences in force create distinct typing experiences, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for weight and feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it becomes clear that they cater to slightly different preferences. The Huano Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in distance indicates that the Caramel Latte, being the shorter of the two, may provide a quicker and more responsive keystroke, which is often favored by gamers for faster reactions. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue's greater travel distance may appeal to those seeking a deeper and more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus tactile depth.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 profiles, the Huano Caramel Latte switches offer a bright and clacky experience, characterized by a high-pitched and crisp sound when pressed. This sharp, snappy sound is perfect for those who appreciate a percussive auditory feedback while typing, adding a lively element to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches produce a deep and thocky sound profile, which provides a more subdued but satisfying auditory experience. The more neutral sound of the Tourmaline Blues might appeal to users who prefer a rich and bassy depth without being overpowering. Ultimately, the sound experience may also vary based on the keyboard and keycap choices, but these general characteristics define the two switches vividly.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte excels with a silky smoothness that enhances the overall typing experience, minimizing resistance during keypresses and making every strike feel fluid and enjoyable. This characteristic contributes to a luxurious feel while typing, appealing particularly to those who prioritize a smooth touch. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue switches offer an easy-to-press mechanism with a mild action, making them feel comfortable and effortless to type on. Their gentle resistance helps reduce finger fatigue, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. While both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, the Caramel Latte leans more towards slick responsiveness, whereas the Tourmaline Blue focuses on a cushioned ease of use.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Latte's bright sound and silky feel will delight those who enjoy a lively and smooth typing experience, while the Tourmaline Blue's deep sound and easy-to-press nature will appeal to users seeking a richer yet comfortable touch. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference, and both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between Huano Caramel Latte linear switches and Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a medium-light typing experience paired with a bright, clacky sound, the Caramel Latte switches are an excellent choice. They offer a silky feel that enhances typing smoothness, making each keystroke a pleasure – ideal for those who type frequently or simply want a satisfying feedback without much resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch that provides a deep, thocky sound, the Tourmaline Blue switches might be more up your alley. Their bouncy feel and easy-to-press action make them suitable for extended typing sessions while still being enjoyable for various users. Ultimately, if you value a more dynamic sound profile and a weightier touch, lean towards the Tourmaline Blues; however, if you're after ease of use and a lighter touch, the Caramel Latte switches will serve you well.
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