Huano Caramel Latte vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two notable linear options are the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream. The Huano Caramel Latte features a medium actuation force of 50g, delivering a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the tactile feedback with every keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a smooth and lively typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers an innovative design, utilizing POK materials for both the stem and bottom housing, which results in a unique, buttery feel along with a creamy texture. Acoustically, it provides a high-pitched, clacky sound signature that stands out in a crowded market. While the Caramel Latte prioritizes smoothness and a satisfying auditory feedback, the Vanilla Ice Cream focuses on delivering an exceptionally creamy and enjoyable experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches exhibit both similarities and contrasts that contribute to their overall performance and sound profiles. The Caramel Latte features a top housing made from POK (polyketone), known for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it ensures a seamless pressing action, complemented by exceptional wear resistance and shock absorption. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream uses a proprietary KTT blend for its top housing, which is characterized by "special mixed materials." While the specific properties of the KTT blend are not detailed, it is noted to provide a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, indicating that it may lack some of the smoothness and durability claims attributed to POK.
On the bottom housing side, the differences are even more pronounced. The Caramel Latte utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is recognized for its softness and sound-absorbing qualities. This material contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience when the keys are pressed. In sharp contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream opts for a POK bottom housing, which inherits all the smooth and durable characteristics of this material. This shared use of POK in both the top and bottom housings for the Vanilla Ice Cream may lead to consistent smoothness and a clacky sound, albeit without the depth and warmth that nylon brings to the Caramel Latte.
Overall, the combination of materials in each switch leads to distinct auditory and tactile experiences. While both switches may leverage the POK material for longevity and smoothness, the Caramel Latte's use of nylon in the bottom housing delivers a warmer, more rounded sound profile compared to the crisp and high-pitched timbre reminiscent of the Vanilla Ice Cream's KTT top housing. Thus, while they both aim to produce appealing switches for users, the interplay between nylon's softness and POK's durability creates a nuanced differentiation in their overall performance characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option overall. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Vanilla Ice Cream requires less force to register a keystroke and to bottom out, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter, less tiring typing experience, particularly during long sessions. Conversely, the Caramel Latte, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, may appeal to users seeking a more substantial tactile feel, ideal for users who enjoy a firmer push. Thus, while both switches provide a smooth linear experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream is definitively lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, whereas the Caramel Latte offers a bit more resistance for those who favor a heavier switch.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means the Caramel Latte offers a more substantial depth, providing a more pronounced feel when pressed, which may appeal to users who appreciate a hearty typing experience. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream, with its shorter travel distance, facilitates quicker key presses, catering to gamers and those who prefer a snappier response. Overall, if you seek a more responsive feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is the better choice, whereas the Huano Caramel Latte is preferable for those who enjoy a deeper and more deliberate keystroke.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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
In terms of sound, the Huano Caramel Latte switch produces a bright and clacky sound profile, offering a signature auditory experience that many typers enjoy. This sound is characterized by its sharpness and crispness, which may evoke a playful, energetic typing atmosphere. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch also delivers a clacky sound but stands out with its high-pitched and marbly qualities. This switch's sound can be likened to an immersive auditory experience, reminiscent of the resonance akin to striking a piece of marble. Both switches share a brighter nature, making them suitable for users who prefer a less bass-heavy acoustic profile.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch is known for its smooth typing experience, but specific descriptors for its tactile sensation are not provided. The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch, however, is distinguished by its buttery and creamy feel, delivering a seamless keystroke experience that feels fluid and effortless. This creamy sensation enhances the typing experience, allowing fingers to glide over the keys with minimal resistance. While the exact tactile qualities of the Caramel Latte remain less defined, both switches promise a satisfying linear experience, making them excellent choices for users who appreciate smoothness in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches provide excellent auditory and tactile qualities, appealing to different preferences among typists. Their bright and clacky sound profiles favor users who lean towards sharper acoustics, while their smoothness in feel makes them enjoyable for long typing sessions. The Caramel Latte offers a more generalized smooth experience, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream emphasizes buttery and creamy sensations, which could sway users looking for that specific tactile feedback. Ultimately, either choice would be suitable for newcomers seeking a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience, although personal preference will dictate which quality resonates most.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you appreciate a moderately weighted keystroke with a bright, clacky sound that is both smooth and satisfying, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice. The 55g bottom-out force strikes a balance that offers a comforting tactile sensation without being overly heavy, making it ideal for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a lighter touch and prefer a more luxurious and silky typing experience, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is likely the better option for you. With a lighter 48g bottom-out force and acoustically pleasing high-pitched, marbly sound, these switches deliver an ultra-smooth and creamy feel that makes each keystroke a delight. Ultimately, your decision should align with your typing style and acoustic preferences; whether you prioritize a balanced feel with a pronounced sound or crave a light, effortless experience with a sweeter auditory character, both switches provide distinct yet enjoyable experiences.
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