Huano Caramel Latte vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Venus emerge as two compelling linear options, each with distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Caramel Latte, renowned for its medium weight of 50g at bottom-out and its bright, clacky sound profile, delivers a smooth and satisfying typing experience that's both lively and engaging. This switch’s high-pitched, clacky nature appeals to users who crave an audible feedback and a bit of character in their keystrokes. In contrast, the TTC Venus offers a unique "Q-texture" design that glides smoothly during typing and provides a springy feel, reminiscent of chewy tapioca pearls. Its light actuation allows for rapid keystrokes with minimal effort, complemented by a muted sound profile that makes it ideal for quieter environments. Whether you lean towards the auditory delight of the Caramel Latte or the subtle, frictionless touch of the Venus, your choice will ultimately enhance your overall typing 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Venus switches present a contrasting yet complementary approach to switch design, significantly influencing their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Caramel Latte utilizes a POK top housing, heralded for its extremely low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. With a wear resistance that outperforms traditional materials like POM and enhanced shock resistance compared to Nylon, the POK material contributes to a smooth, clacky operation. On the other hand, the Venus switch incorporates a POM top housing, renowned for producing a more muted and deeper sound profile. While both switches aim for auditory satisfaction, the POK's smoother tactile experience and the POM's subdued acoustics create distinctly different user interactions.
Examining the bottom housings reveals further differentiation between the two switches. The Caramel Latte utilizes Nylon, a versatile and long-standing choice in switch construction, known for its softer properties that deliver a rounder sound profile. This material absorbs vibrations and enhances the auditory depth, ideal for users seeking a more profound typing experience. Conversely, the Venus features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which is notably stiffer and provides a sharper, crisper sound profile. This contributes to a clearer auditory feedback upon keypress, appealing to enthusiasts who prefer a more pronounced auditory detail in their typing experience. Together, the unique characteristics of these materials shape the overall performance of each switch, showcasing their respective strengths and aesthetic appeal.
Overall, while both switches serve the same purpose, the varied housing materials impart different textures to the typing experience. The Caramel Latte's combination of POK and Nylon allows for a smooth yet deeply resonant interaction, while the TTC Venus pairs POM and polycarbonate for a brighter, more articulate response. Despite their differences, the core functionality of each switch remains intact, and when used effectively, one can achieve satisfactory sound and feel by choosing the right material combination. Thus, understanding how each housing contributes to the performance can help users select switches that provide either a mellower or more dynamic typing experience based on their personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, both switches have identical actuation forces of 45 grams, making them equally suited for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly: the Caramel Latte bottom out force is 55 grams, while the Venus has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 52 grams. This means that while both switches feel similar at the actuation point, the Caramel Latte requires a bit more effort to fully bottom out, providing a slightly stronger feedback at the end of the key press. Therefore, if you prefer a heavier feel, the Caramel Latte might be the better choice, despite both being classified as medium-light overall. The TTC Venus, on the other hand, offers a slightly lighter experience at the bottom, catering to those who enjoy a more effortless key press.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you opt for the Caramel Latte, you'll experience a shorter travel distance, which could be beneficial for gamers seeking quicker response times, as the shallower switch may facilitate faster keystrokes. On the other hand, if you choose the Venus, you'll enjoy a bit more travel, offering a more pronounced depth that some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. Overall, if you're looking for a switch that allows for quicker actuation, the Caramel Latte is the better option, whereas the Venus might appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial travel experience.
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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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, the Huano Caramel Latte switch presents a bright, clacky auditory profile that can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy a pronounced feedback from their keystrokes. Its high-pitched nature exudes a crisp and sharp tone, making it an engaging choice for typists who appreciate an alert and lively atmosphere. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch offers a more subdued sound profile that results in a muted and neutral auditory experience. This switch minimizes noise without being completely silent, making it a better option for environments where quiet operation is preferred. It’s ideal for users who want to maintain a calm working space without the distractions of louder clacky switches.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte is celebrated for its silky smoothness, granting each keystroke an exceptionally refined and comfortable experience. This quality enhances the overall typing experience, allowing typists to glide effortlessly across the keyboard. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch takes a different approach with a buttery feel marked by a frictionless glide and a unique gummy sensation when bottoming out. This creates a soft rebound reminiscent of other tactile experiences, like biting into a chewy treat. Both switches aim to offer smooth travel; however, the Caramel Latte leans more towards ultra-smoothness, while the Venus adds a more dynamic character to each keystroke.
In summary, the Huano Caramel Latte and TTC Venus switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Caramel Latte offers a bright clack and silky typing sensation, perfect for those who enjoy feedback and a smooth experience. Meanwhile, the Venus provides a muted sound profile and a unique buttery feel that includes frictionless movement and a gummy bottom-out. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing sensation, both switches can deliver satisfying results, making either a worthy choice for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Venus switches, it ultimately comes down to your preferences in sound, feel, and typing environment. If you enjoy a vibrant auditory experience and prefer a switch that delivers a smooth, yet clacky sound with a silky touch, the Caramel Latte is likely the better choice for you. Its medium-light resistance and bright, sharp profile make it ideal for those who appreciate a more energetic typing experience, whether for gaming or everyday writing tasks. On the other hand, if you seek a softer, more subdued typing feel with a frictionless glide, then the TTC Venus will cater to your needs perfectly. With its muted sound signature and unique "Q-texture" feel, the Venus is an excellent option for quieter environments, such as an office or shared living space, where minimizing noise is essential. Ultimately, both switches offer smooth typing experiences, but your choice should align with how you prioritize sound and tactile feedback in your daily use.
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