Huano Caramel Latte vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Haimu Viola Tricolor 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 Haimu Viola Tricolor highlights distinct preferences in typing feel and sound profile. The Caramel Latte, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth actuation and vibrant, clacky auditory feedback. Its medium weight of 50g at bottom out makes it suitable for those who enjoy fluid, uninterrupted keystrokes, offering a delightful experience for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor stands out with its tactile design, delivering a pronounced, punchy sensation that enhances each keystroke with satisfying feedback. This switch balances an accented, low-pitched sound profile with a tactile experience that is neither too soft nor overly harsh, catering to those who appreciate a tactile response without sacrificing smoothness. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer the smooth and lively nature of the Caramel Latte or the tactile richness of the Viola Tricolor; 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The two switches, Huano Caramel Latte and Haimu Viola Tricolor, exhibit distinct characteristics when it comes to their top housing materials, which provides a basis for comparison and contrast. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK, or polyketone, known for its low coefficient of friction and impressive durability. With wear resistance significantly superior to POM and enhanced shock resistance compared to Nylon, the POK material contributes to a smooth, clacky typing experience. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor features a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff composition. This stiffer quality allows for greater resonance, thus making the Viola Tricolor ideal for those wanting to maximize the clarity of their sound output, particularly when accompanied by RGB lighting.
On the other hand, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, presenting a uniformity that leads to similar auditory profiles. Nylon, being a softer plastic, dampens sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic feedback when typing. This choice of material creates a rounder sound that enriches the experience for users of both switches. As a classic switch housing material, nylon resonates well with typists seeking to immerse themselves in a more substantial sound environment. Given this shared bottom housing, both switches will provide similar tactile sensations and auditory qualities when pressed down, revealing how they can deliver an enjoyable typing experience despite differences in their top designs.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housings of the Huano Caramel Latte and Haimu Viola Tricolor lead to distinctive sound experiences, while their shared nylon bottom housings ensure a common auditory foundation. Users who appreciate the clacky, well-defined tones of POK in the Caramel Latte may gravitate towards that switch, while those desiring a sharper, more crystalline sound from the polycarbonate in the Viola Tricolor will likely prefer it. Regardless, the commonalities in their bottom housings solidify a base layer of sound quality, making them uniquely complementary in terms of overall typing experience, despite their individual characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter and more suitable for those who prefer a softer typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor does not specify an actuation force, but its bottom out force of 63.5 grams indicates it is medium-heavy. This suggests that the Viola Tricolor may require more effort to reach the activation point, likely resulting in a more substantial feel while typing. The bottom out force of the Caramel Latte is 55 grams, which is lower than that of the Viola Tricolor. Therefore, if you favor a lighter switch for comfort during long periods, the Caramel Latte is the better choice, while those seeking a heftier response should consider the Viola Tricolor with its medium-heavy bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte offers a shorter travel distance, which can translate to faster response times, making it an appealing option for gamers who prioritize quick key presses. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor's longer travel distance might provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper actuation, thereby creating a more satisfying tactile experience. In conclusion, if you prefer more responsiveness in your keystrokes, the Huano Caramel Latte would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor would be suitable for those who enjoy the sensation of a deeper key press.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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
In terms of sound, the Huano Caramel Latte switch produces a bright and clacky sound profile, characterized by its high-pitched, sharp, and crisp tone during key presses. This makes for a snappy auditory experience that many typists enjoy, especially those who prefer a more percussive feedback. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers a deeper, bassier sound, presenting a thuddy and punchy character with a low-pitched resonance. The bass-heavy tones provide a richer auditory experience, which some users might find more satisfying in a tactile context. Given that sound quality can also be influenced by the keyboard build and keycap materials, both switches may yield different auditory results depending on the overall setup.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch is notable for its silky smoothness, contributing to an exceptionally fluid typing experience. This smoothness minimizes resistance on key presses and releases, making each stroke feel effortless. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch offers an accented tactile experience, delivering a pronounced yet balanced feedback that provides satisfaction without being overly aggressive. It strikes a great balance for those who seek noticeable tactile feedback without excessive interruption to their typing rhythm.
Considering the combined qualities of sound and feel, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Caramel Latte offers a bright, clacky sound paired with a silky smooth feel, ideal for users who prioritize a lively auditory environment and effortless keypresses. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor combines its deeper sound with a medium tactile sensation, perfect for those who appreciate more pronounced feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on your personal preference for sound and feedback, allowing you to customize your typing experience to fit your unique style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you want from your keyboard. If you favor a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience, where each keystroke feels effortless and resonates with a bright, clacky sound, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice. It is especially suited for those who enjoy a medium-light touch, making it ideal for fast typists and gamers alike who desire a satisfying yet gentle feedback. On the other hand, if you appreciate a switch that provides more tactile feedback with a pronounced thudding sound, the Viola Tricolor is the way to go. Its medium-heavy actuation force offers a more engaged feel while typing, which can enhance both accuracy and satisfaction during long typing sessions. Its deeper, bassy sound profile also adds a unique depth to your auditory experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile satisfaction without overwhelming tactile resistance. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize a silky smooth experience or a well-defined tactile sensation.
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