Huano Caramel Latte vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Jerrzi Violet 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 Jerrzi Violet can significantly influence your typing experience. The Caramel Latte, a linear switch, is favored for its smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes and its medium weight of 50g, which allows for a satisfying "clacky" sound that many users find enjoyable. Its categorization as 'High-pitched, Clacky, Silky' enhances the tactile feedback and sound profile, making it an ideal option for those who appreciate a lively typing experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet offers a gentle tactile sensation characterized by its smooth actuation and a poppy feel that users appreciate for typing tasks, paired with a neutral sound signature. The Violet switch is a great choice for those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience while still enjoying the distinct feedback provided by a tactile switch. Both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different preferences; while the Caramel Latte is perfect for users seeking a vibrant, smooth ride, the Violet excels in providing balanced feedback with less auditory distraction. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and Jerrzi Violet switches exhibit some noteworthy contrasts, particularly in their top housings. The Caramel Latte features a polyketone (POK) top housing, known for its superior durability and smoothness, which results in a sound profile that is clacky and bright. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK contributes to a seamless feel during typing, ensuring a crisp action. In contrast, the Violet utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is notably stiffer and excels in creating a sharper, more resonant sound profile due to its clarity and translucence. This makes polycarbonate particularly beneficial for RGB setups, as its clear nature enhances light diffusion. Consequently, while both switches aim for high-quality results, the distinct characteristics of the top housings lead to different auditory experiences: the Caramel Latte offers smoothness, while the Violet provides clarity.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to a shared trait in their sound profiles. As a classic material for switch housings, nylon absorbs sound effectively, yielding a deeper and fuller auditory experience that is consistent across both models. The softer nature of nylon means it can dampen sound more than harder plastics, resulting in a warm and rounded sound profile when typing. As such, while the differences in the top housing contribute to a varied acoustic output when keys are released, the nylon bottom housing ensures a cohesive, rich bottom-out sound for both the Huano Caramel Latte and Jerrzi Violet switches.
When considering the overall performance and feel of both switches, the integration of these differing top housings and the shared nylon bottom reinforces the idea that the switch's qualities will be a blend of their materials. The mixed combination allows users to experience the best of both worlds: the Caramel Latte provides smooth and clacky responses while the Violet focuses on a sharper sound profile, particularly accentuated by RGB lighting. Therefore, despite the differences, the similar nylon component in both designs ensures they will deliver a pleasing typing experience, characterized by a rich and resonant sound that caters to various user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, the actuation forces of both switches are identical at 45 grams, suggesting that users will experience the same level of effort when initiating a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for the Caramel Latte is 55 grams, indicating that it will require a bit more force to fully depress the key compared to the Violet switch, whose bottom out force remains unknown. This difference suggests that while both switches feel light during regular typing, the Caramel Latte provides a more pronounced feedback upon bottoming out, which some users might prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. In terms of overall weight perception, the Caramel Latte can be considered the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force, whereas the Violet switch, with an unspecified bottom out force, may appeal to those who favor a lighter touch, depending on its actual measurement. Ultimately, users looking for a keyboard for prolonged use might lean towards the lighter feel, while those who appreciate a substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the Caramel Latte.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, the Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Violet has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This indicates that the Caramel Latte, being the shorter option, may provide a more responsive feel, which is often favored by gamers seeking quicker key actuation. On the other hand, the Violet switch, with its longer travel distance, could offer a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a deeper sensation when pressing a key. Thus, the Caramel Latte may suit those who enjoy rapid responses, whereas the Violet may be better for users who appreciate a fuller keypress.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 switches produce a bright, clacky profile that creates an engaging auditory experience with each keystroke. Their high-pitched and crisp sound is ideal for those who prefer sharper audio feedback while typing, making them particularly appealing for users who enjoy an energizing ambiance. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switches offer a neutral sound signature, providing a more subdued auditory experience that strikes a balance between quiet and noticeable. This makes the Violets suitable for a variety of environments, including both home and workplace settings, where a less intrusive sound could be advantageous.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Caramel Latte excels with its silky smoothness, allowing for a seamless typing experience with minimal resistance. This quality enhances the overall enjoyment of typing, ensuring that each key press feels fluid. On the other hand, the Violet tactile switches feature a stepped design that delivers a mild tactile feedback during key presses. This creates a sensation of distinct stages within the keystroke, making it an engaging option for those who appreciate a tactile cue without being overly pronounced.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Caramel Latte and Jerrzi Violet switches cater to different preferences, they each offer unique qualities suited for various typing experiences. The Caramel Latte is ideal for those who appreciate a smooth, bright, and responsive feel and sound, while the Violet caters to those seeking a more subdued auditory presence coupled with gentle tactile feedback. Your ultimate choice will depend on whether you prioritize the lively, crisp feedback of the Caramel Lattes or the neutral versatility and mild tactility of the Violets.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and use case. If you value a smooth, silky typing experience with a lively, clacky sound, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force makes it ideal for long typing sessions, whether you’re a gamer seeking rapid key presses or a writer looking to enjoy every keystroke. Conversely, if you prefer a more tactile feedback that subtly indicates actuation without overwhelming bumpiness, the Violet switch should be your go-to. Its gentle tactile response and neutral sound profile make it versatile for both office and home environments, providing a balanced typing experience without being loud or disruptive. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a vibrant and responsive feel or a smooth, tactile interaction.
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