Huano Caramel Latte vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro each present unique advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The Caramel Latte switch, known for its smooth linear action and a medium weight of 50g bottom out, provides a delightful typing experience with a bright, clacky sound profile that many enthusiasts find satisfying. This makes it a great choice for gamers and typists who appreciate fast, fluid keystrokes without the distraction of tactile feedback. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro switches offer a medium level of tactility paired with a fairly light touch and a neutral sound signature, positioning them as an ideal "Goldilocks" tactile option for those who enjoy a little feedback without overwhelming noise. These characteristics make the Violet Gold Pro an excellent choice for users seeking a balanced and versatile typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right 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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When contrasting the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, it's evident that the two switches employ different top housing materials while sharing a commonality in their bottom housing. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK, a material known for its smoothness and high durability, offering a sound profile that is clacky yet robust. The lower coefficient of friction of POK ensures a seamless keystroke experience, while its excellent shock resistance enhances the overall feel of the switches. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This choice of material contributes to a more pronounced acoustic quality, particularly suited for users seeking an impactful auditory feedback when typing, especially beneficial when RGB lighting is involved.
Despite the difference in top housing material, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing. This common aspect allows them to share certain sound characteristics, specifically a deeper and fuller sound profile that nylon provides. The material's sound-absorbing properties contribute to a softer acoustic experience, offering a rounder feel that contrasts with the brighter tones from the polycarbonate and POK materials above. Therefore, while the top housings of both switches may yield different auditory results during use, the shared nylon bottom housing helps achieve a consistency in the foundational sound and typing experience, acting as a common ground amidst their differences.
In terms of overall performance, the unique qualities of the top housings lend themselves to achieving a variation in sound profiles while the nylon bottoms harmonize the experience. If you press down on either switch, the nylon housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel significantly, ensuring a solid and satisfying keystroke regardless of the top material's impact. When releasing the key, the POK housing will allow for a smooth, clacking sound, whereas the polycarbonate will create a resonant and defined acoustic result. Together, these influences create a nuanced dichotomy in the performance of the switches, showcasing how different materials can be effectively utilized for distinct experiences.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch exhibit similar actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This makes them both suitable for users who prefer lighter switches, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, the Caramel Latte's bottom out force is 55 grams, providing a tangible resistance when pressing down fully, while the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is unavailable, leaving a gap in comparison for that aspect. Consequently, while the Caramel Latte can be characterized as providing a medium-light experience, the absence of data on the Violet Gold Pro's bottom out force makes it difficult to firmly establish its overall heft or tactile feedback when bottoming out. In summary, if you're looking for a lighter typing experience, the actuation forces align, but the Caramel Latte gives a more defined bottoming out feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Huano Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the shorter option, catering well to gamers who prefer quicker response times, thanks to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who favor a more pronounced tactile feedback and a satisfying depth in their keystrokes. Therefore, while both switches can deliver distinct experiences based on preference, the Caramel Latte allows for faster actuation while the Violet Gold Pro offers a more traditional feel.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 linear switch is known for its bright and clacky sound profile, creating a lively acoustic experience with each keystroke. This can be especially satisfying for users who enjoy the auditory feedback of typing, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a more expressive sound. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch features a neutral sound signature, which means that it maintains a moderate sound level during operation. This versatility makes it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in the office, without being overly intrusive. While the Caramel Latte might stand out for those seeking a more vibrant auditory experience, the Violet Gold Pro provides a balanced option that caters to a broader audience.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switches offer a super smooth typing experience, characterized by their medium weight of 50g bottoming out. This smooth action makes typing enjoyable and efficient, allowing users to glide through their work seamlessly. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switches are designed with a medium tactility, providing a stepped feel during key presses. This means users will notice two distinct stages in the keystroke, offering a more nuanced feedback than hypertactile options. The pre-travel and post-travel sensation can contribute to a more deliberate typing experience, making it easier to recognize actuation points while typing or gaming.
In summary, the Huano Caramel Latte and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Caramel Latte excites with its bright, clacky sound and exceptionally smooth action, ideal for those who love auditory feedback and fluid typing. Conversely, the Violet Gold Pro offers a neutral sound and a more complex tactile experience with its stepped design, making it a suitable option for users seeking a balanced and adaptable switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, ensuring that both provide enjoyable typing experiences in their own distinct ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a smooth and bright typing experience where each keystroke feels effortless, the Caramel Latte is a fantastic choice. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams coupled with its clacky sound profile makes it ideal for those who want a lively keyboard while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a more nuanced tactile feedback with a balanced sound, the Violet Gold Pro would likely suit you better. With its medium tactility and neutral sound signature, it offers a versatile experience that caters to both beginners and seasoned typists, making it a great option for a wide range of environments, whether at home or at work. By aligning with your specific tactile and auditory preferences, you can enhance your overall typing experience based on the switch you choose.
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