Huano Caramel Latte vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Yellow Silver both stand out as exceptional linear options but cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Huano Caramel Latte, with its medium weight of 50g bottom out and a delightful, bright, clacky sound profile, offers a smooth typing experience that makes every keystroke genuinely enjoyable—ideal for those who appreciate a more audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is designed for speed and responsiveness, boasting a lighter actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it a favorite among gamers and typists who value quick reaction times and a quieter keyboard experience. Both switches have their distinct advantages, whether you are drawn to the satisfying acoustics of the Caramel Latte or the nimbleness of the Yellow Silver. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte switch features a top housing made from POK (polyketone), while the Outemu Yellow Silver utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. These materials create distinctly different sonic profiles due to their varying physical properties. The POK material is celebrated for its smoothness and durability, offering a sound experience that is both clacky and crisp because of its low coefficient of friction and superior shock resistance. In contrast, the polycarbonate used in the Yellow Silver's top housing results in a higher-pitched, sharper sound. This is attributed to its stiffness, which resonates more clearly than POK, leading to a different auditory experience, especially notable when RGB lighting is implemented due to the translucency of the polycarbonate.
Both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, which brings a similar sound personality to each model. Nylon is known for its softer nature, which helps to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory output. This shared characteristic means that while the top housings diverge in type and acoustics, the phonetic qualities stemming from the bottom housing remain aligned. The nylon contributes to a rounder, duller sound profile during typing action and significantly impacts the bottom-out feel when pressed. Therefore, despite the different upper materials, the alignment in the bottom housing ensures a consistent sound experience across both switches.
In essence, while the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Yellow Silver diverge in their top housing materials - with POK offering smoothness and durability versus polycarbonate’s sharpness - they converge in the acoustic depth provided by their nylon bottom housings. This juxtaposition creates a layered auditory experience, where the unique attributes of each material are felt distinctly upon pressing the switches, yet continue to resonate with some commonalities thanks to the soft and absorbing nature of nylon. Thus, while the results may differ on a fundamental level, the combination of materials in each switch ultimately leads to an engaging typing experience that fans of mechanical keyboards can appreciate.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is interesting to note that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying them as medium-light options. This similarity in force requirements means that users transitioning between these two switches can expect comparable typing experiences in terms of keystroke activation and the feeling of hitting the bottom of the switch. As both switches require the same force for actuation and bottoming out, they will cater well to those who prefer lighter switches, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming marathons. Ultimately, since both the Caramel Latte and the Yellow Silver switches share identical actuation and bottom out forces, users will find they yield similar tactile and performance results, promoting comfort without sacrificing responsiveness.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Huano Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver measures 4 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers or those who prefer quicker response times in their typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Yellow Silver, with its longer travel distance, caters to users who appreciate a more substantial depth and potentially a more satisfying keypress feel. Therefore, if responsiveness is your priority, the Huano Caramel Latte would be the better choice; if you value a deeper keystroke, the Outemu Yellow Silver is likely more fitting. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference for travel distance and typing dynamics.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch produces a bright and clacky sound profile that many find enjoyable, especially for a more tactile typing experience. This distinctive acoustic signature contributes to its overall engagement during use, making every keystroke felt as well as heard. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch features a neutral sound profile, which allows it to blend seamlessly into both gaming and typing environments without drawing too much attention. Its moderate actuation sound means it won't disrupt those around you, making it ideal for shared spaces or concentrating on tasks. While the Caramel Latte provides a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Yellow Silver caters to a variety of users who appreciate a subtler sound.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte offers a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, thanks to its medium weight of 50g at bottom-out. This weight strikes a balance that many typists and gamers appreciate, providing a snappy feedback without requiring too much force. In comparison, the Yellow Silver is designed with a lighter actuation force, enhancing responsiveness and speed, which is particularly favorable in competitive gaming scenarios. This difference in actuation force can lead to a varied typing experience: the Caramel Latte feels slightly more substantial, while the Yellow Silver allows for quicker keystrokes that may benefit fast-paced users.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches present unique qualities tailored to different typing preferences. The Caramel Latte offers a bright, clacky sound with a well-balanced, smooth feel that many find pleasurable, while the Yellow Silver provides a neutral acoustic experience paired with a lightweight actuation for speedier responsiveness. While they cater to different tastes, users can expect enjoyable experiences from both, making them great options whether you prefer pronounced auditory feedback or a more subdued typing environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Huano Caramel Latte and Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches largely depends on your specific typing preferences and intended use cases. If you prioritize a smooth, enjoyable typing experience with a brighter, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte switches are an excellent option. Their medium-light bottom-out force and delightful feedback make them particularly suited for those who enjoy longer typing sessions or seek a more tactile connection with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you're an avid gamer or a typist who values speed and responsiveness, the Outemu Yellow Silver switches might be the better fit. Their neutral sound profile and light actuation force cater to a more rapid input, which can be especially beneficial in high-stakes gaming situations where every millisecond counts. Ultimately, by considering your personal preferences—whether it’s the auditory delight of the Caramel Lattes or the quick responsiveness of the Yellow Silvers—you can make a more informed decision that best suits your mechanical keyboard needs.
Mentioned in this article
