Huano Caramel Latte vs. PH Studio Yoel

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options on the market are the Huano Caramel Latte and the PH Studio Yoel, both of which belong to the linear switch category. The Huano Caramel Latte features a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, providing a smooth and pleasant typing experience, complemented by its bright and clacky sound profile that enhances the overall tactile feedback of each keystroke. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel offers a unique, chewy feeling with each press, creating a delightful sensation as your fingers dance across the keys. Much like the Caramel Latte, the Yoel is known for its bright and clacky sound, but it adds an additional layer of resonance that makes every bottom-out feel more pronounced and satisfying. Both switches present compelling reasons to choose them, with the Caramel Latte focusing on a smooth typing experience and the Yoel prioritizing a more enveloping tactile feedback with its creamy texture. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

PH Studio Yoel Linear

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

$4.50

$4.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the PH Studio Yoel, several distinct contrasts emerge, particularly in their top housing compositions. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which is known for a low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability, excelling in wear resistance and shock absorption. This makes for a smooth typing experience and a pronounced, clacky sound that can enhance the tactile feedback of key presses. Conversely, the Yoel features polycarbonate, which is recognized for its stiffer nature that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. While both materials provide unique auditory experiences, the POK material may lend a softer and more rounded sound compared to the crisp clarity characteristic of polycarbonate. For users who favor a vivid RGB lighting effect, the translucency of polycarbonate becomes an advantage, setting it apart from the opaque nature of POK.

Moreover, the differences continue with the bottom housing materials of each switch. The Caramel Latte incorporates nylon, a classic choice known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This softer plastic resonates differently than stiffer materials, making it ideal for users who prefer a more muted auditory experience. On the other hand, the Yoel employs POM for its bottom housing, which typically results in a unique sound that is pleasing yet slightly more pronounced than nylon, albeit on the deeper side. Thus, while both switches aim for a satisfying sound profile, their methodologies differ—nylon provides a duller, rounder sound, while POM yields a more pronounced depth, making for a nuanced experience depending on the user's preference.

In essence, although the top and bottom housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and PH Studio Yoel differ, the interplay between these materials shapes the overall characteristics of each switch. When pressed, the nylon of the Caramel Latte absorbs sound, yielding a rounded feeling, while its POK top housing maintains a smooth feel. Meanwhile, the Yoel employs the clarity of polycarbonate in the top housing to augment the audible feedback, complemented by the unique qualities of POM at the bottom. For users seeking specific sound and feel, understanding these contrasts is crucial; however, similar functional outcomes can still be achieved by exploring the unique attributes of each material and how they work together to create distinct auditory experiences in their respective switches.

Weight

The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a higher actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. This difference in actuation force makes the Caramel Latte a lighter option, which is beneficial for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience during lengthy work sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Yoel switch's heavier force provides a more substantial feel, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer key press. Both switches exhibit a gap of 8 grams between their respective actuation and bottom out forces, highlighting that users will experience a slightly more pronounced tactile feedback when fully depressing the Yoel switch compared to the Caramel Latte. Therefore, if you're inclined towards lighter switches for comfort and extended use, the Huano Caramel Latte would be the better choice, whereas the PH Studio Yoel would suit those who favor a firmer typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Huano Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which offers a more substantial key press compared to the PH Studio Yoel, which has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. For users who prefer a more responsive feel, the Yoel’s shorter travel distance may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker actuation, making it ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, those who appreciate a more pronounced key press may favor the Caramel Latte, which provides a deeper travel experience. Thus, the Caramel Latte switch, with its greater travel distance, caters to those who enjoy the tactile feedback and depth, while the Yoel is suited for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the PH Studio Yoel linear switches feature a bright and clacky profile, making them highly appealing to those who enjoy a lively auditory experience while typing. The Caramel Latte’s sound is characterized by its sharp, crisp quality that contributes to a distinctly percussive feedback. Similarly, the Yoel's sound is marked by a bright and clacky resonance that becomes particularly pronounced at the bottom-out point, enriching the overall aural sensation. Both switches are likely to produce a satisfying soundscape, although specific results may vary depending on the keyboard's build and the keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte provides a smooth typing experience, which draws a favorable comparison to the tactile qualities of the Yoel switch. The Yoel is described as creamy, polished, and silky, emphasizing a buttery and effortless keystroke with minimal friction. While the Caramel Latte is known for its smoothness, the Yoel takes this a notch higher with a more luxurious typing sensation. Driven by factors like factory lubing and materials, both switches ensure an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience, though the Yoel offers a more refined touch.

In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the PH Studio Yoel linear switches deliver delightful auditory and tactile experiences, with their shared bright, clacky sound profile appealing to those who prefer a vibrant keyboard environment. While the Caramel Latte offers smooth keystrokes, the Yoel elevates that smoothness to a creamy and silky level, making it ideal for users seeking a more luxurious feel. Overall, opting for either switch would likely result in an enjoyable typing experience; your choice may simply come down to whether you prefer a more straightforward smoothness or an enhanced creamy sensation.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you're seeking. If you enjoy a lighter touch and a super smooth typing experience, the Caramel Latte, with its 55g bottom-out force, would be an excellent choice. This switch excels in providing a relaxed feel without compromising on responsiveness, making it ideal for those who spend long hours typing or gaming without fatigue. Additionally, its bright, clacky sound profile adds a delightful auditory layer to your typing, enhancing the overall enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a bit more weight, consider the Yoel switch, which has a 60g bottom-out force. The Yoel’s chewy and creamy typing sensation envelops your fingers, offering a luxurious and right balance of pressure and feedback. Combined with its resonant, bright sound, it provides a more pronounced auditory experience that might appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate the acoustic presence of their switches. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a lighter, smoother experience or a more robust and immersive feel.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

PH Studio Yoel Linear

$4.50

$4.10 per 10

Learn more