Huano Caramel Latte vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Yunhai 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 TTC Yunhai present two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear switch experience. The Caramel Latte is characterized by its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, delivering a bright, clacky sound profile that provides a satisfying auditory feedback with every keystroke, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a smooth and pleasurable typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches stand out with their remarkably light actuation force, producing a deep, rounded sound profile that offers an effortless typing experience. This makes the Yunhai ideal for typists in search of a gentle touch and a quieter, more subdued sound while typing. Both switches have their own distinct benefits catering to different preferences; 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
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the TTC Yunhai switches exhibit distinct properties that influence their performance and acoustic characteristics. The Caramel Latte features a top housing made from POK (polyketone), which stands out for its remarkable durability and smoothness. With a coefficient of friction of only 0.04, POK provides a smooth keystroke experience, surpassing the smoother characteristics of nylon in the Yunhai's top housing, which is known to create a rounder, deeper sound but lacks the same level of durability. In contrast, the Yunhai employs nylon for its top housing, promoting sound absorption due to its relatively softer material. This results in a different auditory experience but sacrifices some of the durability factors evident in the Caramel Latte’s POK material.
Both the Caramel Latte and the Yunhai utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which introduces an interesting dynamic in their overall performance. The nylon in both designs contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic nature that absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. As a classic switch housing material, nylon is well-regarded for its ability to produce a duller and rounder acoustic output, which is consistent across both switch models. This similarity in bottom housing materials results in a unified bottoming-out sound and tactile feel when the key is pressed for both the Caramel Latte and Yunhai, suggesting that users will experience comparable acoustic qualities that stem from the same nylon material.
In conclusion, while the top housings of the Caramel Latte and Yunhai switches showcase different approaches—POK providing smoothness and durability versus nylon focusing on sound absorption—the bottom housings of both switches unite them in their acoustic performance. The shared use of nylon for the bottom housing results in similar sound profiles when bottoming out. Therefore, although their top housings may lead to distinct tactile experiences, the commonality in their bottom housings ensures that users can expect a consistent auditory sensation, with the subtleties of each switch's design creating variances primarily in the feel and sound of releasing a key rather than pressing it.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Yunhai switch requires a lighter touch with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, placing it firmly in the light category. This makes the Yunhai switch ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, facilitating longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the Caramel Latte, while slightly heavier, offers a more substantial feel for users who appreciate a stronger push. Thus, if you're looking for a more tactile response, the Caramel Latte might be your choice, whereas the Yunhai is suited for those seeking effortless keystrokes.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them identical in terms of how far the switch travels when pressed. This means that users can expect a similar feel and response when using either switch, leading to a consistent typing experience regardless of the choice between the two. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, there is no shorter or longer switch, as both are equal at 3.6 mm.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 linear switch delivers a bright, clacky profile, which creates an engaging auditory experience with every keystroke. This lively sound can enhance the typing experience, making it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a pronounced acoustic feedback with their inputs. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch produces a deep, rounded sound profile, offering a more subdued acoustic footprint. This characteristic can provide a more calming typing environment, ideal for users who prefer a quieter operation without sacrificing the satisfaction of sound completely. It’s worth noting that the overall sound can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Caramel Latte offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a medium actuation weight of 50g at the bottom out. This balance allows users to enjoy a certain degree of resistance, which can enhance typing precision and control. In contrast, the Yunhai switches stand out with their incredibly light actuation force, making them effortless to press. This lightness allows for a quick and responsive feel, catering to typists who prefer a more tactile and nimble experience that requires minimal effort during use. Both switches offer notably distinct feels, making them appealing to different typing styles.
In conclusion, the Huano Caramel Latte and TTC Yunhai linear switches present unique auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different preferences. The Caramel Latte's bright sound and medium feel contrast with the Yunhai's deep sound and light touch, making each suitable for varied typing styles and environments. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying experiences, but the choice will depend on whether one favors an engaging acoustic feedback with a bit of resistance or a quieter sound with effortless keystrokes.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switches and the TTC Yunhai linear switches depends primarily on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a medium-light actuation force and a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the tactile feedback during your typing, then the Caramel Latte switch would be an excellent choice. It offers a smooth keystroke and is ideal for those who appreciate a more engaging typing experience while performing tasks like coding or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a soft, rounded sound profile that promotes a gentler typing experience, the Yunhai switches are the way to go. They are particularly suited for users who spend long hours typing and want to minimize finger fatigue while enjoying a mellow auditory feedback. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you favor a more dynamic and prominent sound and feel with the Caramel Latte or the effortless, soothing experience provided by the Yunhai. By considering these factors, you can make a choice that best fits your typing style and preferences.
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