Gateron Aliaz vs. Huano Caramel Latte
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Huano Caramel Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the Huano Caramel Latte present two distinct options, each catering to different user preferences and environments. The Aliaz, a tactile switch, excels in quiet settings such as offices due to its silent design, appealing to those who desire a more pronounced typing feedback without disruptive noise. It features a medium-heavy weight that lends a substantial feel to each keystroke, ideal for users seeking a balance between comfort and responsiveness. In contrast, the Huano Caramel Latte, a linear switch, provides a super smooth typing experience, highlighted by its medium weight and bright, clacky sound profile, which is perfect for those who enjoy a more expressive auditory feedback with each press. While both switches have their unique advantages—quiet, tactile feedback of the Aliaz versus the smooth, satisfying action of the Caramel Latte—they ultimately serve different purposes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Huano Caramel Latte, notable differences emerge, particularly in their top housing compositions. The Aliaz utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its rigidity and translucency. This results in a higher-pitched, crisper sound profile, enhancing the auditory quality for users who appreciate a sharp typing experience. Polycarbonate's ability to showcase RGB lighting adds an aesthetic advantage, making it a popular choice for gamers and keyboard enthusiasts. In contrast, the Caramel Latte features a POK material top housing, which is characterized by its smoother texture and notable durability. While POK contributes to a smooth and clacky experience, it does not provide the same level of clarity as polycarbonate; therefore, users may find the sound profile less sharp compared to the Aliaz. Although both materials have their merits, the choice between them will largely depend on user preference for sound profile and tactile feedback.
The bottom housing of both switches further illustrates a divergence in material choice, with the Aliaz reinforced by polycarbonate and the Caramel Latte constructed from nylon. The polycarbonate bottom housing in the Aliaz continues the same sharp sound profile characteristic, delivering consistent auditory feedback and maintaining the overall crisper sound experience. Conversely, the nylon housing of the Caramel Latte produces a deeper, fuller sound, absorbing more vibrations and contributing to a rounder auditory experience. This contrast highlights how the bottom housing can significantly influence the keypress's "bottom-out" sound, with nylon's softer nature compromising the resonant clarity paralleled in polycarbonate.
Given the differences in materials and their respective impacts on typing experience, users can expect distinct auditory results from each switch. The Aliaz’s combination of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings yields a more homogenous sound profile, maintaining a bright and resonant experience through both keypresses and releases. Meanwhile, the Caramel Latte's POK top housing and nylon bottom housing result in a blend of smoothness and depth, producing a typing experience that is rounded but may lack some of the sharper notes offered by the Aliaz. Users opting for either switch can comfortably tailor their keyboard's sound and feel, but the choice of housing materials will ultimately provide different experiences that can significantly affect overall satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, a clear distinction arises in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Aliaz features a substantial actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it a heavier option that appeals to users who favor a more tactile and robust typing experience. In contrast, the Caramel Latte boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, ideal for those who prefer a softer key feel conducive to prolonged typing or gaming sessions. As a result, while the Aliaz may be chosen for its satisfying resistance, the Caramel Latte is more suited for users seeking a lighter, less taxing experience on the fingers. Thus, the Aliaz is the heavier switch, whereas the Caramel Latte is the lighter one, catering to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, it is evident that they differ significantly. The Gateron Aliaz boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional travel distances that many users find satisfying for a more pronounced keystroke feel. In contrast, the Huano Caramel Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who favor a quicker response time, which is often preferred by gamers. While both switches serve different user preferences, the Aliaz offers a deeper experience due to its longer travel distance, potentially providing a more tactile feedback, while the Caramel Latte caters to a more rapid engagement. Thus, if you lean towards a hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Gateron Aliaz is the better choice, whereas the Huano Caramel Latte suits those seeking immediacy with a shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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.
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 Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is designed for quiet environments, producing a muted sound profile that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it an excellent option for office settings or shared spaces where loud keystrokes could be distracting. In contrast, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch offers a bright, clacky sound profile, which enhances the auditory feedback of each keystroke. The Caramel Latte's sound is more pronounced and vibrant, making it a choice for those who enjoy the acoustic aspect of typing on a mechanical keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz switch excels with its silky and polished nature, providing an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. The medium-heavy weight contributes to a substantial feel with each keystroke, allowing for a satisfying tactile response that many typers appreciate. On the other hand, while the Caramel Latte switch is known for its smooth typing experience, specific descriptors regarding its tactile feel are not provided. However, users can generally expect a pleasant and effortless actuation, typical of linear switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz and Huano Caramel Latte switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Aliaz is ideal for those seeking a quieter experience with a soft touch, making it suitable for professional environments, while the Caramel Latte attracts those who relish a more vibrant auditory feedback combined with a smooth linear action. Although they offer different qualities, each can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing needs and environment. If you find yourself frequently in quieter settings, such as an office or shared workspace, the Aliaz is an excellent choice due to its muted sound profile and tactile feedback—this provides a satisfying typing experience without disturbing those around you. The heavier actuation force of 75 grams coupled with its silky and polished feel ensures that you receive a substantial response with each keystroke, making it suitable for those who appreciate a more deliberate typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more effortless transition between key presses and enjoy a livelier sound, the Caramel Latte is a fantastic alternative. With a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, it makes for a delightful typing experience that feels fluid and enjoyable, especially for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. The bright and clacky sound profile adds an engaging auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a quieter, more tactile experience, or a smooth, lively typing feel.
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