Gateron Beer vs. Huano Caramel Latte
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Huano Caramel Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Beer and the Huano Caramel Latte stand out as two compelling options, each tailored for distinct typing preferences. The Gateron Beer, characterized by its charming translucent green aesthetic, offers a tactile experience that is refreshingly lightweight with a unique stepped tactility. This design provides a satisfying feel without being overly pronounced, making it suitable for those who appreciate a subtle feedback sensation alongside its lively clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Huano Caramel Latte is a linear switch that prioritizes a smooth typing experience. With a medium actuation force of 50g and a similarly bright, clacky auditory feedback, it appeals to users who favor seamless keystrokes without the interruption of tactile bumps. While the Beer invites a more responsive interaction suited for typists who enjoy tactile feedback, the Caramel Latte caters to those seeking effortless speed and fluidity in their typing. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer switches and the Huano Caramel Latte switches, significant differences emerge, particularly in the top housing. The Gateron Beer features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness and translucency. The use of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate clarity and resonance, especially when utilizing RGB lighting. In contrast, the Huano Caramel Latte employs a POK (polyketone) top housing, well-regarded for its smoothness and noise properties. While it may not provide the same level of sharpness present in polycarbonate, POK offers durability and a slightly raised coefficient of friction, contributing to a clacky sound. Thus, the auditory experience will differ, with the Beer leaning towards brighter tones while the Caramel Latte emphasizes smoothness.
Examining the bottom housing materials reveals a stark contrast between the two switches. The Gateron Beer again uses polycarbonate, which, due to its stiffness, reinforces the sharp sound profile initiated by the top housing. This consistency in material across both the top and bottom ensures that the user experiences a cohesive sound signature when typing. Conversely, the Huano Caramel Latte utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon’s softer nature. This absorbs more sound and creates a rounder, more subdued auditory experience. As a result, while both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences, the Beer will likely yield a brighter sound throughout, whereas the Caramel Latte's sound profile will reflect more depth and roundness.
In terms of overall performance, the differing materials significantly affect how users will experience each switch. The polycarbonate housings of the Gateron Beer contribute to a unified, clear sound that resonates well when combined with RGB lighting, suitable for aesthetic preferences and general responsiveness. In contrast, the combination of POK and nylon in the Huano Caramel Latte results in a smooth, durable, and more muted sound profile, focusing more on comfort and a tactile experience. When a user interacts with either switch, they will feel the distinct auditory characteristics of each material blend into the typing feel; thus, while the Beer offers a sharper experience, the Caramel Latte emphasizes warmth and smoothness. Ultimately, both switches serve different user preferences, showcasing how important housing materials are in defining a switch's sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Beer switch features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option that is well-suited for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as its lighter feel minimizes finger fatigue. In contrast, the Huano Caramel Latte switch requires a slightly stronger actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which classifies it as medium-light. This means that the Caramel Latte provides a more substantial typing experience, preferred by users who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback. Overall, the Gateron Beer is the lighter switch, while the Huano Caramel Latte offers a heftier feel for those who favor a stronger push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, the Beer measures 3.4 mm, while the Caramel Latte has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a quicker response time, the Gateron Beer would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, making it more suitable for gamers who prefer immediate feedback. On the other hand, the Huano Caramel Latte, with its longer travel distance, caters to users who enjoy a more pronounced depression while typing, providing a heartier feel. Ultimately, if you're comparing these two switches, the Gateron Beer offers a more responsive experience, whereas the Huano Caramel Latte provides greater depth with its additional 0.2 mm of travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Beer tactile switch produces a distinctively clacky sound profile. This sharp and snappy audio feedback, characterized by a crisp and bright percussive quality, enhances the typing experience, providing satisfaction with each key press. On the other hand, while the Huano Caramel Latte switch also features a bright and clacky sound, its specific auditory characteristics are not elaborately detailed. However, the similar classification suggests you can expect a lively sound experience from both switches, with the exact nuances potentially influenced by factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of tactile feel, the Gateron Beer stands out with its lightweight design and stepped tactility. This means that while it offers some resistance, it’s gentle enough to minimize fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. The stepped nature of its feedback provides a subtler tactile sensation, allowing for clear differentiation between pre-travel and post-travel points. In contrast, the Caramel Latte features a medium actuation force of 50g, designed to offer a super smooth typing experience, though details on its tactile feedback are not provided. While the Beer emphasizes a milder tactile experience, the Caramel Latte likely offers a smoother action without specific tactile cues defined.
In summary, both the Gateron Beer and Huano Caramel Latte switches seem to cater to those who enjoy a clacky auditory experience, although the specifics of the Caramel Latte's sound remain somewhat ambiguous. The Beer’s gentle resistance and stepped tactility provide a more nuanced typing feel, while the Caramel Latte’s medium weight suggests a satisfying combination of smoothness and feedback. Ultimately, while the characteristics of each switch may lead to different experiences, they can still lay a solid foundation for a lively and comfortable typing experience on your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and how you intend to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a tactile sensation without excessive resistance and appreciate a light actuation for quick, effortless typing, the Beer switch is an excellent choice. Its lower bottom-out force of 50 grams and stepped tactility provide a unique touch with a distinct clacky sound, ideal for casual typing and gaming scenarios where speed and comfort are paramount. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a slightly more robust typing experience with a smooth feel, the Caramel Latte switch could be the better option. Its medium-light force of 55 grams strikes a nice balance that can enhance your overall typing rhythm, making it suitable for both intensive writing sessions and general use, while maintaining a satisfying auditory feedback. Ultimately, you should consider your preferences in terms of sound and feel, as well as the type of tasks you will be performing on your keyboard, to make the best choice for your needs.
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