Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, options like the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish stand out due to their distinctive characteristics. The Caramel Latte, a linear switch, boasts a medium weight of 50g bottom out and is celebrated for its bright, clacky sound profile, offering a smooth and enjoyable typing experience that many typists and gamers appreciate. On the other hand, the Gateron EverFree Grayish, a tactile switch, is designed for versatility with its neutral sound signature and a medium weight as well. This makes it an excellent entry-point for those who want a tactile response without overwhelming noise, all at a budget-friendly price. While the Caramel Latte excels in delivering seamless and effortless keystrokes, the EverFree offers a satisfying feedback that enhances typing precision. 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
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, with the former utilizing polyketone (POK) and the latter employing polycarbonate. The POK material used in the Caramel Latte is praised for its low friction coefficient of 0.04, contributing to a smooth typing experience that gives the switch a clacky feel. It boasts exceptional durability, being 14 times stronger than POM and having superior shock resistance compared to both Nylon and POM. In contrast, the polycarbonate in the EverFree provides a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, which enhances the clarity of sound, especially beneficial when utilizing RGB lighting because of its translucent properties. This fundamental difference in sound characteristics highlights how material selection can greatly influence the acoustic experience of each switch.
On the other hand, both the Caramel Latte and the Gateron EverFree utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which allows for some similarity in performance despite the differing top materials. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. As both switches feature nylon bottoms, they share the capacity to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, leading to a more muted and rounded audio experience when the key is bottomed out. This congruence in bottom housing material means that while the overall sound signature can differentiate based on the top housing, the core acoustic traits will resonate similarly due to the nylon base.
Furthermore, the unique interplay between the top and bottom housings of these switches is crucial in defining the overall typing experience. The distinct characteristics of the POK and polycarbonate top materials allow the Caramel Latte to produce a smoother, clackier sound when releasing the key, while the EverFree emphasizes clarity and pitch. However, the nylon bottom of both switches ensures that the tactile feedback and sound output at the bottom-out stage maintain a level of consistency, bridging the acoustic difference created by the tops. Thus, users can expect similar feedback during actuation, while the sound profile will ultimately reflect the chosen top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch, the actuation force is notably different, with the Caramel Latte requiring 45 grams to register a keystroke, making it lighter and more suitable for extended typing and gaming sessions. In contrast, the EverFree switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 59 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Both switches feature distinct bottom out forces, with the Caramel Latte having a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the bottom out force for the EverFree remains unknown. This means the Caramel Latte provides a consistent pressure experience through both actuation and bottoming out, while the EverFree’s bottom out characteristics remain ambiguous. Overall, users looking for a lighter feel should gravitate towards the Caramel Latte switch, whereas those who appreciate a firmer keypress should consider the Gateron EverFree.
Travel distance
The travel distance between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch reveals some interesting distinctions. The Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the EverFree (EF) Grayish measures at 3.4 mm, indicating a shorter travel distance. This difference may affect user experience significantly; for gamers seeking rapid response times, the shorter 3.4 mm distance of the EverFree could be more appealing. However, those who favor a deeper, more tactile experience might prefer the Caramel Latte's 3.6 mm travel distance. Both switches offer different levels of responsiveness and depth, catering to varying preferences among users.
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 Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish has an MSRP of $2.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EverFree (EF) Grayish for $2.69.
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 Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is characterized by a bright, clacky sound profile, which makes it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback during typing. This lively sound can be quite satisfying and adds a playful dimension to the typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch offers a neutral sound signature that leans towards a moderate sound profile. While the EverFree is suitable for various environments, making it accessible for both beginners and advanced users, its sound does not carry the same distinctiveness that the Caramel Latte provides. The overall acoustical experience will also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switch offers a super smooth typing experience that enhances comfort and satisfaction with each keystroke. While the specific details of its tactile feedback are not highlighted, the linear nature suggests it may lack the pronounced bumps typical of tactile switches, thus providing a more fluid motion. Conversely, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch has been described as having a stepped tactile feel, which offers a subtle two-stage response. This can make it feel more nuanced and responsive, especially during more deliberate typing tasks. The snappy characteristic of the EverFree further adds to the dynamic typing experience, resulting in a switch that engages the typist effectively, promoting a lively input.
Overall, while both switches are crafted with medium weight in mind, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is perfect for those who enjoy a bright, responsive, and smooth typing experience, whereas the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch provides a more muted sound along with a distinctive, engaging tactile feedback. Depending on individual preferences, one may choose based on the explicit tactile response and sound dynamics, as each switch provides a unique typing experience well-suited for various typing environments and styles.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you’re someone who enjoys a smooth and effortless typing experience, with a bit of a clacky sound that adds character to your keystrokes, then the Caramel Latte, with its medium-light 55g actuation force, would likely be your go-to. This switch is particularly ideal for gaming or for those long typing sessions since its design minimizes finger fatigue while still delivering an enjoyable tactile response. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a balanced mix of tactile feedback without being too pronounced, the EverFree (EF) Grayish could be the perfect fit. With its neutral sound and stepped tactile feel, it caters well to both novice and experienced typists, making it suitable for various environments, whether you're at home or in a professional setting. This switch is particularly advantageous if you want a responsive typing experience that doesn’t overwhelm you with noise or feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits and the kind of sound and feel you find most enjoyable.
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