Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown can significantly impact your typing experience. The Caramel Latte, known for its linear design, features a medium weight of 50g at bottom out and delivers a bright, clacky sound profile, making each keystroke feel smooth and enjoyable, ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a quick, uninterrupted feel. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Brown, a tactile switch, offers a carefully designed subtle bump that enhances typing accuracy without disrupting your flow. With its frosted light diffuser, this switch not only provides a satisfying auditory feedback with a medium-high pitch but also amplifies RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual appeal. Ultimately, whether you gravitate towards the slick precision of the Caramel Latte or the textured feedback of the G Pro 3.0 Brown depends on your personal preference and typing style. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, notable differences can be found in their top housing compositions. The Caramel Latte features a POK (polyketone) top housing known for its smoothness and durability. With a lower coefficient of friction at 0.04 compared to Gateron's polycarbonate top housing, the Caramel Latte is designed to provide a silky typing experience while enhancing the overall clackiness due to its strong and shock-resistant material. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes polycarbonate, which is stiffer and contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile, making it easier to hear the individual keystrokes. This material's translucency also allows for more vibrant RGB lighting to shine through, appealing to users who value aesthetics.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Caramel Latte and G Pro 3.0 Brown utilize nylon, a material well-regarded for its capability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Though the nylon remains constant across both switch types, it's important to note that its softer characteristics help absorb sound, leading to the typical rounder sound often heard in switches that feature this type of housing. This similarity means that regardless of the differences in their top housing, the bottom housing in both switches contributes to a consistent, satisfying audio experience that enhances the tactile feedback during typing.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials creates unique performance characteristics for each switch. The POK top housing of the Huano Caramel Latte may lead to a smoother typing experience, emphasizing the clackiness on the upstroke, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown's polycarbonate top enhances a sharper sound when releasing keys. However, the nylon bottom housing in both switches allows them to share a common auditory foundation, ensuring that users will find a rich and satisfying sound regardless of the specific design choices made in the top housing. Consequently, while the switches have distinct identities, the integration of nylon across both models provides them with a shared quality that maintains a level of consistency and satisfaction for users.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, significant differences emerge 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 G Pro 3.0 Brown requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, placing it in the medium range. As a result, the Caramel Latte is the lighter option, making it more suitable for users seeking a switch that allows for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without excessive strain. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Brown's heavier actuation and bottom out forces offer a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a firmer push during their typing experience. Thus, if users value a lighter touch and ease of use over longer periods, the Caramel Latte would be the ideal choice, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Brown would satisfy those looking for a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, a distinct difference emerges. The Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown, which has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. The Caramel Latte’s shorter travel distance may cater to gamers and those seeking faster response times, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown appeals to users who appreciate a more traditional feel with its additional depth. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus a more pronounced key press experience, with the Caramel Latte presenting a less abrupt option and the G Pro 3.0 Brown offering a fuller depth.
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 G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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 switch produces a bright and clacky sound profile that stands out during typing sessions, enhancing the auditory experience with its lively acoustics. This auditory feedback contributes to the pleasure of each keystroke, making it feel engaging and responsive. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch presents a medium-high pitch that offers a satisfying auditory feedback without overwhelming the user. While both sound profiles can enhance your typing experience, the Caramel Latte’s clackiness is more pronounced and attention-grabbing, whereas the G Pro Brown’s sound is subtler and less intrusive, leaning towards a softer auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Caramel Latte switches are characterized by their medium weighting of 50g at bottom-out, providing a smooth typing experience that allows for effortless key presses. This contributes to an enjoyable and fluid typing motion. In comparison, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches are designed with an easy-to-press action, making them comfortable for extended typing due to their gentle resistance. The tactile bump is mild, allowing for a smooth transition that doesn't disrupt the typing flow. Additionally, the stepped tactile feedback of the G Pro Brown ensures that you can feel the notches during keypresses, adding to the responsiveness of each stroke while remaining approachable for users new to mechanical switches.
Overall, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches provide distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences, catering to different preferences. The Caramel Latte excels with a bright and clacky sound paired with a smooth feel, while the G Pro Brown stands out with its subtle tactile feedback and mild sound profile. If you prefer a more vibrant auditory experience, the Caramel Latte is a great choice, whereas, for a gentle typing sensation that’s friendly to beginners, the G Pro Brown offers a delightful alternative. Ultimately, your preference between these two will depend on how much you value sound versus the tactile feel in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a smooth and quieter typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, the Caramel Latte is an excellent option that provides a pleasurable and straightforward linear feel, ideal for both casual typing and gaming. Its bright, clacky sound profile can make your keystrokes feel lively, which might enhance your overall typing enjoyment. Conversely, if you prefer a more tactile feedback with a gentle bump that helps you feel your keystrokes, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is a solid choice. Its medium-force actuation offers a slight resistance that can increase typing precision, especially for writing or coding. Additionally, the audible feedback and RGB lighting compatibility can create a more immersive experience. Ultimately, whether you're seeking the effortless flow of linear switches or the satisfying feedback of a tactile switch, both options cater to different typing needs, ensuring you can find a switch that aligns perfectly with your preferences.