Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red 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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red both present enticing options for enthusiasts seeking a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. The Huano Caramel Latte switches are renowned for their medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, clacky sound profile that contributes to a tactile and engaging feel with each keystroke. Their design caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches offer a slightly lighter actuation force, which makes them incredibly responsive and user-friendly, perfect for both gamers and typists alike. With features like a frosted light diffuser for vibrant RGB lighting and a polished auditory experience, the G Pro Red positions itself as a budget-friendly yet high-performance choice. While both switches excel in delivering smooth typing experiences, they cater to different preferences and styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
The housing materials used in the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches reveal intriguing differences, particularly in their impact on sound and tactile feedback. The Caramel Latte features a top housing made from polyketone (POK), which offers a smooth and slightly higher friction coefficient (0.04) compared to the G Pro 3.0's polycarbonate top housing. While POK provides excellent durability, being wear-resistant and shock-resistant, polycarbonate contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This notable distinction suggests that switches utilizing the Caramel Latte's POK top housing may yield a more muted yet resilient auditory experience compared to the clear and resonant characteristics derived from the G Pro 3.0's polycarbonate.
Both the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which minimizes the differences between the two switches in this regard. Nylon is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound and generate a deeper, fuller auditory experience due to its softer plastic nature. This commonality contributes to the overall performance of both switches, as they share a similar acoustic profile on bottoming out. Thus, despite the varying top housings, the identical bottom material creates a cohesive feel and sound, allowing users to experience the enriched tonal qualities typical of nylon.
In analyzing how these materials interact, it becomes apparent that the unique characteristics of each switch's housing material play a critical role in shaping the overall tactile feedback and sound profile. The POK top housing of the Caramel Latte may deliver a smoother experience upon release, enhancing the switch's clacky nature. Conversely, the polycarbonate's rigidity provides a brighter sound signature. However, both switches' nylon bottom housing harmonizes the tactile feel and sound on bottoming out, resulting in a shared foundation that creates a balanced typing experience. As such, while each switch delivers distinct aspects of performance due to its unique top housing material, the nylon bottom ensures that users can still enjoy a satisfying feel and deep sound signature across both options.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, we find that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they will offer similar responsiveness during typing or gaming. However, they differ in their bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it heavier than the G Pro 3.0 Red, which has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference indicates that the Caramel Latte provides a slightly more substantial feel when fully pressed down, catering to users who prefer a heavier switch for a more tactile typing experience. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Red, with its lighter bottom out force, may appeal more to those looking for a softer touch, making it a better option for longer typing sessions without as much finger fatigue. So, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Gateron switch is overall lighter, while the Huano switch is heavier.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, it's clear that the two differ significantly. The Huano Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option between the two. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns more closely with the traditional distance favored by many users. This difference allows for varied experiences: those who prefer the more responsive feel of shorter distances may gravitate towards the Caramel Latte, while those who appreciate a more substantial depth may find the G Pro 3.0 Red more to their liking. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, the Caramel Latte's shorter travel distance can provide faster response times suitable for gaming, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a deeper feel for more traditional typing experiences.
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 Red 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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Caramel Latte switch is characterized by a bright, clacky sound profile that provides an engaging audio feedback with each keystroke, making it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic experience. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch features a more neutral sound profile, characterized by a moderate auditory experience. This means it is versatile enough to suit various environments, whether at home or in an office setting, making it a practical choice for both beginners and advanced typists. Collectively, both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Caramel Latte delivering a more vibrant sound and the G Pro Red opting for a subtler approach.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switch provides a smooth typing experience, which is ideal for users who seek seamless keystrokes. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Red is lauded for its creamy, silky typing sensation, which also emphasizes reduced friction and a buttery smooth experience. With descriptors such as mild and polished, the G Pro Red switch appeals to those who prefer an approachable typing feel that combines smoothness with an overall gentle experience. Together, these switches cater to different preferences; while the Caramel Latte is celebrated for its smooth, uncomplicated pressing, the G Pro Red offers a beautifully refined experience that many users will find pleasurable.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typists’ preferences. The Caramel Latte excels with its bright sound and smooth feel, enhancing the enjoyment of typing. Meanwhile, the G Pro Red combines a gentle auditory experience with its creamy and polished feel, making it accessible and satisfying. Overall, your choice between these two will depend on whether you prioritize a more vivid sound or a finely tuned tactile experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you’re deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switches, consider your personal preferences and typing needs. The Caramel Latte, with its medium-light 55g bottom out force, delivers a bright, clacky sound profile and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy an engaging auditory feedback while typing or gaming. You might prefer this switch if you appreciate a tactile connection with your keyboard, especially if you’re someone who types extensively and values a more pronounced keystroke sensation. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a lighter touch and a more budget-friendly option, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red with its 50g bottom out force may suit you better. Its neutral sound profile and exceptionally creamy feel create an easy and satisfying typing experience, perfect for both beginners and advanced users alike. The frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, which could be a deciding factor if aesthetics are important to you. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you seek a vibrant auditory experience and a medium feel or a smoother, lighter, and more visually appealing typing interface. Each of these switches offers unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so weigh these considerations before making your decision.
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