Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron Glory Red

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing stellar options such as the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Glory Red. The Caramel Latte, with its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, is celebrated for its bright, clacky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, providing a typing experience that many consider both satisfying and enjoyable. It’s ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red is the lighter switch in the Glory lineup, designed to deliver an equally smooth keystroke but with a more approachable travel distance, making it suitable for users who prefer a gentler tactile response. Both switches offer unique advantages that cater to different typing styles, with the Caramel Latte favoring those who like a bit more personality in their keystrokes, while the Glory Red appeals to those who seek a lighter touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Glory Red, one key difference lies in the choice of top housing material. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK, or polyketone, for its top housing, which is known for its remarkably low coefficient of friction at 0.04. This makes for a smooth typing experience, as the POK material allows for easier key presses. In contrast, Gateron Glory Red opts for nylon, a classic switch housing material that imparts a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition. As a result, although both switches can offer quality experiences, the Huano Caramel Latte may excel in terms of smoothness and responsiveness, while the Gateron Glory Red provides a different auditory experience.

Both switches, however, employ nylon for their bottom housings, which establishes a commonality between them. Nylon's properties contribute to a fuller sound profile, absorbing sound waves more effectively than harder materials. This shared aspect means that both switches will produce a similar auditory quality at the bottom-out point, as the bottom housing significantly impacts the sound and feel during keypresses. Consequently, the use of nylon for both the Caramel Latte and the Glory Red's bottom housing ensures that users will enjoy a rounder, more muted acoustic experience when bottoming out on either switch.

Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials between the Caramel Latte and the Glory Red offer distinct advantages that can cater to varying user preferences. While the smoothness and durability of the POK material in the Caramel Latte enhances the tactile experience, the softer nylon in the Glory Red provides a more satisfying auditory response. This separation of qualities means that while the switches may perform similarly in certain respects—thanks to their common bottom housing material—the overall typing experience will be shaped significantly by their unique top housing constructions. Therefore, users can select their preferred switch based on whether they value auditory aesthetics or smooth performance more highly.

Weight

The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which makes them comparable in terms of how easy it is to register a keystroke. This means that users seeking a lighter typing experience can expect similar results from both switches, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out force diverges significantly; the Caramel Latte has a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a slightly firmer feel upon deep pressing, which could cater to those who prefer more feedback when bottoming out. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red's bottom out force remains unknown, making it difficult to fully assess its performance in that regard. Nonetheless, since the Caramel Latte is heavier with a bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Glory Red's undefined specification, it may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter option with clear actuation feedback, the Caramel Latte would be the preferred choice, while the Glory Red's characteristics remain less defined.

Travel distance

Both the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience identical key actuation depth. This uniformity in travel distance ensures that those using either switch will achieve similar tactile and typing results, making both switches suitable for individuals who prefer a consistent feel in their typing experience. Since both switches share this measurement, users can expect comparable performance and responsiveness regardless of the switch chosen.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is known for its bright, clacky sound profile, which adds an auditory layer to the typing experience that many users find delightful. This distinct sound can enhance the overall enjoyment of typing as it provides feedback that some enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is characterized as having a smooth keystroke, but specific details about its sound profile aren't provided. However, it’s worth noting that the sound of any switch can be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used, making it possible for users to create a sound that suits their preferences.

When it comes to feel, the Huano Caramel Latte delivers a super smooth typing experience, primarily due to its medium weight of 50g at bottom out. This helps in achieving a comfortable balance, allowing for extended typing sessions without causing excessive strain. The Gateron Glory Red, being lighter than the Caramel Latte, also offers a smooth keystroke. The lighter actuation force can facilitate rapid typing, although it might not provide the same level of resistance that some users prefer for a solid tactile response.

In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Glory Red linear switches offer enjoyable typing experiences catering to slightly different preferences. The Caramel Latte has a distinct bright, clacky sound and a medium weight for a balanced feel, while the Glory Red is lighter with a smooth keystroke. Ultimately, while they share excellent smoothness, your choice may come down to personal taste in sound and force preference during typing. Both switches have their unique qualities that can satisfy different user needs effectively.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, your choice will depend on your typing preferences and the specific experience you seek. If you enjoy a slightly heavier actuation force with a medium-light bottom-out at 55 grams, the Caramel Latte offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience, complemented by its bright, clacky sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for both typing and gaming, particularly if you appreciate tactile feedback and a more pronounced audio response. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch that provides easy keystrokes with minimal effort, the Gateron Glory Red is the way to go. Its smooth travel distance can enhance both your typing speed and gaming performance, making each keystroke feel effortless. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you favor the richer tactile feedback and sound of the Caramel Latte or the light, swift action of the Glory Red.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more