Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Glory Yellow both stand out as excellent linear options, each with their own unique characteristics. The Caramel Latte, renowned for its medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, delivers a bright, clacky sound profile alongside a silky-smooth typing experience that elevates every keystroke to a pleasurable event. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow, being the heavier switch in the Glory lineup, offers a similarly smooth keystroke but is celebrated for its pleasing travel distance that enhances overall typing enjoyment. While both switches provide a satisfying linear feel, the Caramel Latte leans towards a more pronounced acoustic element, making it ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback, whereas the Glory Yellow emphasizes a heavier touch for users who favor a more substantial keystroke feel. 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
50g
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
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Glory Yellow, a clear distinction arises in the top housing choice, as the Caramel Latte features a POK material, whereas the Glory Yellow utilizes nylon. The POK material, known for its low coefficient of friction and high durability, adds a level of smoothness to the typing experience with a coefficient of friction of 0.04, slightly higher than the 0.03 of nylon. This advantage promotes a quicker, more fluid keystroke, which is desirable for rapid typists and gamers. The durability aspect significantly favors POK, boasting a wear resistance 14 times stronger than POM, making it an excellent candidate for long-term use. In contrast, while nylon is traditionally favored for its softer nature and acoustic properties, it lacks the exceptional durability and smoothness exhibited by the Caramel Latte’s POK top housing.
On the bottom housing front, both switches are aligned in their material choice: both the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Glory Yellow use nylon. This similarity in material contributes to a fuller and deeper sound during typing, as nylon inherently absorbs sound better than harder alternatives. Thus, when pressing either switch, users will experience a similar tonal quality due to the nylon composition. This shared characteristic in the bottom housing design ensures that although the top housings create different tactile sensations, the acoustic properties retained in both switches give users a comparable auditory experience when bottoming out.
When integrating these two materials, the overall performance of both switches will vary due to the contrasting top housings. The POK top on the Caramel Latte enhances smoothness and durability, which could potentially lead to a more responsive and quick typing experience, while the nylon top on the Glory Yellow provides a more cushioned feel yet less pronounced feedback. Therefore, while the Caramel Latte offers a unique typing experience shaped by the robust qualities of POK in the upper housing, the acoustics of nylon in both switches will provide a consistent sound profile, making both switches appealing to different preferences in the shooting and gaming communities.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch present different actuation forces and an unknown bottom out force, leading to varied user experiences. The Caramel Latte has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is relatively lightweight, making it ideal for users who prefer a gentle touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch's actuation force is slightly heavier at 50 grams, catering more to those who enjoy a firmer feel during use. While the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is not specified, the Caramel Latte's bottom out force is 55 grams, indicating it provides more feedback and resistance when fully pressed down. Therefore, while the Caramel Latte offers a softer typing experience overall, the Glory Yellow’s slightly heavier actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel, although the unknown bottom out force remains a notable factor in comparing their overall performance.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte is the shorter of the two switches, providing a slightly more responsive feel, which is often favored by gamers seeking quicker actuation times. In contrast, the Glory Yellow, with its longer travel distance, offers a deeper and possibly more satisfying keystroke that some users may prefer for typing and other tasks that benefit from a more substantial feedback. If you are looking for quicker response times and a snappier feel, the Caramel Latte would be the better choice, whereas the Glory Yellow might be ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced travel depth in their switches.
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 Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches, the Caramel Latte clearly stands out with its bright, clacky sound. It produces a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp auditory feedback that many users find engaging, making each keystroke feel pronounced and lively. This clacky quality can appeal to those who enjoy an energetic typing experience. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Glory Yellow are not specified, making it difficult to directly compare acoustics, but it's important to note that sound can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switch shines with its silky smoothness. This quality translates to a highly enjoyable and frictionless typing experience, as the switch minimizes resistance during both key presses and releases. Although the feel of the Glory Yellow switch is not detailed, the description of it as a smoothly operating switch suggests that it also offers a satisfying keystroke. Users who prioritize a smooth tactile sensation will find both switches appealing, even without the precise characterization of the Glory Yellow.
Overall, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Glory Yellow switches promise a pleasurable typing experience, albeit with some differences in their sound profiles. The Caramel Latte’s bright and clacky sound, paired with its silky feel, paints a vivid picture of what users can expect. Meanwhile, while the sound quality of the Glory Yellow remains unspecified, its reputation for a smooth keystroke shouldn’t be overlooked. Ultimately, both switches are likely to deliver satisfying results, making them solid choices for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To summarize, when choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a medium-light typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky sound profile that adds a playful auditory element to your keystrokes, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice. Its silky feel and bright sound can enhance the joy of typing, making it especially appealing for long writing sessions or casual gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a firmer switch that might provide more pronounced feedback and a smooth keystroke feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow could suit you better with its unknown weight, potentially offering more resistance and a satisfying travel distance without much noise. So, in the end, consider your typing habits and sound preferences carefully; this will guide you in selecting the switch that truly enhances your keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
