Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron Ink Box Black

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often spark discussion among enthusiasts are the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Ink Box Black, both of which are linear switches. The Huano Caramel Latte is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g bottom-out force and a bright, clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience that offers a perfect balance of feedback and smoothness. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a lively auditory response while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black is renowned for its creamy, ultra-smooth feel and unique sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. Catered to users who prioritize a silky and polished experience, these switches excel in quieter environments where subtlety is key. While both switches cater to different preferences, they share the common attraction of smooth keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials utilized in the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches reveal distinct differences that contribute to their distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Caramel Latte switch is equipped with a top housing made from POK material, known for its low friction coefficient of 0.04, which contributes to a smooth typing experience. This material not only provides exceptional durability—boasting wear resistance significantly greater than that of POM—but also outperforms Nylon in shock resistance. In contrast, the Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, designed to deliver a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. While both options aim for a smooth feel, the POK material may lend a slightly clackier resonance due to its physical properties, resulting in a unique typing experience for each switch.

On the other hand, the bottom housings further diversify the characteristics of these two switches. The Caramel Latte utilizes nylon, a material celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with its clacky top housing. This intrinsic softness allows for a rounded and muted auditory experience, balancing the sharper notes produced by the POK top. In comparison, the Ink Box Black incorporates an INK blend for its bottom housing as well, which serves to reinforce the pointed, high-pitched sound profile found in its top housing. This means that while both switches may sound similar at first glance, the material combinations result in distinctly different auditory experiences—one softer and fuller, the other sharper and clackier.

Considering the interaction between the materials used in each switch allows us to understand how the qualities of both top and bottom housings influence the overall performance. The Caramel Latte's POK top provides a smooth and durable touch, while its nylon bottom absorbs sound for a richer, rounded feedback. Meanwhile, the Ink Box Black achieves a consistent clackiness across both housings with its proprietary INK blend, emphasizing a high-pitched sound. In essence, while the overall experience can yield similar results in terms of satisfying sound, the specific auditory profiles and tactile feedback differ remarkably due to the contrasting materials. This leaves enthusiasts with choices tailored to their preferred sound and feel when selecting between these two remarkable switches.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, there are clear differences in their 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 Ink Box Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This means that the Caramel Latte is the lighter option, offering a more gentle typing experience that could be ideal for extended typing sessions or for users seeking comfort during long gaming marathons. On the other hand, those who prefer a more pronounced and substantial feel during typing might lean towards the stronger pressures of the Ink Box Black switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force sensitivity.

Travel distance

Both the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users can expect a similar typing feel and keypress experience when using either switch, as the distance from the top to the bottom of each switch is the same. With both switches having this equal travel distance, typists will likely achieve comparable results in terms of actuation and overall performance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Caramel Latte switch presents a bright and clacky profile that generates a lively auditory feedback with each keystroke, creating a crisp and cheerful typing atmosphere. This clacky characteristic delivers a sharp and snappy tone, making it quite engaging for those who appreciate a lively sound while typing. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Box Black emits a smoother sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, offering a quieter typing experience that focuses more on a muted, refined resonance. While both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, the Caramel Latte leans towards a more pronounced sound signature, appealing to users who enjoy a more energetic typing experience, whereas the Ink Box Black caters to those who prefer a subtler sound that minimizes distractions.

When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte is renowned for providing a super smooth typing experience, characterized by a moderate 50g actuation force that is easy to manage during prolonged typing sessions. The tactile response is notably pleasant, ensuring that each keystroke feels satisfying without excessive resistance. In contrast, the Ink Box Black is celebrated for its silky and polished feel, which enhances the smoothness of the typing experience with minimal friction during key presses. This creates an almost effortless transition as fingers glide over the keys, resulting in a very refined and comfortable experience. While both switches prioritize smoothness, the Caramel Latte offers a slightly more traditional linear feel, whereas the Ink Box Black elevates that smoothness to an even greater degree, making it feel velvety and luxurious.

Overall, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Ink Box Black switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, each with their unique characteristics. The Caramel Latte stands out for its clacky and engaging sound profile combined with a smooth yet slightly more common linear switch feel, making it a favorite among those who appreciate auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the Ink Box Black excels with its creamy sound and exceptionally smooth, polished feel, catering to users who prefer a more muted yet luxurious typing experience. Depending on your preferences, either switch can lead to satisfying results, whether you favor a lively and percussive feel or a smooth and refined touch.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between Huano Caramel Latte linear switches and Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches boils down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter keystroke with a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice. Its bright, clacky sound profile brings a delightful auditory experience, making it suitable for casual typists and gamers who enjoy feedback without excessive force. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more robust typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Black, with its medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams, provides a firmer feel and a silky, creamy smoothness that many prefer for prolonged typing sessions. The richer sound profile, reminiscent of a spray paint can, offers a pleasing auditory backdrop for those who appreciate a more subdued, polished keystroke. Ultimately, your decision should take into account your typing style, the amount of force you’re comfortable with, and the sound profile that enhances your enjoyment while typing.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more