Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference in sound, feel, and feedback. Two popular options are the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Ink Box Pink, both of which are linear switches but present distinctly different typing experiences. The Huano Caramel Latte is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, delivering a bright, clacky sound profile and a super smooth typing experience that transforms every keystroke into a joyful act. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink offers a lighter typing feel, characterized by its beautiful translucence and a higher-pitched clack that appeals to those seeking a refined auditory feedback. While the Caramel Latte may attract typists looking for a satisfying weight and sound, the Ink Box Pink is ideal for those who prefer a lighter, almost silky touch while typing. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches feature distinct top housing materials that ultimately contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK material, known for its superior smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it enables a more fluid typing experience while ensuring longevity, as it boasts wear resistance 14 times stronger than POM. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink is crafted from a proprietary INK blend, which leans towards a thinner and sharper sound profile. While both materials aim to create a clacky auditory experience, the Caramel Latte’s POK is designed for smoother operation, setting it apart from the Ink Box Pink's more nuanced, higher-pitched sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Caramel Latte employs nylon, a classic choice that produces a deeper sound profile due to its softer and sound-absorbing nature. This contrasts with the bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink, which also utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend. This choice aligns more closely with the top housing's characteristics, creating a consistently higher-pitched sound. As a result, the Caramel Latte is likely to deliver a fuller, more resonant sound when bottomed out, while the Ink Box Pink may maintain a pointed and high-pitched tone throughout, demonstrating differences in audio feedback during usage despite both cases being influenced by their respective materials.
Ultimately, the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience is nuanced and demonstrates how the synergy of components shapes the performance of a switch. While the Huano Caramel Latte emphasizes durability and a deeper sound through its POK top and nylon bottom, the Gateron Ink Box Pink opts for a consistent sound profile across both housing components with its proprietary INK blend. In both cases, the unique attributes of the bottom and top housings influence sound and feel, indicating that users will experience differentiating auditory feedback based on their choice of switch. If the similarities in sound and performance resonate with users, they can confidently select either gate with nuanced sound profiles that cater to their preferences.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offer different typing experiences, particularly in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Caramel Latte switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as medium. This means that the Huano switch is lighter, which could contribute to reduced fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions, appealing to users looking for a more effortless experience. Conversely, the Gateron switch provides a heavier push feel, which some typists may prefer for a more substantial and tactile feedback. Therefore, for those who prioritize a lighter touch, the Caramel Latte would be the better choice, while users seeking more resistance may gravitate towards the Ink Box Pink.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity means that when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, users will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, both switches can provide a comparable feel and response during typing or gaming, making them excellent choices for those who prefer a consistent travel distance.
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 Ink Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
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 is both sharp and percussive, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. This switch delivers a distinct auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying, especially in a bustling office or gaming scenario. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch also leans towards a clacky sound but with a higher-pitched timbre. The combination of its sharp, crisp sound and the high-frequency clack ensures that it stands out, particularly appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced auditory experience. Both switches share a clacky nature, but the Caramel Latte may offer a more robust sound while the Ink Box Pink's sound sits lighter and higher.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch is known for its smooth typing experience, characterized by a balanced medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, providing a satisfying resistance that many users appreciate. This contributes to an overall enjoyable typing experience, though specific tactile qualities aren't emphasized. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink switch excels in delivering a silky and polished feel, minimizing resistance and friction during keypresses, which enhances the smoothness while typing. The refined nature of these polished switches makes them particularly enticing for those who prioritize effortless key travel. While the Caramel Latte offers a solid, moderate weight, it does not have the same silky and polished characteristics as the Ink Box Pink.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switches provide engaging auditory and tactile experiences, but they cater to slightly different preferences. The Caramel Latte offers a bright, clacky sound with a medium-resistance feel, while the Ink Box Pink delivers a higher-pitched clack with a lighter, more polished touch. For newcomers, understanding these nuances will help in selecting a switch that best aligns with their typing style and sound preference, ensuring a rewarding mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a slightly lighter actuation with a more vibrant, clacky sound that enhances your typing experience, the Caramel Latte would be an excellent choice for you. Its 55g bottom-out force may provide that perfect balance for general typing and gaming, especially if you enjoy a keyboard that delivers satisfying audio feedback. On the other hand, if you seek a smooth and polished typing experience coupled with a high-pitched sound profile, the 60g Ink Box Pink switches might be more to your liking. Their silky feel and even more pronounced clarity in sound make them ideal for those who appreciate a modern touch to their keyboard without sacrificing performance. Ultimately, your choice should align with the tactile sensations and auditory feedback you find most enjoyable, ensuring your keyboard not only meets but enhances your daily computing experience.
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