Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, preferences can vary widely based on typing style and user experience, making the comparison between the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Ink Red particularly insightful. The Huano Caramel Latte, with its medium weight of 50g bottom-out force, provides a distinctively bright and clacky sound profile that users find both appealing and enjoyable, offering a super smooth typing experience that enhances each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red is characterized by its lighter actuation force, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a softer touch. With its satisfyingly smooth feel and crispy, chirpy sound profile, the Ink Red appeals to typists seeking effortless keystrokes and an overall polished experience. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on your typing style—whether you enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback or a seamless, lighter touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Ink Red switches exhibit notable contrasts, particularly in their top housing composition. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing, celebrated for its smoothness and durability due to its low coefficient of friction of 0.04, which contributes to how effortlessly keys can be pressed. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which, while it might not match the smoothness of POK, is characterized by a notable clackiness, producing a pointed sound profile that enhances the auditory experience associated with each keypress. While both materials are designed to optimize the switching experience, the Caramel Latte's focus on reducing friction may lead to a different tactile sensation than the sharper, more pronounced sound output of the Ink Red.
When considering the bottom housing, both switches diverge further. The Caramel Latte is constructed with nylon, a material known for its sound-absorbing qualities, creating a deeper and fuller auditory profile. This contrasts with the Gateron Ink Red's bottom housing, which remains within the INK blend family, maintaining the pointed and high-pitched characteristics present in the top housing. Consequently, while the nylon of the Caramel Latte enriches the overall sound quality by softening the bottom-out sound, the Ink Red bottom housing accentuates the clackiness typically produced during a keypress. As a result, these differences can lead to a distinct auditory character between the two switches, providing users with varied experiences based on their material composition.
In summary, despite the variance in the specific characteristics of the top and bottom housing materials, there is a common thread of producing distinct sound profiles that can appeal to different user preferences. If a user seeks a smoother feel and a deeper auditory experience where typing is concerned, the Caramel Latte's POK and nylon combination may yield satisfactory results. Conversely, those who appreciate the clacky and high-pitched sound of the Gateron Ink Red will find satisfaction in its uniform INK blend construction. Ultimately, understanding how the properties of each material function in tandem can help users appreciate the nuanced differences while still enjoying a comparable level of performance in their mechanical keyboard experience.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they will provide a similar typing experience in terms of how much force is required to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the two switches differ: the Caramel Latte reaches a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Ink Red requires a heavier 60 grams to bottom out. This makes the Caramel Latte lighter overall, appealing to those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience for extended use, such as in professional settings or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ink Red's heavier bottom out force may provide a more substantial feel for those who favor a stronger push, making it potentially more satisfying for users who enjoy that tactile resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding typing feel and keypress force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ink Red offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Ink Red switch provides a deeper keypress experience, which might be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Conversely, the Caramel Latte, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, although some may find it feels too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference: the Caramel Latte is suited for those who value swiftness, while the Ink Red caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their key presses.
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 Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 linear switch has a bright, clacky sound profile, making it quite distinctive and lively. The auditory feedback it provides can enhance the typing experience, especially for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic signature. In comparison, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a more neutral sound that is still characterized by a mix of chirpiness and clackiness. This combination creates a satisfying yet moderate sound that can appeal to a broader range of users. Both switches, however, will produce sound that is influenced by the keyboard's build and the chosen keycaps, so the overall acoustic experience may vary.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switch is notable for its medium weight of 50g bottom-out force, providing a balanced typing experience that doesn't require excessive effort, promoting a pleasant and comfortable feel while typing. On the other hand, Gateron Ink Reds are characterized by their silky smoothness, polished finish, and mild tactile response, offering an effortless typing experience that is very approachable. The combination of these qualities makes the Ink Red ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. Both switches are designed to provide a smooth experience, but the Caramel Latte’s slightly heavier actuation may cater to users who appreciate a firmer feel.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Ink Red linear switches offer distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences, with the Caramel Latte providing a bright, clacky sound suited for those who like a bit more auditory feedback and a medium actuation force feel. The Ink Red, on the other hand, balances a neutral sound with a silky and mild typing experience, perfect for lighter typists. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying user experience, but individual preferences will determine which one fits better for any given user.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter touch with a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, the Caramel Latte might be your go-to option. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, along with a bright, clacky sound profile, makes it a great choice for casual typing and gaming, offering a tactile feedback that can enhance your overall experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a more balanced sound, the Gateron Ink Red, with its bottom-out force of 60 grams, could suit you better. This switch is particularly suitable for those who appreciate a silky touch while typing and might find the mildly crispy sound profile more versatile for different settings, be it at home or in an office. Ultimately, your selection will hinge on whether you desire a lighter, more playful switch or a medium-weight option that balances both comfort and performance.
Mentioned in this article
