Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Lunar Probe both stand out as excellent choices for typists and gamers alike, each offering distinct characteristics. The Caramel Latte, renowned for its medium weight of 50g bottom out, delivers a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the tactile joy of typing, offering a super smooth experience with every keystroke. This makes it an appealing option for those who enjoy audible feedback with their inputs. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe shines with its innovative dual rail mechanism, ensuring stable and consistent keypresses while providing an incredibly smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation paired with a subtle sound signature. This feature caters well to users seeking a quieter typing experience without sacrificing performance. Both switches have their merits: the Caramel Latte for its lively auditory feedback and tactile satisfaction, and the Lunar Probe for its unparalleled smoothness and stability. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches differ significantly in their top housings, with the Caramel Latte utilizing POK material and the Lunar Probe employing polycarbonate. The POK material in the Caramel Latte is designed to provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, thanks to its low coefficient of friction and impressive durability. With a strength that is 14 times more wear-resistant than POM and superior shock resistance compared to Nylon and POM, the POK top housing contributes to a tactile sensation that is both reliable and durable. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Lunar Probe enhances the sound profile, delivering sharper, higher-pitched acoustics due to its stiffer nature. This material's translucency also makes it particularly advantageous for setups incorporating RGB lighting, giving it an aesthetic edge over the POK housing.
Despite their differences in top housing materials, both the Caramel Latte and the Lunar Probe employ nylon as their bottom housing material. This choice is significant as nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing vibrations and ensuring a softer tactile feedback while typing. Since nylon is softer than both POK and polycarbonate, it helps in dampening sound, which leads to a rounder audio experience overall. Thus, while the top housing of each switch introduces distinct acoustic characteristics — a smooth and clacky sound for the Caramel Latte versus a sharper and crisper tone for the Lunar Probe — the underlying nylon bottom housing provides a consistent foundation for a fuller, more rounded typing experience in both switches.
When using these switches, the overall sound and feel will reflect the combination of both top and bottom housing materials. The POK and polycarbonate top housings impact the sound when the key is released, while the nylon bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound. Consequently, even though the Caramel Latte and the Lunar Probe incorporate different top housing materials, typing on both switches can yield satisfying results largely because of their shared nylon foundation. Users will experience a unique blend of characteristics; the key feel, sound resonance, and durability will be distinctly formed by the interplay of these materials, making both switches valuable choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, we observe both similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating they require equal effort to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Caramel Latte having a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is heavier, compared to the Lunar Probe's 50 grams, making it lighter in that regard. This distinction means that while both switches feel similar when pressing down to activate a key, the Caramel Latte offers a slightly more substantial feel upon bottoming out. Consequently, users who prefer a softer bottoming-out experience for extended typing sessions may gravitate toward the Lunar Probe, while those who appreciate a more pronounced feedback might opt for the Caramel Latte.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is identical at 3.6 mm. This similarity means that when pressed, both switches will provide a comparable feel and feedback, resulting in a uniform keypress experience. Since they share the same travel distance, users can expect similar performance in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom when typing or gaming.
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 Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe 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 considering the sound profile, the Huano Caramel Latte switch presents a bright, clacky sound that offers a lively auditory feedback with each keystroke, which can enhance the overall typing experience for those who enjoy an expressive sound. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch features a more subtle sound signature, characterized by its smooth operation that tends to be quieter and less intrusive. It’s important to keep in mind that the final sound of each switch can be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used, but generally, the Caramel Latte provides more pronounced acoustics while the Lunar Probe maintains a more understated presence.
Regarding the feel, the Caramel Latte switch has a medium weight bottom-out force of 50g, contributing to a smooth and satisfying typing experience that many find pleasurable, making it great for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe is distinguished by its exceptionally smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation and innovative dual rail mechanism, which enhances the stability and consistency of keystrokes. Both switches are designed to deliver a smooth experience, yet the Lunar Probe's unique design aims for enhanced reliability throughout its use.
In summary, while the Huano Caramel Latte switch offers a bright and clacky sound alongside a smooth and enjoyable typing feel with a medium actuation force, the Gateron Lunar Probe provides a more subtle auditory feedback coupled with a slick linear sensation and stability from its dual rail mechanism. Ultimately, if you prefer a more vibrant sound and a medium actuation weight, the Caramel Latte would be your go-to. Conversely, if you value a quieter typing experience with high reliability, then the Lunar Probe could be the better choice. Both switches will provide a smooth typing experience, but they cater to slightly different preferences regarding sound and overall feel.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Lunar Probe linear switches, it's important to consider your personal typing style and preferences. If you enjoy a slightly heavier actuation and a clacky sound profile that emphasizes the tactile feel of each keystroke, the Caramel Latte, with its bottom-out force of 55 grams, is an excellent choice. This switch is designed for those who appreciate a bit more feedback when typing, making it suitable for users who frequently type at high speeds or want a more pronounced auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a total force of just 50 grams, the Lunar Probe could be better suited for you, especially if you prioritize a smooth and stable keystroke with a more subtle sound signature. The dual rail mechanism ensures consistency and might appeal to users who value precision over auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice might also depend on whether you plan to use your keyboard primarily for gaming or typing, as the lighter Lunar Probe may enhance your reaction time in a gaming context, while the Caramel Latte could provide more satisfaction during prolonged typing sessions.
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