Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Mars highlights the diverse options available for keyboard enthusiasts. The Caramel Latte is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g at bottom out and a bright, clacky sound profile that delivers a smooth typing experience, making every keystroke enjoyable for users who appreciate auditory feedback and tactile pleasure. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switches boast an innovative design featuring a POK stem paired with a durable housing made from a unique blend of Nylon and POM. This combination offers a distinctive feel and can enhance the overall longevity of the switch, appealing to those who prioritize durability and performance over sound. While both switches are linear in nature, catering to typists who prefer a fluid, uninterrupted keypress, they offer different sensations and sounds that may sway your choice one way or the other. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Mars switches highlight contrasting characteristics that influence their performance and sound profiles. The Caramel Latte utilizes a polyketone (POK) top housing, which stands out due to its low coefficient of friction (0.04) and exceptional durability, being fourteen times stronger than POM. Its strength and shock resistance contribute to a smooth and satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing, a classic material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound better than harder materials, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory profile. This key difference in top housing materials suggests that while the Caramel Latte may provide a slightly smoother keystroke and a more pronounced clacky sound, the Mars yields a more muted and rounded auditory experience.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals another set of contrasts and similarities. The Caramel Latte, like its counterpart, employs nylon for its bottom housing, which further enhances its overall sound profile by providing a deep and resonant sound when typing. Conversely, the Gateron Mars utilizes POM for its bottom housing, which is known to create a unique and pleasing sound profile. While both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the Caramel Latte's use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings results in a more consistent sound experience, emphasizing its smoother and deeper auditory qualities. The Mars, while leveraging the distinct sound qualities of POM at the bottom, may deviate slightly in tactile feedback due to its differing material combination.
Ultimately, the construction of these switches highlights how the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials can dictate the sound and feel during use. Although the Caramel Latte and the Gateron Mars utilize different materials in their respective tops and bottoms, they each offer a unique blend of auditory and tactile feedback. For enthusiasts seeking specific typing experiences, understanding this distribution becomes vital; each housing material demonstrates its strengths and weaknesses, and these attributes can lead to varied results. By recognizing how the tactile feel at the bottom-out position and the sound quality during release are influenced by their respective housings, users can select switches that better meet their typing preferences, even if the results may differ in auditory and tactile profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, it's interesting to note that both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for typing or gaming over extended periods. However, the bottom out force for the Caramel Latte is 55 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Gateron Mars lacks a specified bottom out force, leaving its overall tactile feedback and resistance upon bottoming out uncertain. This means that while both switches might provide similar actuation experiences, the Caramel Latte will have a more defined response at the bottom of the keystroke. Ultimately, for a player or typist who prefers a medium-light feel with clear feedback upon bottoming out, the Huano Caramel Latte may be the more suitable option. Conversely, those who appreciate a softer overall experience may find the Gateron Mars appealing, although the lack of a bottom out specification makes it difficult to predict its performance fully.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this regard. As a result, users can expect a similar feel and responsiveness when pressing down on the keys of either switch, which can contribute to a consistent typing experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, those who prefer a more fluid keystroke will find no significant difference between the two when it comes to the distance traveled from the top to the bottom.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch has a bright, clacky sound profile that is quite distinctive and engaging, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This characteristic can add an element of fun to typing sessions, though it might not be to everyone's taste, especially in quieter environments. Conversely, the Gateron Mars switch, featuring a POK stem and a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, offers no specific description for its sound quality. However, it can be expected that its unique materials and design contribute to a sound profile that may lean towards a more muted, refined experience, providing a contrast to the lively tone of the Caramel Latte.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is known for its super smooth typing experience, providing a consistent and satisfying response with each keystroke. This smoothness is complemented by its medium actuation force of 50g, allowing for a comfortable balance between ease of actuation and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switch does not have specific information available regarding its feel, leaving some ambiguity about how it compares to the Caramel Latte. However, given Gateron’s reputation for crafting high-quality linear switches, it’s reasonable to expect that the Mars may offer a pleasantly smooth experience as well.
In conclusion, if you prefer a brighter sound and a luxuriously smooth feel, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is an excellent choice. Meanwhile, the Gateron Mars offers a different design that may surprise and delight, although its sound and feel remain less defined in comparison. Both switches cater to different preferences, and while Gateron's aural qualities might be more subdued, they could still deliver a satisfying linear experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound clarity or are curious about the unique characteristics of innovative switch designs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between Huano Caramel Latte linear switches and Gateron Mars linear switches, consider your priorities and preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a satisfying medium-light actuation force at 55 grams and enjoy a bright, clacky sound profile alongside a super smooth typing feel, then the Caramel Latte is more suited for you. It's especially great if you're looking for something that balances comfort with a lively acoustic feedback, making each key press a joyful experience, whether for gaming or typing lengthy documents. On the other hand, if you are drawn to innovative designs and materials, the Gateron Mars switches, with their unique POK stem and a blend of Nylon and POM housing, might be the better option. However, it’s worth noting that specific bottom-out force details for the Mars switches were not available, which might be a consideration for those wanting more consistent feedback. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value the lively, tactile feel of the Caramel Latte or the innovative design and potentially distinct typing experience offered by the Mars switches.
Mentioned in this article
