Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Melodic stand out for their distinct characteristics and user experiences. The Caramel Latte, with its medium weight of 50g bottom out, offers a delightful balance of feel and sound, producing a bright, clacky noise profile that enhances a super smooth typing experience—ideal for typists who enjoy the sensation of a linear switch without the resistance of a tactile bump. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic redefines the clicky switch genre by combining a classic clicky sound with modern advancements like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, making it a go-to choice for those who crave a satisfying tactile feedback and resonant sound without sacrificing smoothness. Each switch has its appeal: the Caramel Latte for its exquisite linear satisfaction and the Melodic for its nostalgic clicky charm. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Melodic switches, the differences in their top housing are notable. The Caramel Latte features a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is lauded for its low coefficient of friction and high durability. With a friction rating of 0.04, this material contributes to a smooth typing experience while maintaining a clacky sound, thanks to its superior strength and shock resistance. In contrast, the Melodic utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference in material influences not only the sound characteristics when keys are released but also the overall tactile feedback and feel of the switches during use.
However, both switches share the same bottom housing material, nylon, which plays a critical role in shaping the sound profile experienced while typing. Nylon is recognized for its softer texture, which effectively absorbs sound and results in a deeper, fuller auditory experience. Given that both the Caramel Latte and Melodic feature nylon for their bottom housing, they share similarities in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed down. This acoustic uniformity means that regardless of the material differences on the top housing, users can expect to experience a rounded sound and cushioned tactile feedback from both switches at the bottom.
In essence, while the top housings of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Melodic contribute distinctly different elements to the switches—one emphasizing a smooth, clacky sound and the other a crisp, resonant note—both switches find common ground in their nylon bottom housings. This shared characteristic ensures that the deeper, fuller sound profile remains consistent across both models, allowing for a rich auditory experience. For enthusiasts experimenting with these switches, the contrasting top materials provide varied typing sensations, while the consistent bottom housing guarantees that the switches maintain a harmonious sound when bottomed out.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, we can observe key differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a lighter feel that can benefit typists during extended sessions or gamers looking for a speedy response. In contrast, the Melodic clicky switch has an unknown actuation force, making it difficult to assess its responsiveness directly. However, its bottom out force is 60 grams, which is heavier than the 55 grams found in the Caramel Latte. As a result, users can expect a more substantial typing experience with the Gateron switch, appealing to those who prefer a firmer push. Overall, the Caramel Latte switch is the lighter option, while the Melodic switch tends toward a heavier feel, making them suitable for different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it's evident that they cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Huano Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Melodic offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte switch provides a somewhat shorter travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Melodic switch's longer travel distance can provide a more substantial and hearty typing experience for those who appreciate greater feedback. In summary, if you're looking for speed and quick response times, the Huano Caramel Latte would be the preferable choice, whereas the Gateron Melodic is better suited for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 sound characteristics of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch are distinguished by a bright, clacky profile, producing high-pitched, crisp sounds that create a lively auditory experience with each keystroke. This sharp and percussive quality makes it a popular choice for typists who enjoy a more vibrant sound. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch introduces a resonant and crunchy sound profile. The clicky feedback offers an immersive auditory experience, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, which appeals to those who favor a traditional yet refined clicky sound. Both switches cater to different auditory preferences: the Caramel Latte offers more of a sharp and clacky experience, while the Melodic showcases a clean, resonant click.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch provides a silky typing experience, characterized by exceptional smoothness that minimizes resistance during keystrokes. This feature enhances the overall enjoyment of typing, making it a great option for prolonged use. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic switch is noted for its buttery feel, which delivers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This seamless sensation makes typing effortless, allowing for fast and efficient input without fatigue. While both switches focus on providing a smooth typing experience, the Caramel Latte emphasizes an ultra-smooth action, while the Melodic combines smoothness with tactile feedback characteristic of clicky switches.
In summary, while the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel, both deliver pleasurable typing experiences. The Caramel Latte's bright clacky sound and silky feel make it suitable for those who prefer linear switches, whereas the Melodic's resonant click and buttery smoothness appeal to fans of clicky switches. Choosing between the two will largely depend on whether one prioritizes a lively auditory experience or the tactile feedback and classic click that the Melodic offers.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the kind of auditory feedback you enjoy. If you favor a smooth and silky typing experience without the added sound signature, the Caramel Latte is a fantastic option with its lighter bottom-out force of 55 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. This switch provides a bright, clacky sound, perfect for those who appreciate a more cheerful and crisp auditory feedback during their typing. On the other hand, if you're looking for a tactile feedback experience combined with a satisfying click, the Gateron Melodic is your go-to choice. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 60 grams, it offers a buttery smooth keystroke complemented by a distinctive crunchy sound, immersing you in that classic clicky sensation. Therefore, if you're someone who enjoys an engaging auditory experience with each keystroke and the satisfaction of tactile feedback, the Melodic will serve you well. Ultimately, it’s about aligning these switches with your personal typing style and sound preferences.
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