Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing and gaming experience. The Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) are two notable linear switches that cater to different preferences and styles. The Caramel Latte switch stands out with its medium actuation weight of 50g and a bright, clacky sound profile, delivering a super smooth typing experience that many users find pleasurable. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro is celebrated as a classic budget option, providing a "thocky" sound and a satisfyingly thick resistance that makes it a versatile choice for both gaming and everyday typing. While the Caramel Latte offers a distinctive auditory feedback and a smooth keystroke that appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced sound, the Milky Yellow Pro boasts a buttery feel that has made it a favorite among budget-conscious enthusiasts seeking an all-rounder switch. 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
62g
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
Nylon
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 the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), it is important to note the distinct characteristics each material brings to the typing experience. The Caramel Latte utilizes a POK material for its top housing, which boasts a low coefficient of friction (0.04), superior wear resistance, and shock resistance, making it an exceptional choice for smooth performance and durability. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro features a top housing made of classic Nylon, which, while softer and typically more acoustically absorbing, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast between POK’s durability and smoothness versus Nylon's sound dampening properties creates notable differences in switch performance.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing by utilizing Nylon, which is lauded for its audio characteristics. At the bottom housing level, both the Caramel Latte and Milky Yellow Pro exhibit a similar capability to produce a rounded and duller sound due to Nylon’s softer composition. This consistency allows for a unified auditory experience when bottoming out, regardless of the differences observed in the top housings. The combination of Nylon across both switches aligns their auditory qualities at this level, ensuring that both switches deliver a satisfying sound when pressed.
Overall, while the top housing materials between the two switches differ significantly, the similarity in the Nylon bottom housing results in a cohesive sound experience. The POK top of the Caramel Latte enhances the switch's smoothness and durability, supporting quicker typing, while the Nylon contributes its familiar sound profile on bottom-out. Conversely, the Milky Yellow Pro benefits from Nylon in both its top and bottom housing, promoting a consistent tonal quality. By integrating these different materials, users may enjoy distinct yet complementary experiences with both switches, reflecting how material choices can impact the tactile and auditory feedback of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch to the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we find notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Caramel Latte features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback and a firmer typing experience. This makes the Caramel Latte the lighter switch overall, while the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro provides a heavier resistance. Consequently, users looking for a more effortless typing feel should lean towards the Caramel Latte, while those who favor a sturdy tactile engagement may prefer the Milky Yellow Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it's clear that they differ significantly. The Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Milky Yellow Pro has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the longer variant. This difference in travel distance can impact user experience, with the shorter 3.6 mm distance being favored by gamers seeking faster response times and agility in keystrokes. Conversely, the 4 mm distance of the Milky Yellow Pro may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial and comfortable typing experience, providing a sense of depth that some find more satisfying. Thus, depending on one's preference for responsiveness or a hearty depth, either switch could be more suitable.
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 Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 switch produces a bright, clacky sound profile that can be quite engaging and lively. This auditory characteristic sets it apart from the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), which is known for its deeper, thocky sound. The Milky Yellow Pro emits a rich, bassy tone that gives each keystroke a satisfying depth. This can create a more muted and solid experience when typing, appealing to those who prefer a less pronounced auditory feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you favor the sharpness of the Caramel Latte or the mellow richness of the Milky Yellow Pro.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte is renowned for offering a super smooth typing experience, designed to make every keystroke enjoyable. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro embodies a buttery feel that enhances the smoothness of typing even further but comes with a textured quality that may introduce a slight friction depending on the user’s preferences. While the Caramel Latte provides an effortlessly smooth action, the Milky Yellow Pro’s unique resistance and texture can create a different sensation that some may find appealing for gaming or typing. As a result, the feel of each switch aligns closely with the personal preferences of the user, whether one desires a silky typing surface or a more tactile experience.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offer distinct experiences regarding sound and feel. The Caramel Latte is characterized by its bright and clacky sound, along with a super smooth feel, while the Milky Yellow Pro boasts a thocky sound profile combined with a buttery feeling and textured feedback. Choosing between them will depend largely on personal taste in auditory and tactile feedback, whether you lean towards the lively clackiness of the Caramel Latte or the rich, resonant thock of the Milky Yellow Pro. Regardless of your choice, both switches provide excellent performance, catering to a range of typing and gaming experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) largely depends on your personal typing preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a typing experience that is smooth and lightweight, with a more vibrant and clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte will likely suit you better. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams provides a pleasant combination of gentleness and responsiveness, making it an excellent choice for those who spend long hours typing or need a switch that provides a bit of auditory feedback without being overwhelmingly loud. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a more pronounced and satisfying weight with a deeper, thocky sound, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is your best bet. The medium 62 grams of actuation force ensures a thicker resistance that’s both reassuring and effective for intense gaming sessions or rapid typing. This switch's buttery feel and low-pitched profile make it a solid choice for users who want versatility and a more consistent experience, particularly on a budget. Ultimately, considering your typing habits and sound preferences will guide you towards the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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