Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often boil down to individual typing styles and environments. The Huano Caramel Latte, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, delivering a bright, clacky sound that pairs beautifully with its notably smooth keystrokes. This makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a lively typing experience, offering a satisfying auditory feedback that can make each keystroke feel more enjoyable. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i, a tactile switch, provides a gentler typing sensation, characterized by its subtle tactility and a more muted sound profile—perfect for office settings where quiet professionalism is paramount. The Mini i's lightweight design supports long hours of comfortable typing without the distraction of excessive noise, striking a fine balance between satisfying feedback and discretion. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Mini i switches, one finds a distinct differentiation in their top housings. The Caramel Latte features a POK (polyketone) material for its top housing, celebrated for its remarkably low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. With a friction coefficient of 0.04, it slightly edges out the Mini i's nylon top housing, which has a coefficient of 0.03. The durability of POK is particularly noteworthy, being 14 times stronger in wear resistance compared to POM and surpassing Nylon in shock resistance by 2.3 times. Consequently, users of the Caramel Latte can expect a smooth and satisfying typing experience characterized by a clacky sound, aided by the robust characteristics of its top housing.
In contrast, the top housing of the Gateron Mini i utilizes nylon, known for its historical significance in switch materials. While the smoother touch of the Caramel Latte's POK housing promotes a distinctly sharp acoustic profile typical of enhanced switches, the Mini i produces a deeper, rounder sound profile due to the acoustic dampening properties of its nylon. This softness allows the nylon to absorb sound waves more effectively, leading to a typing experience that may be perceived as more muted yet fuller. Although the two materials deliver different acoustic qualities, they serve their purposes effectively, offering varied sensory experiences that cater to individual preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Interestingly, both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housings, which further influences the overall character of each switch. Since both housings utilize nylon, the commonality in sound absorption and softer feel contributes to a similar bottom-out sound and feel for both switches. While the Caramel Latte's top POK housing enhances the switch's smoothness and accentuates the clacky sound profile, the nylon bottom ensures consistency in producing a pleasant tactile experience. Thus, even with the distinct materials used for the tops, the shared nylon bottom housing aligns the switches in terms of foundational feel, allowing enthusiasts to achieve comparable results while enjoying the unique acoustics attributed to their respective top housings.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly impact typing experience. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it firmly as light. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter switch might find the Mini i more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less force, allowing for more prolonged comfort. On the other hand, those who appreciate a stronger push feel may gravitate toward the Caramel Latte, which offers a more substantial tactile experience due to its heavier forces. Ultimately, while both switches can facilitate a satisfying typing experience, the Caramel Latte is better suited for users seeking a bit more resistance, whereas the Mini i caters to those who prefer ease of key activation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, a noticeable difference exists. The Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mini i offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you are looking for a more responsive feel, the Mini i would be the better option due to its shorter distance, catering to gamers who prioritize speed. Conversely, for those who prefer a deeper, more substantial keypress, the Caramel Latte with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference for responsiveness versus a well-defined key press.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Huano Caramel Latte switch is characterized by a bright, clacky sound profile that can be quite enjoyable for those who appreciate auditory feedback during typing. The lively acoustic qualities of this switch make it a delightful choice for users who want their keystrokes to be heard. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i switch has a more subdued sound profile, described as neutral. This makes it versatile and suitable for various environments, particularly where a quieter typing experience is preferred, such as in office settings. Where the Caramel Latte may draw attention with its pronounced sound, the Mini i ensures that typing remains unobtrusive and professional.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch offers a medium weight of 50g bottom-out force, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience as each keystroke glides effortlessly. This translates into a comfortable feel, ideal for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switches deliver a bouncy and snappy sensation, offering a light actuation force that enhances the typing experience without causing finger fatigue. Their mild and stepped tactile feedback contributes to a gentle yet responsive feel, making them suitable for users who appreciate a balance between comfort and engagement in their typing experience.
In conclusion, the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Mini i switches cater to different preferences, with the former standing out for its vibrant sound and smoothness, while the latter excels in delivering a quiet and bouncy tactile feel. Your choice between these switches will ultimately depend on your typing environment and whether you prioritize auditory feedback or a more subdued, professional experience. Regardless of your choice, each switch provides a unique typing experience that can enhance productivity and enjoyment during use.
Conclusion
In closing, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a bright, clacky sound and a smooth typing experience, the Caramel Latte's medium-light resistance and satisfying feedback might be perfect for you—especially if you prioritize a pleasurable tactile sensation while gaming or doing creative work where sound feedback is welcomed. Conversely, if you find yourself typing for long hours in a professional environment and prioritize a quieter operation, the Gateron Mini i is an excellent choice. Its lightweight profile reduces finger fatigue, while the subtle tactility and muted sound allow for a focused work setting without disruptive noises. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you balance the desire for tactile feedback against the need for a quieter typing experience in your daily activities.
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