Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Mountain Top both fall into the realm of linear switches, yet they cater to different user needs and environments. The Caramel Latte stands out with its medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, clacky sound profile, providing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience that many users appreciate for both work and play. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are specifically designed for office settings, offering a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience. With their light actuation and subdued sound signature, they allow for unobtrusive typing that won’t disturb colleagues. While the Caramel Latte is ideal for those who enjoy auditory feedback and a more tactile experience, the Mountain Top excels in environments where discretion is key. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
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
The Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Mountain Top switches showcase distinct approaches to housing materials that impact both sound and feel during use. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing that is engineered for durability and smoothness, boasting an impressive strength that far exceeds that of other materials like POM and Nylon. This results in a lightweight switch with a notable coefficient of friction, leading to a distinctly clacky sound when typing. In contrast, the Mountain Top employs a nylon top housing, a classic choice known for its softer texture that leads to a rounded sound profile. While both materials prioritize the user experience, their inherent properties cater to different preferences, with the POK emphasizing smooth operation and durability, while the nylon leans into a more dampened acoustic profile.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which gives each switch a cohesive auditory quality when pressed. The inclusion of nylon in both cases leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound due to its softness, ultimately creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. This shared material aligns the bottom-out experience of the Caramel Latte and Mountain Top switches, providing similar outcomes in terms of sound and tactile feedback. As a result, users might notice that the bottom housing contributes significantly to the keystroke sensation, regardless of the differentiation in the top materials.
When considering the overall experience of these switches, it's clear that the combination of POK and nylon in the Huano Caramel Latte presents a unique contrast to the Gateron Mountain Top's all-nylon approach. Each has advantages that can appeal to different typists: those who favor the durability and clackiness of the Caramel Latte’s POK top may find their preference clear, while others might appreciate the soft and rounded acoustics of the Mountain Top's wholly nylon construction. However, the consistent use of nylon in both bottom housings ensures that certain aspects, particularly in terms of sound profile upon bottoming out, remain similar. Thus, users looking for a balanced sound experience can find satisfaction in both switches, with each offering a unique character based on their specific design elements.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, both the actuation and bottom out forces reveal interesting differences in their design. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, while the Mountain Top has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Mountain Top is easier to press down and requires less force to engage, making it a more suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Caramel Latte, with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, provides a more substantial feel that some may prefer for a more robust typing experience. Overall, the Mountain Top's lighter feel contrasts with the Caramel Latte's slightly heavier resistance, appealing to different preferences regarding typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, the Caramel Latte measures 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, whereas the Mountain Top has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, thus being the shorter switch. This difference of 0.2 mm may seem minor, but it can significantly influence the typing experience. For users who favor a deeper feel when pressing keys, the Caramel Latte may be the more suitable choice, offering a more substantial bottom out. Conversely, for gamers or those who prefer quicker response times, the Mountain Top's shorter travel distance could provide the speed they are looking for. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in a switch's travel.
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 Mountain Top 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 linear switch produces a bright and clacky profile, which is engaging and lively, providing audible feedback with each press. This can make typing feel rewarding but may not be suitable for quieter environments due to its relatively prominent sound. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is designed for discretion, offering a more neutral sound signature that is subdued yet noticeable. This makes it a preferable choice for office settings or shared spaces where minimizing noise is essential. The combination of both switches represents a distinct sound character; those who prefer a more vibrant auditory experience may lean toward the Caramel Latte, while users who value quietness in their typing will favor the Mountain Top.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch is recognized for its smooth typing experience, providing a satisfying and fluid actuation with a medium resistance of 50g at bottom out. This inherent smoothness makes it enjoyable for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch offers multiple tactile qualities, including a bouncy, easy-to-press sensation that requires minimal force to actuate. The feedback from the Mountain Top switches is characterized as lively and responsive, enhancing the overall typing experience while reducing fatigue during extended use. Given these differences, both switches provide unique tactile experiences; the Caramel Latte offers smoothness, while the Mountain Top emphasizes a lighter and more responsive touch.
In conclusion, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Mountain Top switches largely depends on personal preferences regarding sound and feel. The Caramel Latte’s bright and clacky sound will appeal to those who enjoy an energetic typing experience, while the Mountain Top caters to users needing a quieter, more discreet option suitable for office environments. Similarly, the smooth actuation of the Caramel Latte contrasts with the bounciness and ease of pressing found in the Mountain Top, creating distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences. Ultimately, both switches provide quality experiences but cater to different environments and user preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between Huano Caramel Latte linear switches and Gateron Mountain Top linear switches ultimately depends on your specific typing needs and environment. If you prefer a more vibrant typing experience with a medium-light bottom-out force that provides a smooth, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte is an excellent option. This switch will be particularly enjoyable for those who type frequently, as it enhances each keystroke with responsive feedback. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a quieter office setting or require a more discreet keyboard experience, the Gateron Mountain Top should be your go-to. With its lighter actuation force and a more neutral sound profile, this switch offers a bouncy and comfortable typing feel that minimizes noise while still providing a satisfactory tactile sensation. In conclusion, consider the Caramel Latte when you want an engaging typing experience and opt for the Mountain Top when you prioritize quietude and easy maintenance in a professional workspace.
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