Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron New North Pole V2 stand out as two compelling options for any keyboard enthusiast seeking a linear experience. The Caramel Latte features a medium actuation force of 50g, delivering a bright and clacky sound profile that enhances every keystroke with a delightful auditory feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy an engaging typing session. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 prioritizes a frictionless typing feel by omitting the rubber dampener found in its predecessor, resulting in a crisp and clean keystroke that appeals to users looking for a seamless typing experience. While both switches offer smooth performance, they cater to different preferences: the Caramel Latte emphasizes a more dynamic sound, whereas the New North Pole V2 focuses on gliding without resistance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches both employ distinct materials for their housings that impact their acoustic properties and overall feel. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK for its top housing, offering a smooth typing experience thanks to a low coefficient of friction. This material is not only durable but significantly resistant to wear and shock, contributing to a clacky sound profile that enhances the typing experience. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 features polycarbonate as its top housing material, which promotes a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its rigidity. This key difference in materials leads to contrasting auditory experiences—while the Caramel Latte is characterized by a fuller, more rounded sound, the New North Pole V2 produces a clearer and more resonant tone.
The housing material choices also extend to the bottom of each switch. The Caramel Latte employs nylon, a traditional choice in switch design, which absorbs sound and produces a deeper, fuller auditory signature when typing. This softness plays a significant role in softening the bottom-out sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate used in the New North Pole V2’s bottom housing. The polycarbonate bottom, while sharing the same sonic clarity as its top counterpart, emphasizes a crisper sound profile. This difference in materials results in a division of sonic quality between the two switches: the Caramel Latte provides a cohesive sound experience, while the New North Pole V2 emphasizes clarity and high-pitched tones.
Ultimately, the distinct compositions of the top and bottom housings significantly influence the overall typing experience for each switch. For keyboard enthusiasts looking for a smooth and durable feel, the Caramel Latte offers an ideal blend of resilience and rounded acoustics. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 appeals to those who favor sharper sound profiles and compatibility with RGB lighting thanks to polycarbonate's translucency. Despite their differences, both switches can provide satisfactory user experiences by integrating the strengths of their respective materials, ultimately showcasing how variations in housing can influence tactile and auditory feedback when typing.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Caramel Latte features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who appreciate a stronger push feel. This means that while both switches require a reasonable effort to actuate a keystroke, the Caramel Latte is distinctly lighter, making it ideal for prolonged use, while the North Pole V2, being heavier, caters to users seeking a firmer response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the New North Pole V2 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the shorter option and may appeal to users who favor rapid key presses, such as gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2, with its 4 mm travel, offers a heftier feel that some users prefer for a more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, if you seek a switch with a more responsive action, the Caramel Latte would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, while those who appreciate a more pronounced depth should consider the longer-traveling Gateron New North Pole V2.
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 New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 stands out with its bright, clacky sound profile, which gives auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. This sound can enhance the overall experience of typing, making every keystroke feel lively and engaging. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 has a crisp sound due to the absence of a rubber dampener, allowing for a more pronounced auditory clarity with each press. While both switches provide excellent feedback, their sound characteristics differ significantly, catering to different preferences among users.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switch is noted for its super smooth typing experience, largely attributed to its medium weight of 50g bottom-out force. This balance allows for a comfortable typing experience that is enjoyable for extended periods. The Gateron New North Pole V2 takes smoothness to another level, offering a polished, creamy texture alongside a frictionless experience for the user. This means that while the Caramel Latte provides a satisfying and smooth actuation, the New North Pole V2 enhances that experience with reduced friction, making it feel incredibly effortless to type on.
Ultimately, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches provide unique typing experiences characterized by their sound and feel. The Caramel Latte offers a bright auditory feedback paired with a smooth tactile response, while the New North Pole V2 focuses on crisp sound and an ultra-smooth, frictionless feel. Choosing between them will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and typing sensation, but both are excellent options for enhancing your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a lighter, medium-light typing experience with a bright and clacky sound, the Caramel Latte is an excellent option. Its smooth feel and 55-gram bottom-out force make it ideal for extensive typing sessions or casual gaming, where comfort and sound profile add to the enjoyment of use. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a crisper and more polished response, the New North Pole V2 would be more suitable for you. With a bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, it offers a refined and frictionless experience, perfect for those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Additionally, its buttery smoothness, along with the absence of a rubber dampener, enhances the auditory feedback, making it a better fit for situations where you want a tactile experience without sacrificing speed. Ultimately, your choice boils down to whether you value a lighter, more acoustic option or a more robust, sophisticated feel during your keyboard activity.
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