Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Huano Caramel Latte, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth action and bright, clacky sound profile, providing a medium actuation force of 50g that makes typing a delightful experience. Ideal for gamers and typists alike who prioritize speed and smoothness, this switch ensures that each keystroke feels effortless and responsive. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn caters to those who enjoy tactile feedback in their typing experience, boasting a crisp tactile bump and a deep, resonant sound that enhances each keystroke's character. With a sound profile designed for a richer auditory experience, the Quinn switches offer a polished and tactile feel that many users find satisfying. While the Caramel Latte excels in delivering a smooth and quick typing experience, the Quinn stands out with its tactile responsiveness and immersive sound. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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 gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Quinn switches offer a fascinating comparison of performance attributes. The Caramel Latte features a top housing made from POK material, known for its smoothness and durability—boasting a low coefficient of friction at 0.04, which aids in creating a clacky sound profile during keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic choice that absorbs sound better due to its softer plastic composition. As a result, the Quinn delivers a deeper, fuller sound that is characterized by a more muted resonance than the sharper, more defined acoustics of the Caramel Latte's POK material. Hence, while both switches are engineered for performance, their top materials contribute distinctly to their overall auditory and tactile experiences.
Both the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Quinn sport nylon bottom housings, which yield similar effects in terms of sound and feel. With nylon’s soft characteristics, both bottom housings facilitate a warmer and rounder sound profile, leading to a pleasing noise when bottomed out. As both designs incorporate nylon here, users can expect a uniform experience when typing, despite the differences in their top housings. This shared material in the bottom housing ensures that both switches provide a satisfying, dampened thump when keys are pressed fully down, reinforcing that both designs prioritize sound and tactile feedback.
When considering the distinct contributions of the top and bottom housings, it becomes clear how the mixing of materials informs the overall switch dynamics in the Caramel Latte and Quinn designs. While the Caramel Latte's POK top housing emphasizes a smoother, snappier sound upon key release, the Quinn’s focus on sound absorption leads to a distinctly warmer auditory experience. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing in both switches will harmonize their bottom-out sounds, creating a juxtaposed typing experience where the user can appreciate the strengths of both materials. Ultimately, while these switches utilize different top materials, their nylon bases unify their performance in a way that can lead to comparable results in overall typing satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that influence typing experience. The Caramel Latte has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. In contrast, the Quinn switch features a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that those who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming will find the Caramel Latte more appealing, while users who enjoy a more forceful and substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Quinn switch. Thus, the Huano Caramel Latte offers a gentler touch, making it suitable for prolonged use, while the Gateron Quinn provides a firmer push that caters to those desiring more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, the Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Quinn has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte provides a deeper keystroke, which some users may appreciate for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Quinn’s shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers who favor quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. Ultimately, if you prefer a switch that offers a more pronounced depth, the Caramel Latte would be the better choice, whereas for those who value speed and responsiveness, the Gateron Quinn is ideal.
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 Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 is recognized for its bright, clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy auditory experience with each keystroke. This clackiness adds a lively and engaging quality to typing, making it pleasurable for users who appreciate that crisp auditory feedback. Conversely, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch presents a more complex sound signature, characterized by a deeper, resonant sound thanks to its nylon housing. It boasts a rich auditory experience that combines bassy and low-pitched tones, while still offering a precise and clean resonance. The Quinn's sound profile creates an immersive typing environment that can enhance the emotional connection one has with their keyboard.
Regarding feel, the Caramel Latte switch is known for its super smooth typing experience, with a medium weight of 50g bottom-out force ensuring that keystrokes are effortless and fluid. This smoothness contributes to an overall satisfying typing experience, ideal for prolonged usage. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch impresses with its snappy responsiveness combined with a polished and buttery feel. The unique tactile bump provides a lively feedback that ensures users can feel each key engagement without overwhelming resistance. The Quinn’s design lends itself to a bouncy and accented experience, delivering both comfort and tactile satisfaction—making every keystroke enjoyable.
In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Quinn switches offer distinct auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Latte is perfect for those who enjoy a bright and clacky sound accompanied by a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Quinn provides a deeper, resonant auditory feedback along with a lively, tactile interaction. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to individual preference—whether one prioritizes the crisp, clacky experience of the Caramel Latte or the rich, immersive sound coupled with snappy feedback of the Quinn. Either switch will provide an engaging typing experience, allowing users to find joy in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a smooth, light keystroke with a bright and clacky sound, the Caramel Latte is an excellent option. This switch excels in providing a pleasurable typing experience, making it ideal for users who type quickly or spend long hours at the keyboard without fatigue. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback paired with a deep, resonant sound, the Gateron Quinn would be your go-to choice. The tactile bump and the medium-heavy force of the Quinn make it suitable for typists who enjoy a more engaged typing experience, as well as for those who like the satisfying feedback that tactile switches provide. Additionally, if the sound of your keyboard matters to you, the Quinn's richer and bassy tones can add character to your setup, whereas the Caramel Latte's clacky sounds might better suit those seeking a brighter auditory experience. In the end, your selection should reflect not only how you type but also the overall sensory experience you desire from your mechanical keyboard.
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