Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie both present compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The Caramel Latte, with its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, is celebrated for its bright, clacky sound profile and delightful smoothness, creating an enjoyable typing sensation with every press. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie also offers medium weight but distinguishes itself with a rich, thocky sound profile while utilizing all-POM materials to ensure superior quality and smooth action. Both switches promise an exceptional typing experience, with the Caramel Latte appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, while the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to users who favor a deeper, more muted sound. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie feature distinct top housing materials that influence their overall sound and feel during use. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK material for its top housing, which is known for its exceptionally low coefficient of friction, allowing for a smoother keypress experience. Its durability, being 14 times stronger than POM, contributes to a resilient switch capable of withstanding extensive use. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie opts for POM material, which creates a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted. While the tactile feedback may be comparable, the sound character between the two is notably different, underscoring the unique qualities that each material brings to the switches.
Examining the bottom housing reveals yet another contrast between these switches. The Caramel Latte employs nylon, a material celebrated for its softness and sound-dampening qualities, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This choice invokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth in the user experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing retains the same material consistency as its top, promoting a balanced sound profile that is also deeper yet relatively muted. While both switches may deliver satisfying acoustic feedback, the nylon bottom provides a softer, rounder quality that sets the Caramel Latte apart from the Sea Salt Smoothie in terms of auditory depth.
Ultimately, both switches showcase how their unique material compositions contribute to different overall experiences. While the Caramel Latte's POK and nylon materials offer a blend of smoothness and depth, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's POM top and bottom housing create a different but equally pleasing sound profile. When it comes to overall performance, users can achieve similar tactile results, but the auditory experience will differ significantly based on the varying qualities of the housing materials. In consideration of these differences, the blend of materials in each switch ultimately enhances their distinctive characteristics, creating unique typing experiences that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation forces and the specificity of their bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option that is well-suited for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons due to its lighter resistance. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams but lacks a specified bottom out force, leaving some uncertainty about how much force is required to fully depress the key. As such, while the Caramel Latte is the lighter switch — ideal for those who prefer a gentler push — the Sea Salt Smoothie could appeal to users wanting a firmer experience, albeit its effect is less defined given the unknown bottom out measurement. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter touch for comfort should gravitate towards the Caramel Latte, while users who enjoy more resistance might find the Sea Salt Smoothie appealing, pending more information on its bottom out characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Caramel Latte measures at 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie extends slightly further at 3.7 mm. This difference may seem minimal at first glance, but it can influence the typing experience. For gamers or those who favor responsiveness, the Caramel Latte offers a shorter travel distance, potentially allowing for quicker key presses and faster response times. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer 3.7 mm travel, may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback for those who appreciate the depth of each keystroke. Therefore, if users prioritize a rapid and snappy experience, the Huano Caramel Latte would be the better choice, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie.
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 Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Huano Caramel Latte switch produces a bright, clacky sound profile that can be quite engaging and lively. This auditory feedback enhances the typing experience for many users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic response. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a thocky sound profile, offering a deeper, more subdued sound that tends to resonate pleasantly without being overly harsh. Both switches provide distinct auditory characteristics, and while users might prefer one over the other, personal choice in keyboard material and additional components like keycaps can influence the overall sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Caramel Latte switch features a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, providing a solid resistance that strikes a balance between being light enough for longer typing sessions and heavy enough for satisfying feedback. This switch is notable for its super smooth typing experience, making every keystroke enjoyable. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie also offers exceptional smoothness due to its all-POM construction, ensuring a fluid typing experience that many users find appealing. While the specific actuation force is not mentioned, it is generally understood that Gateron switches maintain a similar medium-weight feel that can accommodate various typing styles.
Considering all available information, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences, with the former leaning into a brighter, clackier sound and a satisfying resistance, while the latter provides a deeper, thocky sound with a complementary smoothness. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you favor a livelier sound with a tactile feel or a more reserved auditory experience with exceptional smoothness. Both have qualities that contribute to enjoyable typing experiences, making them well-suited for various keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches, consider your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you enjoy a typing experience that combines a medium-light actuation force with a bright, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte might be the right choice for you. Its unique character provides a satisfying auditory feedback alongside a notably smooth keystroke, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a more traditional, lively typing experience. Conversely, if you prefer a "thocky" sound that pairs with a smoother, more cushioned action, the Sea Salt Smoothie could be your go-to. This all-POM switch delivers an elegant typing experience at an accessible price point, making it suitable for users seeking a balanced and quiet profile. Ultimately, your selection should align with whether you prioritize a lively feedback or a muted, soft touch in your everyday typing and gaming needs.
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