Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Silent Ink Black offer distinct experiences despite both being categorized as linear switches. The Caramel Latte, with its medium weight of 50g bottom out, is celebrated for its bright, clacky sound profile that delivers a delightful and smooth typing experience, making each keystroke feel satisfying and lively. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black is tailored for those who prefer a quieter environment; its cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel minimizes audio feedback, allowing for a more subdued typing experience without sacrificing comfort. While the Caramel Latte is ideal for users who enjoy a more expressive and audible typing style, the Silent Ink Black caters to those who require silence during use—perhaps in shared workspaces or at night. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, the differences between their top housings become immediately evident. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK, a robust material lauded for its durability, smoothness, and wear resistance. With a coefficient of friction slightly higher than that of LY, POK is designed to create a smooth typing experience, enhancing the tactile feedback during use. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black features Gateron's proprietary INK blend, which, while delivering a satisfying clacky sound profile, does not prioritize durability to the same extent as POK. In this regard, the top housing materials might contribute differently to the overall typing experience—while the POK provides a smoother action, the INK blend offers a distinct auditory appeal.
Examining the bottom housing materials leads to further distinctions. The Caramel Latte employs nylon, a classic choice for switch housings that delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This inherent quality allows nylon to absorb sound, creating a rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend is noted for its pointed and high-pitched sound, contributing to a sharper and more pronounced auditory feedback. This variance in how each bottom housing material absorbs and projects sound results in different typing acoustics, reflecting the distinct character each switch brings to the keyboard.
However, it's important to note that while the top and bottom housing materials of these two switches are different, they have been designed to complement one another. The POK top housing of the Caramel Latte accentuates the smoothness and durability of the typing experience while working in tandem with the deeper sound profile of the nylon bottom housing. Meanwhile, the Silent Ink Black's INK blend top and bottom housings maintain a cohesive sound profile characterized by clack, albeit with a different tonal emphasis. Ultimately, the combination of each switch's housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the overall feel and sound, highlighting how varied materials can still result in unique yet satisfying typing experiences.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out force, catering to varied preferences among users. The Caramel Latte switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which makes it ideal for those who appreciate a medium-light touch, allowing for more comfortable typing during extended use or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial typing experience. As a result, the Caramel Latte is the better choice for those who prefer lighter switches for prolonged typing, while the Silent Ink Black offers a firmer push for those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a heavier switch. With clear distinctions in weight, users can select one according to their personal typing comfort and experience preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Huano Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This 0.4 mm difference indicates that the Silent Ink Black offers a more traditional feel associated with deeper presses, appealing to those who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Caramel Latte, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to gamers and typists looking for quicker response times and a more responsive typing experience. Thus, if you prefer faster actuation, the Caramel Latte is the better option, whereas for a more substantial feel, the Silent Ink Black 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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 linear switch showcases a high-pitched and clacky profile, offering a sharp, crisp auditory feedback that can be quite satisfying for users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke sound. This brightness provides a percussive quality, making each press feel lively and engaging. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is designed specifically for quieter environments, focusing on minimizing audio feedback. While it possesses a pillowy sensation upon bottoming out, it does not generate the same level of sound as the Caramel Latte, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer to type in silence without drawing attention to their keystrokes.
Regarding feel, both the Caramel Latte and Silent Ink Black switches deliver a silky typing experience, characterized by smooth key presses and minimal resistance when activating and releasing keys. This commonality means that users can expect a seamless and enjoyable typing sensation from either switch, allowing for comfortable and efficient typing over extended periods. While both switches ensure a fluid tactile experience, the overall typing nuances may still vary due to their differing audio profiles.
In summary, the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches provide distinct auditory experiences while maintaining a similar silky feel under the fingers. If you enjoy a vibrant, clacky sound that brings life to your typing, the Caramel Latte is the ideal choice. Conversely, if tranquility during keypresses is paramount, the Silent Ink Black caters perfectly to that need. Despite their differences in sound, both switches promise a smooth and satisfying typing experience, proving that preferences in tactile feedback and auditory response can lead to very different keyboard setups even when feel remains consistent.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches ultimately boils down to your specific preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a lively and tactile typing experience with a medium-light touch and appreciate the high-pitched clacky sound profile, you may find the Caramel Latte to be an excellent fit. Its bright and crisp audio can enhance the joy of typing, making it an ideal option for those who type in more isolated or personal spaces where sound isn’t a significant concern. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience or work in an environment that necessitates minimal sound, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is your best bet. With its medium-heavy 70 grams of bottom-out force and soft, cushioned feel, this switch provides a smooth typing experience without the auditory distractions, making it perfect for office settings or shared spaces. Ultimately, consider how these aspects align with your personal typing habits and environment to make an informed choice.
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