Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two notable contenders are the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Smoothie, both linear switches that cater to different user preferences. The Huano Caramel Latte is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g bottom out, delivering a bright, clacky sound profile that combines an engaging auditory feedback with a smooth typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate an expressive keystroke without overwhelming noise. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie stands out with its all-POM construction, offering a remarkable thocky sound signature paired with a lightweight touch. This switch appeals to users seeking a more understated yet satisfying auditory experience, delivering buttery-smooth performance at an accessible price point. Ultimately, each switch has its own unique advantages tailored to specific typing styles, but let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Smoothie, distinct characteristics emerge, even though they share similarities in terms of the sound profile produced by their design. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK for its top housing, which offers a very low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. The POK material not only contributes to a smoother typing experience with a clackier sound but also stands out for its wear resistance, making it a robust choice for switches. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie employs POM for its top housing, which, while also known for producing a pleasing sound, has a slightly higher friction coefficient. Despite the difference in material, the Smoothie's POM top still facilitates a smooth action, indicating that solid results can be achieved with diverse materials if designed appropriately.
Delving into the bottom housings, the Caramel Latte employs nylon, a classic that provides a deeper, fuller sound, benefiting from its soft plastic properties that absorb sound effectively. This contrasts sharply with the Gateron Smoothie's use of POM for its bottom housing. Although POM typically creates a relatively muted sound profile, the end result in terms of sound quality is surprisingly harmonized. Despite the differing materials, both the Caramel Latte and the Smoothie produce deeper sound profiles due to the unique characteristics of their respective materials, suggesting that even with different constructions, one can still find harmonious auditory outcomes.
Overall, the differences in housing materials lead to distinct tactile and auditory experiences when using the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Smoothie. The Caramel Latte's POK top and nylon bottom create a more clacky sound with a nuanced feel, while the Smoothie's combination of POM materials results in a more understated and muted sound profile. The materials and their individual properties—though different—ultimately provide both switches with the ability to deliver satisfying typing experiences. Thus, despite their variation in material usage, both switches excel in crafting a reliable and enjoyable interaction, showcasing how different materials can yield similarly satisfying results when designed for the specific purpose of enhancing switch performance.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light and providing a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Smoothie features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to press down, though its bottom out force remains unknown. This means that while the Huano switch provides a firmer feel as you bottom out, the Gateron switch allows for a lighter touch during typing, which may benefit users who prefer less resistance. Consequently, for those who enjoy a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie is the preferred option, while the heavier bottom out force of the Huano Caramel Latte may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that they offer the same tactile experience when pressing down on a key. This equal travel distance results in a comparable feel and responsiveness in both switches, ensuring that typists and gamers will experience similar performance characteristics when using either option. Therefore, users can confidently choose between the two switches, knowing they will achieve similar results in terms of key travel and overall actuation.
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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 features a bright and clacky sound profile, which provides a lively auditory feedback that many typists find enjoyable. This character can make typing feel more engaging, especially when the keys are pressed rapidly. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie produces a thocky sound signature, characterized by a deep, rich sound that is more subdued and bass-heavy. This results in a more relaxed auditory experience; rather than the bright clatter of the Caramel Latte, the Smoothie offers a softer, more muted tone, which some users may prefer for more discreet environments.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Caramel Latte delivers a super smooth typing experience with a medium actuation weight of 50g at bottom-out, allowing for a balanced tactile feedback during typing. This makes it suitable for those who enjoy a solid yet smooth keystroke. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie brings an incredibly smooth typing experience described as buttery, creamy, and silky. These qualities translate to effortless keystrokes that glide seamlessly, offering a slightly lighter touch. The Smoothie's design may result in a less physically demanding typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a softer touch.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Smoothie switches provide distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Caramel Latte shines with its bright clacky sound and balanced medium weight, while the Smoothie excels in offering a thocky sound and exceptionally smooth keystrokes. Users who prioritize auditory feedback may gravitate towards the Caramel Latte, while those valuing a smooth and light touch might prefer the Smoothie. Ultimately, both switches deliver satisfying performance, allowing newcomers to choose based on their personal typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch depends largely on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a medium-light typing experience that combines a delightful clacky sound with a satisfying tactile feel, then the Caramel Latte is a great choice. Its design ensures that every keystroke feels pleasant and engages you in a lively typing experience, making it well-suited for those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback and a touch of liveliness in their work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you find yourself seeking a switch that offers an exceptionally smooth and quiet typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie might be the better option. With its thocky sound profile and buttery, creamy feel, it excels in delivering a subtle yet satisfying typing sensation that is perfect for long typing sessions or quiet environments where you may not want to disturb others. Overall, consider what aspects are most important to you—whether it's the sound and engagement of the Caramel Latte or the smooth subtleness of the Smoothie—and choose accordingly to enhance your keyboard experience.
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