Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Smoothie Silver both present compelling choices, each catering to different preferences and needs. The Huano Caramel Latte, with its medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, clacky sound profile, delivers a satisfying tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound and feel with each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is designed for speed, boasting a short travel distance and an exceptionally light actuation force, making it perfect for gamers and fast typists who demand quick responsiveness and a smooth, thocky sound. Both switches excel in their own right, but the choice between the two largely depends on whether one prioritizes a more tactile and acoustically rich experience or seeks lightning-fast input with minimal resistance. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
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
The Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches showcase distinct materials for their respective top housings, leading to varying tactile and auditory experiences. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK plastic, known for its excellent friction coefficient and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it offers smoother keystrokes compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver's POM plastic, which has a coefficient of 0.03. While both materials contribute to smooth actuation, the POK's superior wear and shock resistance—14 times stronger than POM—ensures that the Caramel Latte maintains its performance over prolonged use. The result is a switch that not only feels smooth and clacky but also promises durability in heavy typing scenarios.
On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver employs POM in both its top and bottom housings, which has its own unique sound profile. POM material is recognized for producing a deeper and relatively muted sound, granting the Smoothie Silver a distinct auditory character compared to the Caramel Latte. While both switches have varying sound experiences— with POK's clackiness versus POM's muted resonance—the Smoothie Silver's consistent use of POM leads to a balanced sound profile throughout. This could appeal to users seeking a quieter typing experience without sacrificing smoothness and performance.
Despite these differences, the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials highlights a fascinating aspect of switch design. While the Caramel Latte's nylon bottom housing enhances a deeper sound profile, the Smoothie Silver's POM in both housings keeps its overall sound consistent. This dynamic suggests that while the materials directly impact the switch's characteristics, the overall typing experience can be tailored by balancing sound and feel between the top and bottom housings. Ultimately, both switches deliver a unique experience, drawing on the strengths of their chosen materials to cater to different preferences for tactile feedback and sound.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch exhibit a comparable actuation force, both requiring 45 grams to register a keystroke. This similarity suggests that users will experience the same level of responsiveness when typing or gaming. However, the bottom out force differs significantly between the two switches. While the Caramel Latte has a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a slightly more substantial feel when the key is fully pressed down, the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is unavailable. This means that we cannot draw a direct comparison for the bottom out experience with the Smoothie Silver. In terms of weight, the Caramel Latte can be classified as medium-light, which may be preferable for those engaging in prolonged typing or gaming sessions, while the Smoothie Silver’s weight dynamics remain unknown. Consequently, users seeking a lighter feel should lean towards the Caramel Latte, whereas those who value a heavier push experience may need to explore other options.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, the Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Smoothie Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte provides a more substantial feel when pressed, making it more appealing to those who prefer a hearty depth in their switches. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver, with its shorter travel distance, is likely to offer a quicker response time, catering more to gamers or those who favor rapid actuation. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Gateron Smoothie Silver would be the better choice, while the Huano Caramel Latte would suit those who appreciate a deeper keystroke experience.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch produces a bright, clacky sound profile that can be quite noticeable, especially in quieter environments. This characteristic provides an engaging auditory feedback that some typists and gamers find satisfying. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound, which offers a deeper tone that can create a more subdued auditory experience. While both switches produce distinct sounds, the choice between them ultimately hinges on personal preference, as the overall sound will also depend on factors like the keyboard construction and keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch has a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, contributing to a stable typing experience that balances ease of use with a solid tactile response. Users often find that it delivers a smooth keystroke with a satisfying weight, enabling comfortable typing over long durations. Conversely, the Smoothie Silver switch features a feather-light touch and a short travel distance, resulting in an exceptionally smooth actuation that is ideal for those who prioritize rapid keystrokes, making it particularly appealing for fast typists and gamers who need quick response times. Each switch offers a unique typing sensation, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches cater to distinct user preferences in sound and feel. The Caramel Latte leans towards a brighter auditory profile with a medium weight feel, while the Smoothie Silver offers a thocky sound with a lightweight touch. When selecting between these switches, it's essential to consider how their characteristics align with your typing style and sound preference, leading to a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you should consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a medium-light weight with a bright and clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte switch might be the ideal choice for you. Its smooth actuation and satisfying keystroke feedback make it great for both typing and gaming, especially if you enjoy a tactile and audible experience. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something ultra-fast with a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver could be your best bet. It features a very short travel distance and delivers a thocky sound, which enhances the speed and precision needed for competitive gaming or rapid typing. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you value a more pronounced acoustic and tactile feel or if you prefer the swift responsiveness of a lighter switch. By aligning your switch selection with your personal usage scenario, you can enhance your overall typing experience to suit your needs.
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