Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and Gazzew U4 offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Caramel Latte, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium actuation weight of 50g and its bright, clacky sound profile, providing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience with every keystroke. This switch is ideal for users who crave a seamless, uninterrupted feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 stands out as a tactile switch, boasting a pronounced tactile bump that delivers an exhilarating typing sensation, coupled with an unexpectedly plush, felt-like bottom-out. The U4 is designed for those who appreciate feedback in their keystrokes but prefer a quieter workspace, thanks to its muted, low-pitched sound profile. Both switches cater to unique typing styles: the Caramel Latte excels in smoothness and acoustics, while the U4 offers tactile satisfaction and subtle 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

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The comparison of housing materials between the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gazzew U4 reveals notable differences and similarities that significantly impact the overall typing experience. The Caramel Latte features a top housing made from POK, a material renowned for its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. With a coefficient of friction at 0.04, it provides a smoother keystroke than Gazzew's proprietary blend, which, while delivering a rich sound profile, lacks the same level of smoothness. In contrast, the U4’s top housing, crafted from a proprietary plastic blend referred to as "boba plastic," offers a unique softness that contributes to a warmer auditory experience but may not deliver the same smoothness or resilience under prolonged use as the POK material used in the Caramel Latte.

Looking at the bottom housing, both switches demonstrate a similar philosophy in delivering sound quality. The Caramel Latte’s nylon bottom housing is characterized by its softness, which absorbs sound to create a deeper, fuller sound profile, enhancing the typing experience. Conversely, the Gazzew U4 also utilizes a proprietary "boba plastic" for its bottom housing, which shares this softness and contributes to a rich acoustic experience. This similarity suggests that both switches will provide a comparable substantial and rounded sound when bottoming out, despite the varying impacts of their respective top housing materials on the overall feel and sound.

In essence, while the top housing materials of the Caramel Latte and Gazzew U4 are distinct—one favoring durability and smoothness, while the other emphasizes a rich auditory signature—the bottom housings of both switches share a common ground. Both utilize softer materials that effectively absorb sound, resulting in a similar auditory experience when the switches are fully engaged. Therefore, even though the distinct top housing materials might affect the tactile and sound characteristics uniquely, the shared attributes of the bottom housings ensure that users of either switch can expect a satisfying acoustic performance, making for an enjoyable typing experience overall.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, both have an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This results in a similar typing experience when it comes to the actuation phase — both options are medium-light, making them suitable for prolonged use during typing or gaming sessions. However, the differences emerge when examining the bottom out forces: the Caramel Latte has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the U4 necessitates a heavier 62 grams to fully engage the key. As a result, the Caramel Latte is the lighter option, which may appeal to users seeking a soft touch, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the heavier bottom out force of the U4 more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference regarding tactile feedback and the perceived weight of the keystroke.

Travel distance

Both the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on the keys of either switch. This equal travel distance ensures that both switches deliver consistent performance in terms of keystroke depth. Consequently, regardless of personal preference for a linear or tactile experience, typists and gamers will enjoy a comparable tactile response when engaging with these switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is characterized by its bright and clacky sound profile, which can add a lively auditory dimension to your typing experience. This makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced and energizing feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch features a muted sound profile, producing a whisper-quiet output that is significantly less audible compared to typical switches. The U4's low-pitched tones offer a subtle and refined auditory experience, attracting users who prefer a more subdued sound environment while working or gaming. It is essential to note that the overall sound can also be influenced by additional factors like the choice of the keyboard case and keycaps, which means that users can customize their auditory feedback based on these elements.

Regarding feel, the Caramel Latte switch provides a smooth typing experience thanks to its linear nature, allowing for effortless keystrokes without any bumps or interruptions. This smoothness can make for a delightful typing sensation, where users may appreciate the seamless transition between presses. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is designed with a sharp tactile bump, delivering a pronounced feedback that users can distinctly feel with every key press. This high feedback intensity ensures that typists can confidently recognize when a key has been actuated, enhancing accuracy and satisfaction during use. While the Caramel Latte focuses on smoothness, the U4 emphasizes tactile feedback, catering to different preferences for users who value either linear or tactile sensations.

In summary, if you prefer a bright and lively sound while enjoying a smooth typing experience, the Huano Caramel Latte switches may be your go-to choice. In contrast, if you appreciate a more muted auditory experience combined with a pronounced tactile feedback, the Gazzew U4 switches would be better suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value sound or feel more highly in your typing experience, as both switches offer distinct qualities tailored to different styles of use.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you favor a smooth and effortless keystroke, particularly for typing or gaming with a more responsive feel, the Caramel Latte is an excellent option thanks to its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams and a bright, clacky sound profile that many typists enjoy. This switch's lively sound and feel can enhance your typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback while also savoring smooth key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued atmosphere and value a pronounced tactile experience, the Gazzew U4 is the better choice. With its stronger 62 grams bottom-out force and sharp, pleasurable tactile bump, it offers a refined sensation that is complemented by its muted, low-pitched sound, making it a great fit for quiet environments or office settings where noise control is essential. Ultimately, consider what aspects prioritize for your keyboard experience—be it sound, feedback, or typing dynamics—to make the best switch choice for your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more