Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch can significantly enhance your typing experience, and two compelling options to consider are the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gazzew U4Tx switches. The Caramel Latte, with its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, delivers a bright and clacky sound profile along with a silky-smooth actuation, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a linear switch that offers effortless keystrokes. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switches bring a unique combination of tactile feedback and a refined acoustic presence; they provide a sharp, satisfying bump when pressed, along with a deep, resonant "thock" at bottom out, all while maintaining a whisper-quiet sound when topping out. This duality makes the U4Tx particularly appealing to users who seek the best of both tactile and sound experiences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gazzew U4Tx exhibit both similarities and distinct characteristics that affect their overall performance in tactile switches. The Caramel Latte features a POK (polyketone) top housing known for its durability, smoothness, and strength, which is particularly advantageous for achieving a clacky sound profile. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it offers a silky feel, surpassing the smoothness of traditional materials like POM. In contrast, the U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for its top housing, often dubbed "boba plastic." While it prioritizes a softer touch to deliver a rich sound profile, the inherent characteristics of the Gazzew blend allow for a deeper auditory experience. Despite these differences, both materials can achieve similar sound qualities since the top housing's primary role is to influence the sound when releasing a key, meaning both switches can produce satisfying acoustic feedback.
Similarly, both the Caramel Latte and the U4Tx benefit from their bottom housing materials, which contribute to the switches' overall sound profile and tactile feedback. The Caramel Latte employs a nylon bottom housing, renowned for its ability to absorb sound and create a rounder, fuller auditory experience. This absorption enhances the tactile feedback, providing a softer bottom-out feel. On the other hand, the U4Tx's bottom housing again features the Gazzew proprietary blend, which maintains the same softness and sound qualities. In this instance, the two switches harmonize by offering a rich and deep sound profile that reflects the softness of their respective bottom housing materials. As a result, both switches are likely to deliver satisfying auditory feedback while typing or gaming.
Ultimately, while the Huano Caramel Latte and Gazzew U4Tx utilize different materials for their top housings, their bottom housings share a common trait of softness, ensuring a similarly rich sound profile. This duality in design illustrates how the varied top and bottom housing materials contribute uniquely to the overall switch experience. The POK material emphasizes smoothness and strength in the Caramel Latte, while the proprietary Gazzew blend enhances auditory richness in both switches. This intelligent blend of materials ensures that whether opting for a Caramel Latte or a U4Tx, users can achieve satisfying tactile experiences and sound profiles that reflect the strengths of each housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, notable differences and similarities emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it relatively light, which can enhance typing comfort during extended use—ideal for long gaming sessions or work environments. In contrast, the U4Tx switch does not provide a specific actuation force measurement, but it does have a higher bottom out force of 62.5 grams, categorizing it as medium in terms of resistance. This suggests that the U4Tx may offer a more substantial feel when typing. While the Caramel Latte’s bottom out force is 55 grams, which is lower than the U4Tx's bottom out, it indicates that the U4Tx switch is inherently heavier overall. Thus, for users seeking a lighter typing experience, the Caramel Latte is the preferred choice, whereas those who appreciate a firmer push feel might favor the U4Tx due to its greater bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance results in a comparable feel and responsiveness in typing, providing a uniformity in keypress depth regardless of the type of switch being used. Thus, if you're seeking consistent performance in terms of key travel, both switches will yield similar results in that regard.
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 Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 is characterized by a bright and clacky profile, providing a lively auditory feedback with each keystroke. This quality makes it appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced and engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switches offer a unique sound signature, featuring a deep, resonant "thock" upon bottoming out, paired with a quieter sound as you lift off. The U4Tx produces a combination of bassy, muted tones, giving it a refined and more sophisticated acoustic presence compared to the Caramel Latte's sharper clack. This distinction means that while both switches engage the user audibly, the U4Tx provides a more subdued environment conducive to quieter settings or focused work.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte is lauded for its smooth action, which allows for fluid keystrokes and a pleasant typing experience. This ease of movement can be especially enjoyable for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx is designed with a pronounced tactile bump that is sharp and distinctive, offering a heightened sense of feedback with each keypress. This tactile response gives the U4Tx a luxurious feel, ensuring that typists can enjoy both the sensation of pressing the key and the satisfaction of the firm tactile confirmation. The Caramel Latte’s smoothness versus the U4Tx's tactile sharpness caters to different preferences in typing experience; typists who enjoy minimal resistance might prefer the Caramel Latte, while those who appreciate tactile feedback will lean toward the U4Tx.
In summary, the Huano Caramel Latte and Gazzew U4Tx switches each bring their own unique qualities to the table, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. The Caramel Latte’s bright and clacky sound paired with its smooth keystroke offers a lively typing experience, while the U4Tx’s deep, resonant thock and sharp tactile feedback provide a refined and luxurious alternative. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preferences for auditory engagement and tactile sensation, ensuring that both switches can lead to a satisfying typing experience, albeit in different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Huano Caramel Latte linear switches and Gazzew U4Tx tactile switches ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you're seeking a smooth, effortless typing experience with a medium-light actuation force and a bright, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice. It's particularly well-suited for casual typing and gaming scenarios where quick, fluid keystrokes are desirable, allowing you to glide across the keyboard with ease. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback with a satisfying bump on each keystroke, the U4Tx switches are the way to go. Their medium actuation force provides just enough resistance for a delightful typing sensation, combined with a deep, resonant "thock" on bottoming out, making it a perfect fit for both typing and gaming. The U4Tx's refined sound profile also caters to those who appreciate a more muted yet deep acoustic experience while typing. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you value a smooth linear feel or a tactile bump combined with an enriched audio experience, both of which provide unique benefits suited to different typing styles and environments.
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