Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, particularly between linear and tactile options. The Huano Caramel Latte, a linear switch, offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience characterized by its medium weight of 50g at bottom out and a bright, clacky sound profile that makes every keystroke feel enjoyable and fluid. This switch is perfect for those who prefer uninterrupted key presses and a more straightforward feel, making it ideal for fast typists and gamers. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB stands out as a tactile switch, providing a distinct tactile bump paired with a refined "thock" sound when bottoming out, while maintaining a quieter topping out noise. This blend of auditory feedback and tactile sensation is tailored for users who appreciate the satisfaction of feeling each key actuation while also keeping noise levels in check, making it a luxurious choice for both typing and gaming experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, we see distinct differences in their top housings that play a significant role in their performance. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing, renowned for its smoothness and durability, with a coefficient of friction of 0.04, making it one of the slickest materials on the market. Its impressive wear and shock resistance surpass that of traditional materials like POM and Nylon, which contributes to a smooth and clacky typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB employs a proprietary blend known as "boba plastic," which prioritizes a rich, deep sound profile owing to its softness. While both materials aim for superior typing experiences, the Caramel Latte’s emphasis on durability and smoothness contrasts with the U4Tx's focus on acoustics.

The bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon for the Caramel Latte and a similar proprietary Gazzew blend for the U4Tx RGB. Nylon, being a classic choice, contributes to a fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which tends to absorb sound effectively. This absorption creates a distinctively duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. Meanwhile, the Gazzew blend also emphasizes a rich sound profile due to its softness, aligning it with the Caramel Latte’s nylon component but differing from traditional materials. The shared goal of creating a deep sound enhancement suggests that, despite their different manufacturing processes and compositions, both switches showcase materials that enhance auditory feedback while typing.

In terms of the overall performance and feel, the difference in top housing materials between the two switches highlights the impact on sound dynamics when typing. The Caramel Latte’s rugged POK top adds to the tactile feel and sound when releasing keys, resulting in a more defined clack when let go. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB’s boba plastic top ensures a more subdued, yet harmonious acoustic quality. Despite the variance in top housing material, both switches produce a satisfying typing experience anchored by their soft bottom housing. Consequently, users seeking a harmonious balance of acoustics and feel might find that either switch delivers on this front, although the nuances in sound produced during key release and actuation may differ significantly.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter switch that is more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch lacks a specified actuation force but has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. This suggests that the Gazzew may provide a heftier feel when bottomed out, which some users prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Thus, if you're seeking a switch that allows for ease of typing with less fatigue, the lighter Caramel Latte is the superior choice. Conversely, if you're after a switch with a stronger push feel, the U4Tx RGB could be more appealing, despite its unknown actuation force. Overall, the Caramel Latte is the lighter option, while the U4Tx RGB is the heavier switch between the two.

Travel distance

Both the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience an identical key press depth when engaging either switch. This similarity in travel distance ensures that typing and gaming experiences will feel consistent across both switches, offering a comparable tactile feedback and responsiveness. With their equal travel distances, users looking for a switch that delivers a similar performance in terms of keystroke depth can confidently choose either the Huano Caramel Latte or the Gazzew U4Tx RGB.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch produces a bright, clacky sound profile, making it quite pronounced and engaging during use. This is ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback, as each keystroke resonates with a lively and cheerful tone. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch offers a more subdued sound, characterized by a deep "thock" when bottoming out, paired with a quiet, stealthy sound upon topping out. This combination results in a refined auditory experience that’s less obtrusive, ideal for environments where noise might be a concern. Both switches’ sound characteristics, while distinct, can also be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used, leading to variable results based on personal setups.

When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch shines with its smooth action, providing a pleasurable typing experience thanks to its medium weight of 50g at the bottom out. This smoothness contributes to a sense of continuity and fluidity during typing, minimizing resistance for a more relaxed experience. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB switch is designed to provide a sharp tactile bump, creating a marked distinction at the actuation point that enhances user feedback. This tactile response gives typists clear confirmation that a keypress has been registered, which many users find satisfying and engaging. While the Caramel Latte emphasizes smoothness, the U4Tx RGB focuses on pronounced tactile feedback, catering to different typing preferences.

In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches present unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Caramel Latte is favored for its bright, clacky sound and silky smooth typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy an active auditory experience. Meanwhile, the U4Tx RGB excels with its deep thock sound and pronounced tactile feedback, perfect for typists who appreciate clarity and discretion. Ultimately, the choice between them depends on whether one prioritizes auditory engagement or tactile precision, both offering delightful experiences in their respective domains.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, you'll want to consider your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you enjoy a smoother and lighter typing feel with a delightful, clacky sound that makes each keystroke enjoyable, the Caramel Latte would be an excellent choice. It's particularly suitable for those who type quickly and prefer a responsive switch that requires less effort, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper, refined sound profile, the U4Tx RGB is the way to go. It offers a richer typing experience with its medium-heavy resistance and a satisfying "thock" sound, making it perfect for gamers and typists who relish the subtle feedback and flourish in each press. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a smooth and lightweight experience or a more tactile and pronounced one.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more