Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Weightlessness present two distinct yet appealing options that cater to different typing preferences. The Caramel Latte, a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes, features a medium actuation force of 50g at bottom out, coupled with a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for users who favor a seamless, uninterrupted typing feel without the distraction of tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness, classified as a tactile switch, offers a subtle yet satisfying tactile bump that provides users with clear feedback during keystrokes. With a balanced sound profile that complements its tactile feedback, the Weightlessness switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience. Both switches have their unique advantages, making them appealing in different contexts. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Weightlessness exhibit distinct approaches to their housing materials, each influencing the typing experience in various ways. The Caramel Latte utilizes a top housing made from POK material, known for its superior durability and smoothness, with a coefficient of friction of 0.04. This makes it a better option for those seeking fast and responsive typing. In contrast, the Weightlessness opts for a more classic approach with nylon as its top housing material. While nylon is softer and tends to absorb sound, giving it a deeper and fuller sound profile, POK's remarkable resilience provides a different tactile feel and sound when typing. Thus, while both switches offer different auditory characteristics, they cater to varied preferences in terms of tactile feedback and durability.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Weightlessness share a similarity, as both switches incorporate nylon. This shared material means that the bottom-out sound and feel will exhibit comparable qualities, thanks to nylon's inherent sound absorption properties. This results in a more muted and rounded acoustic profile, enhancing the depth of sound produced when the keys are pressed down fully. Thus, while the top housings of the two switches diverge in material choice, the consistency of nylon in the bottom housing aligns their auditory experiences, ensuring a cohesive feel even amid their otherwise contrasting characteristics.
Overall, the combination of materials used in both switches leads to varied experiences when typing. The Caramel Latte, with its polycarbonate top housing combining smoothness and shock resistance, promises longevity and responsiveness. In juxtaposition, the Weightlessness, with a softer nylon top, leans into a traditional tactile profile with emphasis on sound warmth. Nonetheless, both switches provide similar bottom housing experiences due to their shared use of nylon, thus achieving a consistency in bottom-out acoustics. Ultimately, whether one gravitates towards the refined resilience of the Caramel Latte or the classic warmth of the Weightlessness, each switch offers a unique yet potentially overlapping typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The Caramel Latte requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it medium-light and suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience for extended sessions. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, suggesting a firmer feel that may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force of the Gateron Weightlessness is unknown, making it difficult to assess its overall pressure feel when fully depressed. Despite this uncertainty, we can infer that the Caramel Latte's bottom out force of 55 grams likely contributes to a more pronounced typing feedback due to its defined resistance at the bottom. Consequently, the Gateron Weightlessness is the heavier option based on its higher actuation force, while the Huano Caramel Latte is the lighter switch, potentially offering more comfort for prolonged use.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference highlights the Caramel Latte's preference for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys, as its travel distance is closer to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. In contrast, the Weightlessness offers a more responsive experience, favored by gamers seeking quicker actuation due to its shorter travel distance. For individuals who appreciate that hearty depth in their key presses, the Caramel Latte is the better option, while those who prioritize faster response times might lean towards the Weightlessness. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for key response and feel.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 linear switch is characterized by a bright, clacky sound profile, making it quite distinctive and lively when typing. On the other hand, Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches offer a balanced sound profile that aligns well with their tactile features, presenting a more subdued auditory experience. It is important to note that the overall sound can be influenced by several factors, including the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but the Caramel Latte tends to provide a more pronounced auditory feedback, while the Weightlessness switches deliver a more moderated tone.
Regarding their feel, the Caramel Latte switches offer a super smooth typing experience, ensuring that each keystroke flows effortlessly without any resistance or interruption. This smoothness contributes to an enjoyable typing sensation that is often favored by typists and gamers alike. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, which can enhance typing precision and is preferred by those who appreciate a slight bump to indicate actuation without being overly pronounced. While both switches deliver satisfying experiences, the Caramel Latte emphasizes smoothness while the Weightlessness focuses on tactile indication.
In conclusion, if you lean towards a vibrant, clacky sound and a smooth feel, the Huano Caramel Latte may be the better choice for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a more balanced sound with a tactile bump for feedback, the Gateron Weightlessness will suit your needs well. Both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that whether you choose one over the other, you can achieve a delightful typing experience based on your individual tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and user experience desires. If you appreciate a smooth, fluid typing experience with a bright, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice, especially for general typing and gaming where you want a satisfying yet not overly heavy feedback at 55 grams. Conversely, if you prefer a more nuanced typing experience with a subtle to moderate tactile feel, the Gateron Weightlessness is likely more suited to your needs, providing a balanced sound profile that enhances your typing without being overwhelming. The decision boils down to whether you favor the light, airy responsiveness of linear switches or the engaging feedback of tactile switches. By identifying your personal preferences in feel and sound, you can confidently select the switch that best enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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