Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing style, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° stand out as two exceptional linear options, each with its own unique characteristics. The Huano Caramel Latte is celebrated for its medium actuation weight of 50g and a bright, clacky sound profile, providing a lively and tactile experience that many typists find enjoyable. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a responsive, yet smooth keystroke that resonates with a satisfying auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° revolutionizes the typing experience with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, offering a silent operation that absorbs sound while maintaining an impressively smooth and stable feel. This switch caters to users who prioritize a quiet environment without sacrificing the pleasant elasticity of a well-designed linear switch. Both options offer distinct advantages depending on your preferences, but 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

Gateron Zero Degree 0° Linear

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

$6.50

$5.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, distinct characteristics can be observed, especially in their top housings. The Caramel Latte employs a POK material for its top housing, known for its exceptionally smooth texture, durability, and shock resistance. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, the POK provides a comfortable typing experience, while being 14 times stronger against wear than POM, and significantly more shock-resistant than Nylon. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° opts for polycarbonate for its top housing, which, although not as smooth as POK, offers a unique sound profile. Polycarbonate's relative stiffness leads to a sharper and crisper auditory feedback, making it suitable for users who prefer a more resonant sound when typing. Although both materials have their strengths, they cater to different preferences in terms of tactile experience and audio output.

Examining their bottom housings reveals an interesting point of convergence, as both the Caramel Latte and the Zero Degree 0° utilize nylon. Nylon is a traditional choice noted for its ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, producing a deeper and fuller auditory profile. This shared characteristic means that, regardless of the top housing material differences, both switches will provide a similar foundational acoustic experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. This highlights the versatility of nylon and its effectiveness in creating a fuller typing experience, a feature that users of both switches can appreciate regardless of their top housing choices.

Ultimately, while the Caramel Latte and the Zero Degree 0° showcase differing approaches in their top materials—POK’s smoothness versus polycarbonate’s sharpness—they converge in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This combination of unique top housing characteristics and a common bottom housing material suggests that even though the overall sound and tactile feedback may differ between the two switches, users can still achieve similar results in terms of low-frequency sound dampening and the overall fullness of the typing experience. The interplay of these materials plays a significant role in shaping the final perception of each switch's performance, catering to a variety of typing preferences while maintaining notable overlapping qualities in their acoustic dynamics.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch to the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, both switches exhibit an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally lightweight in that regard. This characteristic allows for ease of use, benefiting typists and gamers alike who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged sessions. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly: the Caramel Latte bottom out force is rated at 55 grams, contributing to a more substantial feel when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch does not have a specified bottom out force, leaving it unclear how it compares in that aspect. Overall, the Caramel Latte offers a medium-light experience with a definitive bottom out feel, while the Zero Degree switch’s unknown bottom out force may yield a different tactile experience, potentially appealing to those who favor a unique or softer feedback.

Travel distance

The travel distance of both the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is identical at 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys of either switch, users will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. As a result, both switches will provide a similar tactile experience in terms of how far the key must be pressed, creating a consistent feel whether one opts for the Caramel Latte or the Zero Degree 0°. Thus, there are no differences in travel distance to note between these two switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch presents a bright, clacky sound profile that adds a lively character to each keystroke. This can make typing feel more engaging, especially in a setting where auditory feedback is appreciated. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch emphasizes silence with its innovative self-padding design. This feature greatly dampens the sound generated during keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for those who desire a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the linear switch's signature smoothness. While the Caramel Latte is more about an audible delight, the Zero Degree focuses on a subtle approach, leading to fundamentally different auditory experiences.

When discussing feel, the Caramel Latte offers a medium weight of 50g bottom-out force, contributing to a balanced and satisfying typing experience. Users often revel in the smoothness of each keystroke, which enhances overall typing pleasure. In comparison, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch promotes an incredibly soft and elastic feel, thanks to its dual-rail structure, which provides exceptional stability and a cushion-like experience while typing. This self-padding design not only aids in smoothness but also minimizes any potential harshness that can accompany bottom-out impacts, making it feel softer and more forgiving.

In conclusion, when weighing the subjective qualities of the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches, you will notice distinct characters in sound and feel. The Caramel Latte is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback and a traditional linear feel, while the Zero Degree 0° appeals to users seeking a whisper-quiet option with a soft, plush typing experience. Ultimately, both switches excel in different areas, catering to varying preferences, and you’ll achieve different results based on the specific qualities they offer.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you enjoy a medium-light keystroke with a bright, clacky sound profile that provides a tactile feedback at every press, the Caramel Latte is likely the better choice for you. Its 55 grams of bottom-out force strikes a balance that many typists find pleasing, making it an ideal option for typing enthusiasts who savor audible feedback and a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, if your priority is a quiet, nearly silent workspace where typing feels soft and cushioned, the Zero Degree 0° switch is perfect. Its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure offer a unique typing experience that minimizes noise while maintaining smoothness and stability. Thus, if you are looking for a serene environment, especially for work or shared spaces, the Zero Degree 0° will serve you well. Ultimately, consider what feels and sounds best for you, as well as where and how you plan to use your keyboard, to make the most informed decision between these two excellent switches.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Zero Degree 0° Linear

$6.50

$5.50 per 10

Learn more