Gateron Box CJ vs. Huano Caramel Latte
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Huano Caramel Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Box CJ and the Huano Caramel Latte each offer unique features that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Gateron Box CJ is celebrated for its swift responsiveness and higher-pitched clacks, appealing to those who need speed and clarity in their typing experience. With its notably smooth push feel and unlubed design, it provides a blank canvas for enthusiasts eager to customize their switches to perfection. On the other hand, the Huano Caramel Latte boasts a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, along with a bright and clacky sound profile that enhances the joy of typing. Its smooth action makes it a pleasure to use for extended periods, offering a delightful aural and tactile experience. While both switches are linear in nature, their characteristics cater to distinct user preferences: the Box CJ emphasizes speed and customization, while the Caramel Latte focuses on consistent smoothness and auditory feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Huano Caramel Latte, a clear distinction emerges in the top housing while both share a commonality in the bottom housing. The Box CJ utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, more resonant sound profile due to its stiffer nature. In contrast, the Caramel Latte opts for POK, or polyketone, which boasts high durability and wear resistance. Although both materials serve distinct acoustic purposes, polycarbonate’s ability to enable vibrant RGB lighting through its translucence and the POK’s sleek, smooth finish highlight how manufacturers choose housing materials both to enhance sound and aesthetics. When utilizing the Box CJ, the clarity of the polycarbonate creates an articulate sound profile, while the Caramel Latte’s POK contributes to an equally enjoyable auditory experience, albeit with a smoother tactile feel due to its lower friction coefficient.
The bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon, which leads to a similar auditory experience. Nylon is a classic material known for its softer texture, which absorbs more sound and results in a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing. This commonality means that regardless of the differences in the top housing materials, both switches produce comparable bottom-out sounds that enhance the overall typing experience. Thus, players seeking a muted thock or a deeper sound can expect consistent performance from both the Box CJ and the Caramel Latte when measured at the bottom housing level.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Box CJ and the Huano Caramel Latte differ in their choice of top housing materials, utilizing polycarbonate and POK respectively, they unite in their nylon bottom housings. The variance in top materials contributes unique auditory qualities, with polycarbonate accentuating higher pitches and crispness, while POK offers smoothness and durability. Ultimately, the bottom housing material serves as the common ground, ensuring a fuller sound is experienced in both switches. When typing, the impact of the bottom housing will be felt similarly, making both switch types appealing options for enthusiasts looking for balanced auditory feedback despite their distinct design elements.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, which positions them within the medium-light category. This means that users can expect a similar keystroke response, making either switch suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions due to the lower effort required to register keystrokes. However, the bottom out force differs slightly: the Box CJ has a bottom out force of 57 grams, while the Caramel Latte has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. As a result, the Caramel Latte offers a marginally softer landing when fully pressed down, making it the lighter option overall compared to the Box CJ. These differences may contribute to a more pleasant typing experience for users who prefer a less forceful feedback when bottoming out, while those who enjoy a firmer feel might lean toward the Gateron Box CJ.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, the Gateron Box CJ offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Caramel Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This distinction indicates that the Box CJ provides a more traditional and deeper feel, which can be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial keypress and tactile feedback. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Caramel Latte can offer quicker response times, appealing to gamers or those who prioritize speed and efficiency in their typing experience. Therefore, if you lean towards a more responsive action with less key travel, the Caramel Latte is the ideal choice. However, if you appreciate the more pronounced depth of a keypress, the Gateron Box CJ would be the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Box CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box CJ for $5.35.
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.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is characterized by its clacky, crisp, and bright attributes, which create a lively and engaging auditory experience. This switch produces a sharp and snappy sound upon actuation, lending itself well to both typists and gamers who appreciate a more dynamic keystroke. In contrast, while the Huano Caramel Latte also boasts a bright, clacky sound profile, specific descriptors of its acoustic characteristics are not provided. However, it is generally understood that it aims for a lively sound, creating pleasurable auditory feedback during use. Due to the Box CJ's known sound traits, users might experience a more crisp and chirpy sound profile, whereas the Caramel Latte's tonal quality may still deliver an enjoyable auditory experience, although with less defined attributes.
When it comes to tactile feel, the Gateron Box CJ is noted for its mild typing experience, offering a smooth, effortless push without any overwhelming sensations. This creates an inviting typing environment, suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to seasoned typists, allowing for comfortable, extended usage. The Caramel Latte's tactile feel is not explicitly defined in the information provided, but it emphasizes a super smooth typing experience. It's reasonable to infer that, like the Box CJ, it aims for an accessible and enjoyable feel, making both switches ideal for a pleasant typing experience—albeit with possibly different textures in nuance.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Box CJ and Huano Caramel Latte linear switches present an appealing blend of sound and feel, focusing on smooth typing experiences with engaging auditory feedback. The Box CJ offers a more defined clacky sound and a mild tactile feel, while the Caramel Latte provides a similarly pleasurable typing experience, although specifics about its tactile attributes remain unknown. Users can expect satisfying results from either switch type, but those seeking an actively customizable sound with pronounced crispness may lean toward the Box CJ, while the Caramel Latte offers an equally enjoyable experience with a more pronounced smoothness. Both switches cater well to the modern typist's preferences, ensuring satisfaction regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switches, consider your primary usage and personal preferences. If you're someone who appreciates a swift, responsive typing experience coupled with a higher-pitched clack, the Box CJ is an excellent choice. Its unique smoothness and customizable characteristics make it a favorite for those who love the thrill of typing at speed while enjoying a crisp and bright acoustic profile. Conversely, if you prefer an even smoother touch with a bright, clacky sound that enhances your typing pleasure, the Caramel Latte might be more suited for you. With its slightly lower bottom out force and notable acoustic profile, it caters well to users who prioritize comfort and an enjoyable typing experience in both casual and professional settings. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and sound preference, ensuring you choose a switch that will enhance your keyboard experience.
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