Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Huano Caramel Latte
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Huano Caramel Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Huano Caramel Latte stand out as two compelling options for enthusiasts of linear switches. The CAP Anniversary is celebrated for its innovative CAP structure, resulting in incredibly smooth keystrokes and enhanced typing stability, thanks to its uniquely designed stem that minimizes wobble and resistance. This switch offers a 'snappy,' 'creamy,' and 'polished' typing experience that appeals to those seeking precision and comfort in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Huano Caramel Latte features a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, delivering a bright, clacky sound profile that adds a distinctive auditory element to the typing experience. While both switches promise a smooth typing journey, the CAP Anniversary prioritizes a refined touch with its aerodynamic design, whereas the Caramel Latte emphasizes an engaging sound when typing. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches and the Huano Caramel Latte, one of the most notable differences lies in the top housing composition. The CAP Anniversary incorporates polycarbonate as its top housing material, yielding a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This material not only enhances clarity but also allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects due to its translucent qualities. In contrast, the Huano Caramel Latte utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is characterized by its smoothness and superior durability. While both materials contribute positively to the sound experience, the sound profile generated by POK may possess a balance between sharpness and smoothness, contrasting with the clear brightness of polycarbonate.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches—CAP Anniversary and Caramel Latte—feature nylon as their bottom housing material. Nylon is renowned for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both switches have a similar foundation when it comes to the audible result of bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing of both switches ensures that users experience a robust, rounded sound, which complements the distinct characteristics brought forth by the respective top housing materials.
Ultimately, the unique attributes of each switch's top housing will influence the overall sound signature of the switches. The CAP Anniversary’s polycarbonate top will tend to emphasize higher frequencies and responsiveness, especially when releasing the key, eliciting that crisp sound effect ideal for those who favor a punchy typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Caramel Latte's POK housing will create a blend of smoothness and clackiness, resulting in a more balanced auditory profile. However, due to the nylon bottom housing in both switches, they will maintain a shared depth in sound when bottoming out, creating a cohesive auditory experience that may appeal to typists seeking a satisfying keystroke sensation.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch with the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to various user preferences. The CAP Anniversary has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy and suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Caramel Latte features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This lighter feel makes the Caramel Latte more appealing for users who engage in extended typing sessions, as the reduced effort required can lead to less finger fatigue. Overall, while the CAP Anniversary provides a stronger tactile feedback with its heavier forces, the Caramel Latte offers a more effortless typing experience, allowing users to select a switch that best aligns with their typing style and needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Gateron CAP Anniversary features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional travel distance often favored by those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke feel. In contrast, the Huano Caramel Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a more responsive option that caters to gamers and those who prefer quicker key presses. Thus, the Gateron CAP Anniversary is the longer option, while the Huano Caramel Latte is the shorter one. If you seek a more robust typing experience, the Gateron switch may be preferable; however, if you value speed and responsiveness, the Huano switch would likely suit your needs better.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
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
When considering the sound profile of the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch, it presents as rather understated, characterized by its quiet and muted acoustics. This creates a typing experience that is more focused on the keystroke's tactile feedback than the auditory effect. In contrast, the Huano Caramel Latte switch shines with a bright and clacky sound that adds an engaging auditory element to the typing experience. The latter’s lively sound profile complements its mechanical feedback, making each keystroke feel more pronounced. However, it’s important to remember that these sound qualities can be influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard's design and the selection of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the CAP Anniversary switch offers a multi-faceted experience. Its snappy responsiveness provides a lively and engaging typing sensation, enhanced further by its creamy texture that delivers a buttery-smooth glide for each keystroke. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch contributes to a refined and sleek typing experience with reduced friction, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. The Caramel Latte’s feel aspects, however, are less described but can be expected to align with its bright sound profile, suggesting an equally engaging and pleasant tactile experience.
All in all, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switches offer appealing characteristics suited for different preferences in a mechanical keyboard. While the CAP Anniversary excels in quiet smoothness and responsive, refined feedback for a focused typing experience, the Caramel Latte brings a more vibrant auditory element that can enhance typing enjoyment. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you might find joy in one or both, and if you're seeking to create a similar tactile essence, you might gravitate towards the CAP for its smooth, polished typing or the Caramel Latte for its lively character.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you lean towards a more robust typing experience with a slight medium-heavy resistance, the CAP Anniversary, with its 65 grams bottom-out force and exceptional smoothness from its unique design, may be perfect for you, especially if you appreciate a snappy and polished feel. This switch is particularly suited for gamers or typists looking for stability and a refined tactile experience. In contrast, if you prefer a lighter touch with a quick response and a lively sound profile, the Huano Caramel Latte with its 55 grams bottom-out force might be the ideal choice. These switches offer a creamy and smooth typing experience, making them a great fit for prolonged typing sessions or casual use where comfort prevails. Your decision will ultimately hinge on whether you prioritize a slightly heavier tactile feedback and stability of the CAP Anniversary or the lightness and fun clack of the Caramel Latte. Both switches have their unique strengths, aligning with different typing preferences and styles.
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