Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron CJ
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron CJ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts are often torn between various options, and two standout candidates are the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron CJ, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Latte switch boasts a medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, delivering a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the tactile typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gateron CJ offers its own unique charm with a higher-pitched clack and an incredibly smooth push feel, inviting users to revel in its subtlety and richness. While the Caramel Latte excels in providing a lively and engaging soundscape, the CJ's characteristics offer a more neutral yet delightful sensation, perfect for those who prefer an understated typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron CJ switches, notable differences arise, particularly in the composition of their top housings. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing made from polyketone, which provides a unique balance of smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it allows for a seamless keystroke experience, contributing to its clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Gateron CJ utilizes an INK blend for its top housing, which also offers a clacky sound but presents a higher-pitched tonal quality that is not as sharp. While both materials aim for smooth performance, the Caramel Latte’s POK is designed for enhanced wear resistance and shock absorption, while the CJ's INK blend may prioritize a distinct auditory character over durability.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, the Caramel Latte is crafted from nylon, while the Gateron CJ employs POM. Here, the differences in sound profiles become even more pronounced. Nylon, being a softer plastic, produces a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing sound waves to create a muted and rounded auditory experience. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing in the CJ is celebrated for creating a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper, more muted end of the spectrum. This divergence in materials illustrates how the bottom housing significantly influences the overall sound and feel when typing, as nylon's absorption properties will yield different acoustic results compared to the sharper, crisper quality associated with POM.
Ultimately, while both the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron CJ switches showcase unique attributes stemming from their housing materials, they each offer distinct auditory experiences. If a user desires similar results in terms of tactile feedback or audible characteristics, one might consider the combination of the POK and nylon in the Caramel Latte alongside the INK blend and POM of the CJ. By understanding that the top and bottom housing contribute differently to the switch's acoustic profile and feel, a user can mix and match switches to find their preferred balance of sound and performance, thereby achieving a customized typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the CJ requires a slightly heavier 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Caramel Latte again demonstrates a lighter touch at 55 grams compared to the CJ's 60 grams. This means that for users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Caramel Latte would likely be the better option. In contrast, those who favor a more substantial typing experience might appreciate the heavier feel of the Gateron CJ. Thus, while both switches offer a reliable performance, the Caramel Latte leans towards a lighter experience, whereas the CJ provides a firmness that may cater to users seeking a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch, we find that they differ significantly. The Huano Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron CJ has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the shorter option, which can cater to gamers or those seeking faster response times due to its reduced travel distance. In contrast, the Gateron CJ, with its longer travel distance, may be preferred by users who appreciate a more substantial depth when pressing keys, providing a more traditional tactile experience. Overall, the difference in travel distance highlights the diverse preferences among users regarding responsiveness versus depth.
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 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 CJ for $5.35.
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 quality, the Huano Caramel Latte switch is characterized by its bright and clacky sound profile, which adds a lively auditory element to the typing experience. This energetic tone creates an engaging atmosphere, making each keystroke feel rewarding. Conversely, the Gateron CJ switch has a unique acoustic signature that includes higher-pitched clacks, giving it a chirpy quality while also being described as possessing a neutral sound profile. This neutrality means it can adapt well to various environments, whether you’re working or gaming. Overall, while both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, the Caramel Latte leans more towards vivacity, whereas the CJ is more versatile and accommodating in sound.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch excels in delivering a super smooth typing experience, which is complemented by a medium actuation force of 50g at the bottom out. This balance creates a satisfying tactile sensation with each keypress. On the other hand, the Gateron CJ switch is characterized by its mild feel, offering a gentle typing experience that stands in the middle ground. While the CJ may lack the pronounced layers of tactile feedback found in some other switches, its smoothness is akin to the Caramel Latte’s, providing a comfortable typing interface suitable for most users. Thus, both switches aim for smoothness, albeit with different intensities and experiences.
Concluding, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron CJ switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, but they cater to slightly different preferences. The Caramel Latte stands out with its bright sound and smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback alongside a comfortable typing action. In contrast, the CJ’s chirpy, neutral sound and mild tactile sensation make it a versatile option for users who prefer a softer auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches strike a balance between sound and feel, delivering a pleasant typing sensation that makes for good keyboard companions.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a smoother and more responsive feel, the Caramel Latte is an excellent option. It is ideal for users who enjoy a softer keystroke that provides a pleasant typing experience, making it particularly suitable for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly heavier actuation force and are looking for a unique sound profile that combines chirpy and thocky elements, the Gateron CJ may be your best bet. This switch delivers a smooth push feel while providing a more rounded typing experience, making it versatile enough for both work and play. In essence, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a lighter, smoother feel or a more balanced sound and tactile response when selecting your mechanical keyboard switches.
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