Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron CM
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron CM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron CM offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Caramel Latte switch, renowned for its medium weight of 50g bottom out, provides a satisfyingly bright and clacky sound profile that adds a fun acoustic element to each keystroke. Its smoothness makes typing an enjoyable activity, ideal for those who seek a combination of tactile feedback and auditory engagement. In contrast, the Gateron CM switches break from convention with their full nylon housing, delivering a deeper, more resonant sound signature that many lovers of richer auditory experiences may prefer. With an impeccable factory lubrication and a longer, dual-staged spring, the CM switches promise a bouncy and frictionless typing sensation, perfect for users who appreciate a smooth, polished feel while typing. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, their distinct sound profiles and tactile nuances offer something different for everyone. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron CM, we see a distinct contrast in the composition of their top housings. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing, which is engineered for smoother operation due to its low coefficient of friction at 0.04. This material not only promotes a sleek keystroke experience but is also highly durable, significantly outperforming conventional materials like POM in wear resistance and shock absorption. In contrast, the Gateron CM employs nylon as its top housing material, known for producing a deeper sound profile. While nylon offers a softer touch that enhances acoustics, it doesn’t match the POK material in terms of frictional smoothness. Thus, users might experience a markedly different tactile feedback and sound release when comparing the two switches.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, feature nylon, which brings a sense of continuity and similarity in their acoustic profiles. Both the Caramel Latte and the Gateron CM utilize nylon for the bottom housing, meaning that when typing, the depth and fullness of sound is enhanced due to nylon's ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This shared use of nylon helps create a satisfyingly rounded sound on bottoming out, delivering a consistent experience across both models. In essence, while the top housings differ significantly—affecting the tactile and auditory responses during actuation—the bottom plastics harmonize these characteristics, instilling a sense of similarity in overall typing sound.
In terms of performance outcomes, the differences in top housings will cater to distinct user preferences. With the Caramel Latte’s POK top contributing to a smoother action and a more precise release, users may find a preference for the very tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron CM’s nylon top allows for a fuller sound resonance which may appeal to those who prioritize acoustic feedback in their typing experience. Nevertheless, both switches will produce a rich auditory experience upon bottoming out thanks to the nylon bottom, illustrating how different materials can yield similar results in terms of typing satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron CM linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying preferences among users. The Caramel Latte switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, characterizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Gateron CM switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This means that typists who prefer a lighter touch will find the Caramel Latte switch more suitable for prolonged use, while those seeking a more substantial feel may gravitate toward the Gateron CM due to its increased resistance. Essentially, the differences in their forces reflect the preferences for typing comfort versus typing feedback, with Huano's switch being the lighter option and Gateron's the heavier.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron CM linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that the distance they travel from the top to the bottom is identical. As a result, users can expect a similar experience in terms of key feel and response when pressing down on either switch. With both switches having an equal travel distance, this could lead to consistent performance across different keyboards utilizing either of these switch types.
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 CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 it comes to sound, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch presents a bright and clacky sound profile that can evoke a sense of liveliness during use. This sound quality makes each keystroke feel vibrant, adding an engaging acoustic layer to the typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron CM linear switch has a deeper, bassy character that is enhanced by its unique full nylon housing. This switch produces a thocky sound, resembling a satisfying thud or knock, which tends to be lower-pitched and offers a richer signature. While both switches deliver engaging auditory experiences, the Caramel Latte's higher-pitched clacks differ significantly from the CM's deeper, more resonant tones, reflecting their individual design philosophies.
In terms of feel, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch offers a super smooth typing experience, providing a seamless transition with each keystroke. Its medium weight of 50g at bottom-out results in a balanced response, promoting tactile satisfaction without overwhelming resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron CM linear switch is characterized by a buttery, polished touch due to its factory lubing, resulting in an incredibly smooth and effortless keystroke. The creamy texture of the CM makes it feel fluid and easy to type on, enhanced further by its lengthened, dual-staged spring that adds a bouncy quality to the typing experience. While both switches prioritize smoothness, the CM offers a more nuanced glide with its unique construction and lubrication.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron CM linear switches provide smooth and enjoyable typing experiences, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Caramel Latte's bright, clacky sound and satisfying smoothness contrast with the CM's rich, thocky sound and buttery tactile sensation. Thus, your choice between these switches will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize a livelier auditory experience or prefer a deeper, more luxurious keystroke feel. Both are excellent choices, and they will deliver high-quality typing results tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron CM linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding typing force, sound profile, and overall feel. If you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 55 grams, and appreciate a vibrant, clacky sound for a more playful typing experience, then the Caramel Latte is likely your best option. It's ideal for those who enjoy a smooth and enjoyable keystroke without excessive resistance, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions and casual gaming alike. Conversely, if you’re drawn to a heavier typing force with a more substantial feel, the Gateron CM, boasting a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, may be your switch of choice. Its bassy and thocky sound signature, combined with a buttery-smooth keystroke, creates an immersive typing experience perfect for users who appreciate a rich auditory feedback and a firmer bottom-out. In the end, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and the weight you feel comfortable with to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
