Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana

Overview

When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your preferences, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Jupiter Banana offers a fascinating contrast in feel and sound. The Caramel Latte, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and medium weight of 50g bottom out, accompanied by a bright and clacky sound profile, which creates a typing experience that many find both satisfying and enjoyable. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, stands out due to its well-crafted two-stage springs and polished design, which deliver a resilient return and a distinct tactile feedback, enhancing the typing experience. While the Caramel Latte caters to those who prefer a seamless stroke without resistance, the Jupiter Banana appeals to users who enjoy feeling the actuation point with each key press. Both switches have their unique advantages, whether you gravitate toward the silky smoothness of a linear switch or the creamy resonance of a tactile one. However, 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 Jupiter Banana Tactile

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

$2.80 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Jupiter Banana, notable differences emerge, particularly in the composition of their top housings. The Caramel Latte features a POK (polyketone) top housing, renowned for its low friction coefficient of 0.04, offering a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana uses polycarbonate, a material that contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. While the POK material favors a smooth and clacky feel, the polycarbonate enhances sound clarity, which may appeal to different user preferences. Both materials offer unique sensations; thus, users may opt for one based on their desired tactile feedback and auditory experience.

Both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Jupiter Banana employ nylon for their bottom housings, which ensures consistency in sound profile and feel. This commonality results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing, attributable to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound effectively compared to harder plastic alternatives. While the Caramel Latte’s upper housing emphasizes smoothness and durability, the shared nylon bottom housing aids in creating a cohesive typing experience across both switches. This shared property means that regardless of the differences in the top housing materials, both switches will produce a satisfying sound when bottoming out.

Ultimately, the contrasting properties of the top housings of the Caramel Latte and Jupiter Banana create distinct experiences that cater to user preferences, but their nylon bottom housings offer a unifying element. The variation in materials means that the tactile feedback and sound profile when pressing down will possess the familiar deep resonance due to the nylon, while the nuances of each switch's performance be heard and felt during the key release. Depending on the user’s priorities—whether it be smoothness, sound sharpness, or durability—they can find satisfaction in either option, knowing that the fundamental characteristics provided by the nylon housing remain consistent across both switches.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch to the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a more accessible option for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to engage. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana boasts a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, offering a firmer tactile experience that some users may prefer for a more robust and intentional keystroke. Ultimately, those who favor lighter switches for prolonged use might gravitate towards the Caramel Latte, whereas users who enjoy a stronger push feel will likely appreciate the heftier performance of the Jupiter Banana. Thus, while both switches fulfill distinct preferences, they cater to different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the option for users who prefer a more pronounced key press, offering a deeper feel that can enhance typing and gaming experiences for those who enjoy a bit of resistance. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana's shorter travel distance can provide quicker actuation, making it a preferable choice for gamers looking for rapid response times. For those who typically favor more responsiveness, opting for the Jupiter Banana may be more appealing, while the Caramel Latte might be better suited for users who appreciate a fuller depth in their key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Jupiter Banana switches share some similarities. Both switches produce a high-pitched sound, contributing to a bright and crisp auditory profile that many typists appreciate. The Caramel Latte exhibits a clacky quality, delivering a sharp and percussive sound, while the Jupiter Banana is noted for its resonant nature, offering an immersive and clean auditory experience. Users can expect a lively environment with either option, making both switches suitable for those who prefer a more vibrant sound without the richness or bass typically found in other switches. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound will also depend on factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps chosen.

In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte is renowned for its silky smoothness. This switch minimizes resistance during key presses, providing a seamless typing experience that many users find pleasurable. Meanwhile, the Jupiter Banana boasts a polished and creamy feel, which indicates a refined finish that reduces friction during use. The creamy quality especially enhances the typing experience, making it feel soft and effortless, akin to gliding over the keys. While both switches promise a smooth experience, the Caramel Latte leans towards a straightforward silky feel, whereas the Jupiter Banana adds layers of polish and richness with its buttery texture, appealing to users looking for a blend of comfort and luxury in their typing.

In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Jupiter Banana switches offer distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences, emphasizing sound and feel in their own ways. Each features a high-pitched auditory profile, with the Caramel Latte offering a clacky sound and the Jupiter Banana a resonant quality. On the tactile side, the Caramel Latte focuses on smoothness, while the Jupiter Banana introduces a buttery creaminess alongside its polished finish. Ultimately, your choice may come down to preference in tactile feedback, as users will find joy in the unique qualities each switch presents, while still achieving a satisfying auditory result with either option.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Huano Caramel Latte linear switches and Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switches ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and use case. If you prioritize a smooth, effortless typing experience combined with a bright, clacky sound profile, then the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice, especially if you prefer medium-light actuation with a bottom-out force of 55 grams. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a laid-back typing rhythm or perform a lot of gaming where quick keystrokes are essential. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and a little more resistance while typing, the Jupiter Banana switches will likely appeal to you. Their medium-heavy bottom-out force of 69 grams and creamy, polished feel provide a satisfying tactile experience, making them ideal for typists who enjoy a responsive keypress for both writing and gaming. In essence, if you enjoy the sensation and sound of linear switches, go for the Caramel Latte; but if you favor a tactile feedback and a more intentional typing experience, the Jupiter Banana is the way to go.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more