Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Jupiter Brown present two compelling options that cater to different typing preferences. The Huano Caramel Latte, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and a satisfying clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a fluid typing experience and a 50g actuation force that strikes a balance between comfort and feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown, a tactile switch, offers a classic keystroke sensation with its medium-heavy weight and single-stage spring design, providing a pronounced tactile bump without overwhelming your fingers. This switch also shines with its aesthetic appeal, enhanced backlight effects, and reliability. While the Caramel Latte might entice those seeking a streamlined, noise-producing typing experience, the Jupiter Brown calls to users who enjoy a tactile response that can enhance their overall typing rhythm. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials used in the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches, we can see notable differences in their top housings, which significantly influence their respective sound profiles. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, resulting in a clacky sound due to a lower coefficient of friction of 0.04. This difference in material allows the switch to provide a robust auditory feedback when keys are released, making it one of the smoothest options available. Conversely, the Jupiter Brown employs a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity of each keystroke, particularly noticeable in the sound produced upon releasing a key. Therefore, while both switches provide distinctive acoustic experiences, the Caramel Latte leans towards a warmer, clackier sound while the Jupiter Brown aims for a clearer, more high-pitched tone.
On the other hand, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a classic material for switch housings, nylon’s softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, rendering a dulled and rounded auditory experience during key presses. This similarity in bottom housing means that regardless of the top housing material differences, users will experience consistent results in terms of sound absorption and depth while typing. Thus, if one were to switch between the Caramel Latte and Jupiter Brown, the bottom-out sound profile would remain familiar due to the shared nylon bottom housing.
Ultimately, the differing top housing materials fundamentally shape the overall sound characteristics of both switches while maintaining a consistent bottom sound quality due to the use of nylon. When engaging with these switches, users can expect varied auditory experiences that arise from the combination of the specific properties brought by the top and bottom housings. The Caramel Latte, with its POK material, promises an exceptional smoothness and clackiness, whereas the Jupiter Brown, showcasing the advantages of polycarbonate, provides a brighter sound with pronounced clarity. Together, these switches illustrate the importance of housing materials in shaping not only tactile feedback but also the musicality of keystrokes.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces stand out. The Caramel Latte features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, contrasting with the Jupiter Brown's heavier actuation force of 55 grams. This means that for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, the Caramel Latte may provide a more comfortable experience due to its lower resistance. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Caramel Latte is 55 grams, while the Jupiter Brown has a bottom out force of 70 grams, further emphasizing the latter's medium-heavy feel. Consequently, users seeking a lighter switch for prolonged use might prefer the Caramel Latte, whereas those who favor a more substantial typing experience could opt for the Jupiter Brown.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the shorter travel option, appealing to those who favor quicker response times often sought by gamers. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown, with its greater travel distance, may cater to users who prefer a more substantial feel and feedback during key presses. This distinction in travel distance suggests that those who appreciate a sense of depth in their typing experience would gravitate towards the Jupiter Brown, whereas gamers or users seeking rapid inputs might opt for the Caramel Latte for its swifter actuation.
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 Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Huano Caramel Latte switch offers a bright, clacky sound profile that adds a lively character to your typing experience. This acoustic signature is likely to be amplified or altered by the choice of keyboard frame and keycaps, but fundamentally, the Caramel Latte’s sound is designed to be engaging and energetic. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch produces a sound that, while less specifically detailed here, typically aligns with the soft click or muted thock associated with tactile switches. This makes for a more subdued auditory experience, providing a pleasing contrast to the louder clack of the Caramel Latte and appealing to those who prefer a quieter operation.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch excels in providing a super smooth typing experience that encourages comfortable and effortless keystrokes. With its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, the switch allows for a more relaxed typing style, ideal for extended use. The Gateron Jupiter Brown switch, on the other hand, is characterized by a mild and polished feel. Its tactile nature is described as stepped, meaning there’s a discernible two-stage effect that gently guides your finger through the keystroke, making it approachable for most users. The combination of a medium-heavy weight and smooth key travel offers a refined experience, thereby making the Jupiter Brown a reliable choice for tactile feedback without overwhelming sensations.
Overall, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches provide unique benefits tailored to different preferences. The Caramel Latte appeals to users seeking a bright and smooth typing experience, while the Jupiter Brown caters to those who prefer a more subdued yet satisfying tactile feedback. Although they vary in sound and feel, both switches prioritize a pleasant typing experience, making either a commendable choice depending on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you're looking for a smooth, enjoyable typing experience with a lighter touch and a bright, clacky sound, the Caramel Latte is ideal, especially for those who enjoy typing for long sessions or engaging in gaming where rapid keystrokes matter. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams makes it a great option if you favor speed and fluidity in your typing without much resistance. However, if you prefer a more traditional typing experience with a pronounced tactile feedback and a slightly heavier force of 70 grams, the Jupiter Brown is the better choice. This switch offers a polished feel with a mild, stepped tactile bump, making it perfect for both typing and general computing tasks where you appreciate some resistance and clarity in your keystrokes. Ultimately, weigh your priorities—whether it's smoothness or tactile feedback—and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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