Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Jupiter Red stand out as remarkable linear options, each offering distinct characteristics tailored to different typing preferences. The Caramel Latte is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, producing a bright and clacky sound profile that enhances the tactile pleasure of each keystroke—a feature that may appeal to users who enjoy an auditory feedback alongside smooth performance. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red excels with its smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, bolstered by a single-stage spring that provides a medium-heavy actuation. Users favoring a seamless and consistent typing experience often gravitate towards the Jupiter Red due to its refined design, which includes high-precision molds and softer backlight effects for an aesthetically pleasing setup. While both switches cater to those seeking linear typing experiences, their unique qualities set them apart. 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
45g
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
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 Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches, one notable distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK (Polyketone), a material known for its smoothness and durability, boasting a coefficient of friction at 0.04. This property makes it one of the smoothest options available and capable of producing a clacky sound, lending itself well to a lively typing experience. In contrast, the Jupiter Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness and translucency. This stiffness results in a higher-pitched, crisper sound, ideal for users seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback. Ultimately, while the Caramel Latte's POK offers a smooth operation, the Jupiter Red's polycarbonate provides a sharper acoustic profile, creating distinct user experiences based on the choice of top housing material.
Interestingly, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, a classic choice that emphasizes deep and full sound profiles. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound effectively, which contributes to a rounder acoustic experience, regardless of the top housing material employed. This shared bottom housing means that, while the top housings of the switches diverge significantly in terms of characteristics and resulting sound profiles, the deeper, fuller auditory feedback from the nylon will remain consistent. This commonality allows users of both switches to appreciate a uniform bottom-out sound, anchoring the overall feel of the switches.
In the context of performance, the combination of distinct top housing materials with the same nylon bottom housing illustrates how each aspect contributes to the final typing experience. The unique qualities of the POK and polycarbonate contribute primarily to the sound of the activation and release of the keypress, while the nylon absorbs and dampens sound at the bottom, shaping the overall auditory experience. Thus, while users can expect different acoustic results when pressing down on each switch, the bottom housing ensures that both options deliver a comforting depth of sound that resonates with traditional switch characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Jupiter Red linear switches, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users will experience a similar level of effort required to trigger a keystroke, making both switches suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions without causing excessive fatigue. However, the bottom out forces differ: the Caramel Latte bottoms out at 55 grams, while the Jupiter Red has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams. As a result, the Caramel Latte is the lighter switch overall, providing a somewhat softer feel at the end of travel, which may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Jupiter Red can offer a more substantial typing experience, ideal for users who favor a firmer response when bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, it is evident that they differ significantly. The Caramel Latte features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Jupiter Red has a more traditional travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that offers quicker response times, the Caramel Latte may be the better choice due to its shorter travel, which is often favored by gamers for its immediate feedback. Conversely, those who prefer a more pronounced key press and a sense of depth in their typing experience might lean towards the Jupiter Red, as its longer travel distance can provide a more substantial feel. Thus, your selection will largely depend on your personal preference for 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 Jupiter Red 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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Caramel Latte switch produces a bright, clacky auditory experience that can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy an expressive typing sound. This lively acoustic quality can enhance the overall tactile experience, making each keystroke feel more engaged and rewarding. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch is characterized by a more neutral sound profile, which strikes a balance between moderate actuation force and sound output. This makes it versatile for various environments, suitable for both beginners and seasoned users alike. Ultimately, while the Caramel Latte leans into a more vivid sound, the Jupiter Red remains understated, catering to those who prefer less auditory feedback while typing.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switch offers a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, allowing users to glide through keystrokes effortlessly. Its medium actuation force of 50g contributes to a balanced typing sensation, making it approachable for many users. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red provides a polished and creamy feel, with refined components that promote a silky typing experience. The combination of a smooth key travel and the gentle resistance of the switch caters to those seeking both comfort and consistency. While the exact nature of the feel for the Caramel Latte isn't detailed, it is likely to be enjoyable, but the Jupiter Red has the edge in terms of an overall buttery, fluid typing motion.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Jupiter Red linear switches present distinct sound and feel characteristics, they cater to different typing preferences. The Caramel Latte provides a more vibrant auditory experience with smooth keystrokes, making it ideal for those who relish a lively sound while typing. The Jupiter Red, with its neutral sound and polished, creamy feel, serves those looking for a refined and subdued typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether you desire an expressive sound profile or a versatile, cushioned typing sensation, but both switches will offer a satisfactory performance in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound profile, and overall typing experience. If you lean towards a smoother typing experience combined with a slightly lighter touch, the Caramel Latte switches, with their medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, are ideal for you. They are particularly suited for those who enjoy a bright, clacky sound profile and a typing feel that is both enjoyable and easy to navigate, making them perfect for prolonged use in gaming or casual typing settings. Conversely, if you prefer a more robust and dynamic typing experience, the Jupiter Red switches offer a firmer bottom-out force of 60 grams and a polished, creamy feel. This makes them an excellent choice for users who favor a consistent, medium-weight actuation coupled with a neutral sound profile. The Jupiter Reds are especially conducive for office settings or situations where you want a quieter, yet satisfying typing experience. In essence, your choice should align with how you prioritize these features for your specific typing needs and preferences.
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