Introducing the New Kailh Cardamom Switch: A High-Performance, Dust-Proof Innovation
🌿 Longhua Cardamom Switch: Elegance, Durability, and Smooth Linear Feel
45gf · 1.9mm pre‑travel · 3.5mm total travel · 50M lifespan · Dust‑proof stem
📌 In This Review
🔍 Click to jump – discover Longhua’s first dust‑proof switch.
💬 As a sub‑brand under Kailh, Longhua switches have always been known for their high cost‑performance ratio and durability, earning a solid market reputation.
The new Cardamom switch continues this tradition with a compelling blend of elegance, functionality, and longevity. Whether you're a typing enthusiast, a professional, or a gamer, the Cardamom switch promises to elevate your keyboard experience to new heights.
🎨 Aesthetics and Design
The Cardamom switch features a transparent housing combined with a Morandi purple base, complemented by a bright white stem. This design exudes simplicity and elegance, fitting any keyboard setup. The low‑saturation color scheme imparts a premium feel.
Using the traditional MX structure, the transparent cover is frosted to diffuse light softly, creating a visually pleasing effect. The dust‑proof cross‑shaped stem enhances press stability and prevents dust ingress, extending lifespan. The three‑pin design ensures compatibility with mainstream hot‑swap mechanical keyboards, perfect for DIY enthusiasts and professionals.
🧱 High‑Quality Materials and Construction
🔹 Materials
- Top cover: PC (frosted)
- Base: Nylon (Morandi purple)
- Stem: POM (white, dust‑proof cross shape)
- Spring: Single‑stage long spring
🔹 Construction Highlights
- Traditional large buckle top cover
- Kailh gold contact welding – oxidation/wear resistant
- Elongated stem with conical bottom – crisp bottom‑out sound
- Light factory lubrication – reduces spring/leaf noise
⚙️ Performance and Durability
📋 Key Specifications
- Type: Linear
- Actuation Force: 45gf
- Pre‑Travel: 1.9mm
- Total Travel: 3.5mm
- Lifespan: 50 million keystrokes
- Structure: MX, 3‑pin, dust‑proof stem
The Cardamom switch offers a pre‑bottom‑out linear feel. The pressing experience is smooth and stable, with a light and linear feel, swift rebound, and well‑controlled noise. The gold contact welding and dust‑proof stem deliver an impressive 50M lifespan. Whether coding, composing emails, or light gaming, the Cardamom switch keeps up effortlessly.
The pre‑bottom‑out design ensures a crisp and clear bottom‑out sound, providing a great HIFI experience with the right keyboard setup.
💡 Lighting Performance
The Cardamom switch uses a frosted transparent cover to diffuse light evenly and softly, enhancing uniformity and spread. This makes your keyboard look more aesthetically pleasing, especially in low‑light environments. The flat mirror light position design does not support strong light focusing but is compatible with mainstream RGB SMD LEDs, making it a great choice for hot‑swappable RGB keyboards. Whether you prefer a subtle glow or vibrant RGB effects, the Cardamom switch will make your keyboard stand out.
📊 Cardamom Switch – At a Glance
⚡
Type
Linear (pre‑bottom‑out)
🎚️
Actuation Force
45gf
📏
Pre‑Travel / Total Travel
1.9mm / 3.5mm
🔁
Lifespan
50 million keystrokes
🧱
Materials
PC (frosted) + Nylon + POM
🛡️
Special Features
Dust‑proof stem, gold contacts, light lube
💡
RGB Compatibility
Frosted diffuser, SMD LED
🔌
Compatibility
3‑pin, MX hot‑swap
✅ Conclusion: A Refined Linear for Everyday Excellence
The Cardamom switch, as the first dust‑proof switch from Longhua under Kailh, excels in both design and tactile feedback. The MX structure combined with the three‑pin design ensures broad compatibility, and the lighting performance is noteworthy. Overall, the Cardamom switch presents a well‑rounded and high‑quality option for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. If you're looking to upgrade your keyboard with switches that offer a perfect blend of aesthetics, durability, and performance, the Cardamom switch is your ideal choice.
📖 For more switch reviews: Keyboard University’s Switch Guide | Tom’s Hardware Best Switches
© 2025 Longhua / Kailh Switch Review. Based on official specifications. Free to share with credit.