Akko Botany vs. Huano Caramel Latte
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Huano Caramel Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and Huano Caramel Latte switches present intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp, lively clacky sound straight out of the box, making them an excellent choice for users who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while typing. This engaging sound profile, combined with their linear characteristics, can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a spirited vibe. On the other hand, the Huano Caramel Latte switches also deliver a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, featuring a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, clacky sound profile. This balance makes them appealing to users who value precision and consistency in their keystrokes. Both switches showcase distinct appealing features; 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Huano Caramel Latte, one significant distinction lies in the material composition of their top housings. The Akko Botany uses nylon for its top housing, described as a classic choice due to its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This absorption arises from nylon's relatively softer characteristics, resulting in a sound that's more rounded and muted compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Huano Caramel Latte opts for POK, or polyketone, for its top housing. POK not only has a low coefficient of friction, making it smooth in operation, but its durability and sound signature lean towards a clackier and sharper response than that of nylon. Thus, while the Botany leans towards a warmer auditory experience, the Caramel Latte offers a crisp and lively output.
In both the Akko Botany and the Huano Caramel Latte, we see a shared choice of nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality means that users can expect similar sound profiles in terms of the bottom-out experience, regardless of the differences found in their top housing materials. With both switches utilizing nylon at the bottom, the deeper and fuller sound produced upon actuation is maintained. The nylon bottom absorbs sound effectively, ensuring that the overall auditory experience retains a dull and rounded quality that complements the tactile feel of the switch when pressed down.
The overall performance of these switches ultimately illustrates the harmony between their varying materials. While the Botany's nylon top housing offers a softer, more muted sound, the Caramel Latte's POK top housing emphasizes clarity and responsiveness, showcasing the versatility of material choices in switch design. However, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures that they both deliver a solid foundation of sound depth. This unique blend of materials highlights how each switch's attributes can complement one another, creating distinct auditory experiences while still sharing core qualities that come from the nylon influence in their designs.
Weight
The Akko Botany linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it easier to type for extended periods, appealing to those seeking a less strenuous typing experience. In contrast, the Caramel Latte switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a tactile typing experience. Thus, while the Botany switch is better suited for prolonged use and casual gaming due to its lighter touch, the Caramel Latte switch caters to those who enjoy a firmer push. Overall, the difference in force specifications between these two switches indicates that the Akko Botany is the lighter option, while the Huano Caramel Latte is the heavier choice.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they provide an identical experience in terms of keypress depth when pressed down. Since their travel distances are the same, users can expect similar tactile feedback and actuation feel between the two switches. This uniformity in travel distance allows for a consistent typing experience, whether using the Botany or the Caramel Latte switch. As a result, those who switch between the two will likely notice minimal differences in key response, making either option a suitable choice for users seeking a standard 3.6 mm travel distance in their keyboard experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko Botany switches are noted for their crisp and lively clack, delivering an engaging auditory experience right out of the box. This sound profile sets a bright tone that can enhance typing enjoyment for enthusiasts who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback. On the other hand, the Huano Caramel Latte switches also feature a bright, clacky sound, aligning closely with the Botany. The medium weight of the Caramel Latte, at 50g bottom out, complements its sound profile, making for a similarly enjoyable auditory experience. However, it’s important to remember that the overall sound will still be influenced by other factors like the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Botany is recognized for its lively and responsive characteristics, which provide a delightful tactile engagement with each keystroke. Meanwhile, the Huano Caramel Latte switches boast a smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall sensation as you type. While the Botany emphasizes a more vibrant feedback, the Caramel Latte's focus on smoothness can give a different but equally pleasant tactile sensation. Both switches cater to users looking for a satisfying interaction, albeit in slightly different manners.
In conclusion, both the Akko Botany and Huano Caramel Latte linear switches present appealing sound profiles and enjoyable typing experiences. With their crisp and clacky acoustic characteristics, users can expect a similar auditory delight from both. In terms of feel, while the Botany emphasizes a livelier response, the Caramel Latte offers a smoother typing sensation, providing options based on personal preference. Ultimately, whether you choose the Botany or the Caramel Latte, you're likely to have a fulfilling experience with either switch, thanks to their engaging sound and satisfying feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch should revolve around your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a lighter touch with a more pronounced, clacky sound, the Botany switch, with its 45g bottom out force, is an excellent choice. Its crisp audio feedback combined with the smooth feel makes it ideal for typists who appreciate a lively, spirited typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier tactile experience without sacrificing smoothness, the Caramel Latte switch is worth considering. With a bottom out force of 55g, it offers a balanced medium-light resistance that caters well to both typing and gaming, delivering that pleasant mix of sound and feel. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your priorities—whether that’s a lighter switch for speed and agility or a more robust, yet still pleasant, experience that the Caramel Latte provides.
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