Huano Caramel Latte vs. Akko V3 Cream Black Pro
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro 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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Latte, with its medium actuation force of 50g and bright, clacky sound profile, provides a smooth typing experience that enhances the pleasure of every keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro appeals to budget-conscious users seeking quality, featuring a similarly poppy and clacky sound that adds an enjoyable dimension to typing while maintaining a notably smooth feel. While both switches excel in creating a satisfying auditory and tactile feedback, their distinct sound profiles and appeal to varying budgets 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm
Housing materials
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, the differences in their top housing materials are notable. The Caramel Latte utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, boasting a coefficient of friction of 0.04, which facilitates an incredibly smooth keystroke. This material exhibits impressive durability, outperforming POM and Nylon in both wear and shock resistance. In contrast, the V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer and more resonant nature of polycarbonate lends itself to clarity in sound, especially in setups that employ RGB lighting due to its translucency. Thus, while both materials aim to enhance the typing experience, they do so in fundamentally different ways, with the Caramel Latte focusing on a smooth tactile feel and the V3 Cream Black Pro prioritizing sound clarity.
On the other hand, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro share a commonality in their bottom housing, made from nylon. This classic material is revered for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic profile during typing. Because nylon is a softer plastic, it complements the more rigid top housings of both switches, allowing each to play its part in shaping the overall sound character. As such, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials, both switches will deliver a rich auditory experience owing to their identical nylon bottom housings.
Ultimately, the interaction between the differing top housings and the shared nylon bottom housing means both switches will provide a unique yet comparable typing experience. The Caramel Latte's POK top will ensure a smooth keystroke with a softer, more muted sound during key release, while the V3 Cream Black Pro's polycarbonate top will contribute a clearer, more resonant sound on release. However, the deeper, rounder tones generated by the nylon bottom housing will create a foundation that unifies the two, allowing typists to achieve a satisfying and effective typing experience, despite the variance in sound profiles and tactility from the top housings.
Weight
The comparison between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch reveals notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch that is more suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. This increased resistance provides a more substantial typing experience, which might appeal to those who prefer a firmer push feel. In summary, if you're looking for a lighter touch that facilitates longer use, the Huano Caramel Latte is the better choice, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro caters to those who prefer a stronger keystroke due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, there is a clear difference. The Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Cream Black Pro has a slightly shorter distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if you are looking for a switch that offers a more substantial feel and deeper key presses, the Caramel Latte would be the better choice. In contrast, if you prioritize quicker response times in your gaming experience, the shorter 3.3 mm travel distance of the V3 Cream Black Pro may be more appealing. Ultimately, the Caramel Latte provides a longer travel distance, making it suitable for those who enjoy a richer typing experience, while the V3 Cream Black Pro caters to gamers seeking rapid 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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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 sound profile of the Huano Caramel Latte switches is known for being bright and clacky, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. This high-pitched sound makes them particularly appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced and lively auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches also deliver a poppy and clacky sound, similar to the Caramel Latte. They produce a sharp, crisp tone that can be considered high-pitched, offering a clear indication of key presses. Both switches thrive on their vibrant sound signatures, making them excellent choices for those who enjoy a more resonant typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switches are recognized for their super smooth typing experience, ensuring that each keystroke feels effortless and enjoyable. While the specific texture of the feel for the Caramel Latte isn't detailed, they are designed to enhance the tactile sensation of typing and provide a pleasant feedback loop to the user. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro offers a comprehensive suite of tactile experiences—including creaminess, bounce, and snappiness—that contributes to a lively and dynamic typing session. The factory lubrication and refined materials provide a silky sensation, while the bouncy characteristic gives a spring-like return upon pressing the keys, resulting in an engaging feel overall.
Overall, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switches are excellent options for users looking for a responsive typing experience accompanied by satisfying sound profiles. While the Caramel Latte excels in delivering a bright auditory feedback with a smooth keystroke, the V3 Cream Black Pro expands on this with a more dynamic feel that includes bounciness and snappiness. Depending on your preferences, these switches can offer similar results in terms of sound, while the V3 Cream Black Pro may provide additional enjoyment due to its varied tactile qualities. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal taste and the specific feel you desire from your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro should ultimately hinge on your personal typing preferences and the experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you prefer a typing experience that is medium-light yet exceptionally smooth, the Caramel Latte switches may be the perfect fit for you. Their unique bright, clacky sound profile makes each keystroke enjoyable, offering a delightful auditory feedback that many typists love. These switches excel in scenarios where typing comfort and a lighter actuation force are prioritized, making them an excellent choice for extensive typing sessions or casual gaming. On the other hand, if you're looking for something with a firmer feel and more resistance, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches, with their medium-heavy bottom out force, might be exactly what you need. They are recognized for their creamy, bouncy, and polished feel, providing a responsive and lively typing experience that can enhance both gaming performance and general productivity. Their high-pitched sound adds an extra layer of sharpness, making them suitable for those who appreciate clearer acoustic feedback. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you envision your keyboard experience—whether that leans toward the lively, smooth nature of the Caramel Latte or the responsive, buttery feel of the V3 Cream Black Pro.