Huano Caramel Latte vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often hinge on the desired typing experience and feedback style. The Huano Caramel Latte, a linear switch, boasts a medium weight bottom-out force of 50g, delivering a super smooth and pleasurable typing experience characterized by a bright, clacky sound profile. This makes the Caramel Latte an excellent choice for users who prefer a seamless and uninterrupted keystroke, perfect for gaming or long typing sessions. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro presents a tactile experience with its accented and snappy characteristics. This switch captivates users with its distinct clacky sound and tactile feedback, making every keystroke feel lively and engaging—ideal for typists who enjoy audible confirmations with each press. While both switches offer unique benefits—smoothness for the Caramel Latte and a tactile pop for the V3 Cream Blue Pro—they cater to different user experiences. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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 spring
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro utilize different materials for their top housings, which dramatically influences the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The Caramel Latte employs POK material, known for its smooth action, with a coefficient of friction of 0.04, slightly higher than the Akko's polycarbonate, which sits at 0.03. This difference in friction may lead to a more tactile and softer feel during operation with the Caramel Latte, contributing to smooth, clacky sounds that many users enjoy. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which allows for a clearer and more resonant sound profile, significantly enhancing the auditory feedback from the keystrokes. While both materials serve excellent purposes, POK lends itself to a smoother feel, while polycarbonate focuses on sound clarity and pitch.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches share a commonality: nylon is the material of choice for the bottom housing in both cases. This is significant because nylon's softer characteristics absorb sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, which can enhance the typing experience by providing a more rounded auditory feedback. Thus, while the top housings of the Caramel Latte and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro differ in material composition and consequently in sound profile, the nylon bottom housing adds a layer of consistency in performance. Regardless of the top housing material, the presence of nylon in both cases ensures that users will still enjoy a rich and velvety sound when bottoming out keys.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials grants each switch its unique character while also allowing for certain similarities to shine through. Given that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a full-bodied acoustic experience regardless of the specific top housing material used. Therefore, while the Caramel Latte's smooth and clacky sound pairs uniquely with its POK top, the Akko's bright and crisp tones blend seamlessly with its polycarbonate top—even as the deeper sounds stemming from nylon ultimately unify their auditory experiences. This interplay of contrasting top materials and a shared bottom housing ensures that both switches, while different in initial acoustic response, can offer similarly satisfying results.
Weight
Both the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch feature an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making them quite similar in terms of feel and performance. With both switches categorized as medium-light, they offer a lighter typing experience that can be beneficial for users who engage in extended typing or gaming sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. Given that their specifications align closely, users can expect a comparable keystroke response and bottoming out feel. Thus, whether choosing the Caramel Latte or the V3 Cream Blue Pro, individuals seeking a lighter switch will find both options satisfyingly responsive while maintaining a substantive typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, we find that the Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro measures 3.3 mm. This means that the Huano Caramel Latte offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced key press and a deeper tactile experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro's shorter 3.3 mm travel distance could cater to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, providing a more abrupt feel that can enhance typing speed and efficiency. For those who prefer a balance between responsiveness and depth, the choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference for travel distance—opt for the Caramel Latte if you enjoy a fuller depth, or choose the V3 Cream Blue Pro for a more immediate feedback experience.
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 Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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 Huano Caramel Latte switches are recognized for their bright and clacky sound profile, which can create an engaging auditory experience that many typists appreciate. This lively acoustic element is further enhanced by the medium weight of 50g at bottom out, making each keystroke feel pronounced. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches also boast a clacky sound, complemented by their distinctive popping noise that delivers audible feedback. Both switches promise a vibrant auditory experience; however, the exact sound can vary based on the specific keyboard build and keycap choice.
When discussing feel, the Caramel Latte switches are known for their super smooth typing experience, which ensures that each keypress glides effortlessly without any friction. This smoothness provides a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are characterized by their medium tactile feedback, described as "Accented," which strikes a balance — offering a noticeable tactility without being overwhelming. They are also noted for their bouncy and snappy nature, contributing to a lively interaction that gives a satisfying rebound with each keypress. Furthermore, their polished feel suggests reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing experience. While the Caramel Latte emphasizes smoothness, the V3 Cream Blue Pro leverages tactility and responsiveness for an engaging touch.
In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Latte's bright clackiness and silky smoothness stand out, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a lively, tactile, and bouncy typing experience paired with a vibrant sound. Depending on what you prioritize—whether it’s a polished smoothness or an engaging tactile response—you will find satisfaction in either option. Ultimately, selecting a switch that aligns with your typing style and sound preference will yield a wonderful mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch should depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you favor a smooth, linear experience that promotes speed and fluidity in keystrokes, the Caramel Latte is an excellent option. Its medium-light actuation and pleasant clacky sound make it enjoyable for those who prioritize a more minimalist audio feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile response with a lively acoustic feedback, the V3 Cream Blue Pro should be your go-to. Its characteristic tactile bump combined with an articulate snappy quality provides an engaging typing experience, making it a great fit for typists who enjoy feeling each keystroke's feedback. The distinct poppy sound and moderately bouncy feel of the Akko switch provide a delightful sensory experience, which can invigorate your workflow or gaming sessions. Ultimately, choose the Caramel Latte for a smooth and silent ambiance or the V3 Cream Blue Pro for a more interactive and tactile sensation.
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