Huano Caramel Latte vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering a mechanical keyboard, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience. The Huano Caramel Latte switches stand out for their medium actuation weight of 50g and their bright, clacky sound profile, providing an exceptionally smooth and enjoyable typing experience that delights enthusiasts who appreciate feedback in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches cater to budget-conscious users without compromising on performance, as they deliver a pleasingly poppy, clacky sound paired with a creamy tactile feel. Their design is characterized by easy actuation and a polished finish, making them a compelling option for those who enjoy a lively auditory experience while typing. While both switches have their unique attributes, the Caramel Latte offers a slightly heavier and more robust feel, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro appeals to those seeking a lighter, more playful touch. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
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
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 Yellow Pro switches both showcase a blend of materials that greatly influence their operational characteristics and sound profiles. The Caramel Latte utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is celebrated for its exceptional durability and smoothness, boasting a lower coefficient of friction than standard materials like LY. This results in a smooth, clacky feel when typing, as the housing facilitates effortless key presses. In contrast, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for delivering a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. This stark difference in the top housing materials creates distinct acoustic environments—while the Caramel Latte leans towards a smooth, resonating clack, the Akko produces a clearer and more crisp sound that many enthusiasts find appealing for its articulation.
Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which are a common choice given their ability to create a deeper, fuller sound profile. This similarity ensures that the two switches share some acoustic properties, contributing to a more rounded bottom-out sound and a tactile feel that is favored by many typists. The nylon's softer nature absorbs sound effectively, creating a duller resonance that contrasts with the sharper sounds from the top housings. Consequently, while the upper and lower housing materials differ, they blend harmoniously to provide a balanced typing experience, allowing users to appreciate a combination of smoothness and depth regardless of the switch chosen.
In summation, the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro combine different strengths to produce unique typing experiences. The fundamental difference lies in the top housing: the Caramel Latte's POK yields a smooth and durable action, while the V3's polycarbonate results in an articulate sound profile. However, both switches align in using nylon for the bottom housing, which promotes a rounded sound—providing a cohesive auditory quality. Ultimately, while the two offers different top housing characteristics leading to varied user experiences, their shared bottom housing provides a similar foundation that integrates both builds effectively.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Caramel Latte has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the heavier 50 grams of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, the Caramel Latte’s bottom out force is 55 grams, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Caramel Latte offers a more forgiving feel when bottoming out, which could be appealing to those seeking a softer typing experience. Overall, those who favor a lighter switch for comfort should lean towards the Huano Caramel Latte, while users looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro 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 Yellow Pro linear switch, the Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that users of the Caramel Latte will experience a bit more depth when pressing down on the key compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. For gamers or those who prioritize responsiveness in their typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may offer an advantage by allowing for quicker key presses. However, for users who prefer a more pronounced and hearty feel, the greater travel distance of the Caramel Latte is likely to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference for travel distance and response characteristics.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow 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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch presents a bright and clacky sound profile that creates an engaging auditory experience with every keystroke. This characteristic allows for a somewhat lively typing atmosphere, perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound while typing. Meanwhile, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches also favor a poppy and clacky sound, making them equivalent in this aspect to the Caramel Lattes. Both switches will deliver an appealing auditory profile that varies slightly depending on the keyboard construction and keycap materials, but users can generally expect a vibrant sound from either switch.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switch offers a super smooth typing experience, which is likely to provide a consistent and enjoyable sensation across extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are characterized as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished. This multi-faceted tactile experience suggests that these switches provide both comfort and responsiveness with minimal effort needed during key presses. While the Caramel Latte prioritizes smoothness, the Cream Yellow Pro focuses on a lively and responsive experience, making them suitable for different preferences in typing feel.
In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches cater to distinct typing experiences, primarily defined by their sound and feel. The Caramel Latte is designed for those who appreciate a bright and clacky audio dimension combined with exceptional smoothness during typing. Conversely, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro delivers a similar auditory experience with a more dynamic and responsive tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice between the two will hinge on whether you prefer a smooth but straightforward tactile experience or a more complex and engaging tactile interaction, as both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a lighter feel and smoother typing experience, the Caramel Latte is a fantastic option, especially with its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, which allows for effortless keystrokes and a bright, clacky sound profile. This switch might be ideal for you if you engage in extended typing sessions and prefer a sound that enhances your overall enjoyment without being overly loud. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that combines decent smoothness with a more pronounced auditory feedback, then the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, with its 60 grams bottom out force, could be your go-to switch. Its easy-to-press nature and bouncy, snappy feel make it a delightful choice for both gaming and general typing, particularly when you favor a tactile and engaging experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your comfort level with feel and sound, allowing you to enjoy your mechanical keyboard to its fullest.
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