Huano Caramel Latte vs. Akko V3 Crystal Pro
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between two compelling options: the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro, both of which are esteemed linear switches. The Caramel Latte is celebrated for its medium actuation force of 50g and a bright, clacky sound profile, providing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience that transforms every keystroke into a delightful sensation. In contrast, the V3 Crystal Pro switches are distinguished by their fully polycarbonate construction, delivering a bright and chirpy sound signature along with a silky-smooth feel that makes typing a joy. While the Caramel Latte emphasizes a clackier acoustic profile, the V3 Crystal Pro offers a bouncier and more polished experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro utilize distinct top housing materials that significantly influence the overall switch performance. The Caramel Latte is crafted from POK (polyketone), known for its smooth operation and impressive durability, contributing to a sound profile that is both clacky and robust. With a low coefficient of friction and superior wear resistance compared to POM, the POK material enhances the user experience by providing a refined typing feel. In contrast, the V3 Crystal Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and yields a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it particularly fitting for users who prefer a more resonant audio experience. The translucency of polycarbonate further enhances its aesthetic appeal, especially when integrating with RGB lighting, although the POK does not boast this feature.
Examining the bottom housing materials reveals a further divergence between these two switches. While the Caramel Latte is constructed with nylon, a classic material known for its softer and rounder sound profile, the V3 Crystal Pro adopts a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns it somewhat with its top housing. The nylon bottom of the Caramel Latte absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper tone, while the polycarbonate bottom of the V3 Crystal Pro continues the trend of producing a crisp and clear audio signature. This disparity in materials suggests that the two switches will produce distinctly different sound profiles—more mellow and subdued for the Caramel Latte, and decidedly sharper for the V3 Crystal Pro.
With respect to the combined effects of the top and bottom housings, the differences in material characteristics lead to unique tactile and auditory experiences when typing. In the Caramel Latte, the durable and smooth POK top complements the softer nylon bottom, resulting in an engaging mix of both feedback and sound tailored towards users seeking a balanced typing feel. Conversely, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro, with its top and bottom both made of polycarbonate, creates a more uniform experience where clarity dominates. For users wanting the benefits of both materials, finding similar acoustic and tactile results might involve tweaking the switch configuration or experimenting with keycap choices, but the inherent differences will still shape each switch's overall performance.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch offer distinct typing experiences due to their differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the V3 Crystal Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. As a result, the Caramel Latte is the lighter option, which may be more suitable for those who require prolonged typing sessions or prefer a softer touch. Conversely, the V3 Crystal Pro, being heavier, may appeal to users looking for a more substantial feel while typing. Both switches offer user-friendly actuation and bottom out experiences, but the differences in force can significantly influence comfort and preference based on individual typing styles.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte has a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker reaction times. In contrast, the V3 Crystal Pro, with its 3.8 mm travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel that some users prefer for its depth and comfort during longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: those who favor responsiveness might lean towards the Caramel Latte, while those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback could opt for the V3 Crystal Pro.
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 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
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 switch is characterized by a bright and clacky sound, which can create an engaging auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches exhibit a chirpy sound signature that introduces a unique squeak with each keystroke. Both switches provide a lively acoustic presence, though the Caramel Latte offers a pronounced clack that can be more resonant compared to the more whimsical chirp of the V3 Crystal Pro. However, it’s important to note that sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap materials, which means that users can potentially achieve similar sound experiences between the two switches depending on their keyboard setup.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the Huano Caramel Latte offers a super smooth typing experience with a medium weight of 50g at the bottom, designed for comfortable key presses. Conversely, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches provide a bounce to each keystroke, creating a lively and elastic feedback sensation as well as a polished finish that promotes reduced friction and a sleek typing feel. While both switches aim for a smooth typing experience, the V3 Crystal Pro incorporates a spring-like rebound that adds an element of liveliness absent in the Caramel Latte, offering a different tactile experience.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switches deliver enjoyable typing experiences but achieve this through distinct sound and feel profiles. The bright clack of the Caramel Latte contrasts with the chirpy sound of the V3 Crystal Pro, while the smooth, weighted feedback of the Caramel Latte differs from the bouncy and polished feel of the Akko option. Together, they cater to different preferences in tactile response and auditory feedback, allowing newcomers to choose based on their personal typing style and sensory preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you lean towards a lighter typing experience with a moderate force requirement and enjoy a bright, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte switch is a fantastic choice. Its 55-gram bottom-out force makes it suitable for long typing sessions, where comfort and smooth keystrokes are essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a somewhat firmer feel with a 60-gram actuation, and appreciate that bouncy, lively sensation with a polished finish, the V3 Crystal Pro will serve you well. The polycarbonate construction contributes to its distinctive chirpy sound, making it an exciting option for those who enjoy acoustic feedback along with smooth key travel. Ultimately, whether you're gaming, typing, or just enjoying the tactile sensations of your keyboard, both switches offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences, so consider what aspects matter most to you before making your decision.
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