Huano Caramel Latte vs. Akko Dracula
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko Dracula switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko Dracula both offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Caramel Latte is praised for its medium actuation weight of 50g and bright, clacky sound profile, delivering a super smooth and enjoyable typing experience with every keystroke. In contrast, the Akko Dracula utilizes POK material for its top case and stem, enhancing durability while providing an ultra-smooth typing feel. Additionally, its innovative design features an extra stem hole that promotes improved airflow, further elevating the typing experience. While both switches fall into the linear category, they offer distinct characteristics that can influence your choice: the Caramel Latte is ideal for those who appreciate a lively sound and feel, while the Dracula is perfect for users who prioritize durability and smooth action. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko Dracula share a notable similarity in their top housing composition, both utilizing POK (polyketone), a material celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, the POK material offers a seamless typing experience that is only slightly higher than that of LY, which stands at 0.03. The robustness of POK is impressive, as it boasts wear resistance that is 14 times greater than that of POM and provides superior shock resistance compared to nylon and POM. These characteristics make both switches smooth and clacky, resulting in a pleasant auditory and tactile feedback during usage.
In contrasting the bottom housings, the Caramel Latte and Dracula both incorporate nylon, a classic choice renowned for its softer composition, which impacts the switches' sound profile. This material absorbs sound more efficiently than harder plastics, leading to a deeper and fuller acoustic experience. Consequently, typing on switches with nylon housings produces a duller, rounder sound. As both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a consistent experience in terms of sound absorption and overall auditory quality, further enhancing the typing experience across both models.
While the POK top housings of the Caramel Latte and Dracula promise a seamless tactile encounter, the integration of nylon in their bottom housings means that the switches maintain a cohesive sonic quality. The combination of these materials ensures that when users press down on either switch, the mechanical interaction will invoke a similarly rich sound profile owing to the nylon's characteristics, while the smoothness from the POK contributes to a satisfying release. Ultimately, the harmonious balance of these materials in both switches results in offerings that, while potentially differing in aesthetic appeal or branding, deliver a comparable tactile and acoustic performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, notable differences emerge. 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 Akko Dracula is lighter, with an actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This lighter actuation force may be more appealing for those who type for extended periods, as it requires less effort, making it suitable for long workdays or gaming sessions. The heavier Caramel Latte switch, with its greater actuation and bottom out forces, caters to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, providing a firmer push feel. Overall, the difference in weight reflects their intended user preferences: the Akko Dracula is designed for those who favor lighter switches, while the Caramel Latte caters to individuals seeking heavier resistance.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Dracula linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This comparison highlights a clear distinction in their feel and responsiveness; the Caramel Latte's shorter travel distance may provide quicker actuation, making it a favorable choice for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Dracula's longer travel distance might deliver a more pronounced tactile depth, appealing to users who prefer a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect different sensations from these switches, with the Caramel Latte being the shorter option and the Dracula being the longer one, which may affect user preference based on individual typing styles and needs.
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 Dracula has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dracula for $3.29.
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 linear switch is characterized by a bright, clacky tone, which adds an energetic and lively quality to your typing experience. This can create an engaging auditory feedback that some typists find enjoyable, especially in a lively environment. Conversely, the Akko Dracula linear switch does not have a specific sound profile mentioned, but its design featuring POK material and airflow-enhanced stem may contribute to a quieter operation. However, the overall sound can still vary depending on the keyboard construction and keycap choices, making it difficult to directly compare their sound qualities without additional context.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Caramel Latte offers a smooth typing experience with a medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, providing a balance that many will find satisfying for both typing and gaming. This smoothness ensures that each keystroke transmits a gratifying sensation, allowing for fluid motion across extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Akko Dracula switch is also noted for its ultra-smooth typing experience, given its use of specialized materials and design aimed at enhancing durability and performance. While both switches promise smoothness, the empirical feel may slightly differ due to the distinct design elements employed in each switch.
In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Akko Dracula linear switches cater to typing enthusiasts with their smooth keystrokes, inviting users to enjoy their typing experience. While the Caramel Latte stands out with its bright, clacky sound profile, the Dracula's sound is less defined, potentially offering a quieter experience depending on the keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches have unique characteristics that may appeal to different preferences, and trying them out could lead to a clearer understanding of which switch resonates more with individual typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a slightly heavier tactile experience with a bottom-out force of 55 grams, the Caramel Latte might be the better option for you, especially if you enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile that adds a dynamic touch to your typing. This switch provides a very smooth experience, making it excellent for both typists and gamers who want to feel a bit more resistance while typing. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with its 45 grams of bottom-out force and a whisper-quiet typing experience, the Akko Dracula is an excellent choice. Its innovative POK material and additional stem hole design provide not just smoothness, but also durability, making it suitable for longer typing sessions without discomfort. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you, such as the weight of the switch and the sound it produces, to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard needs.
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