Huano Caramel Latte vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro present two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences. The Caramel Latte, a linear switch, boasts a medium actuation force of 50g and is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and bright, clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for typists who seek an uninterrupted flow and minimal tactile feedback. In contrast, the Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch that combines a satisfying bump with a higher-pitched sound, providing keyboard enthusiasts with a responsive and engaging typing experience. With its characteristics described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, this switch can appeal to those who appreciate both auditory and tactile sensations while typing. While both switches offer compelling features tailored to their respective audiences, 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
1.90 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
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
The Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offer distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles and tactile responses. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing, renowned for its low coefficient of friction (0.04), making it incredibly smooth and durable. With its superior wear resistance and shock absorption compared to materials like Nylon and POM, the POK contributes to a smooth, clacky sound that is particularly pleasant for typists. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro opts for a polycarbonate top housing that promotes a sharper and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the resonance, resulting in a sound that can be described as clearer and more defined, especially in setups incorporating RGB lighting due to its translucency.
On the contrary, both the Caramel Latte and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro share nylon as their bottom housing material. This commonality leads to similar acoustic experiences, as nylon's softer properties tend to absorb sound, yielding a deeper and fuller auditory signature. The inherent qualities of nylon, while blended with the distinct characteristics of each top housing, create a unique balance of sound profiles. When typing on either switch, users can expect the deeper, rounder sound associated with nylon, which enhances the overall typing experience by mitigating the harsher resonances that might arise from the top housing materials.
Ultimately, the interplay of the different top and bottom housing materials in the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro serves to create their unique identities while also maintaining certain similarities. The combination of a smooth POK top with a nylon bottom in the Caramel Latte emphasizes durability and a clacky sound, while the polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom in the V3 results in a sharper and crisper acoustic profile. In both cases, the nylon bottom serves to ground the switches with its softer characteristics, resulting in a fulfilling typing experience that showcases the strengths of each respective top housing. Therefore, despite the differences in the top housing materials, users can achieve a rich and enjoyable typing experience with both switches.
Weight
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing both firmly in the medium-light category. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable typing experience regarding actuation and bottoming out, making either switch a good choice for those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. Since both switches exert the same force at actuation and bottoming out, they provide similar tactile feedback and effort, catering well to individuals who favor a less strenuous typing experience. Thus, for users who appreciate a lighter feel, both options satisfy this preference equally without any distinction in force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, we find that the Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, with its greater travel distance, could be favored by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feel during typing, providing a deeper, more engaging experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference: if you prioritize speed, the Caramel Latte may be the better fit, whereas if you appreciate a more substantial keystroke, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would likely be preferable.
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 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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 switch is noted for its bright and clacky sound profile, creating an auditory experience that many enthusiasts appreciate for its dynamic character. This contrasts with the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, which features a higher-pitched sound that is distinctive yet often described as delightful due to its satisfying tactile bump. While the sound of each switch is inherently dependent on the specific keyboard frame and keycap materials used, both provide unique auditory experiences that can enhance typing enjoyment, with the Caramel Latte being more prominent in its clack and the Lavender Purple Pro offering a sharper note.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch excels with a super smooth typing experience, making it comfortable for extended use without any noticeable scratchiness. In comparison, the Lavender Purple Pro switches provide a variety of tactile sensations, characterized by their medium tactile feedback that strikes a balance between strong responsiveness and comfort. The various descriptors of the Lavender Purple Pro, such as "bouncy" and "snappy," suggest a lively typing experience with spring-like feedback, contrasting with the pure smoothness of the Caramel Latte. The polished feel of the Akko switch further implies a refined typing experience, with reduced friction that contributes to a smooth key travel, providing a different yet enjoyable tactile experience.
Overall, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch offers a bright and engaging sound alongside an exceptionally smooth feel that appeals to users who prefer a straightforward linear switch. Meanwhile, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch provides a captivating blend of sound and feel, enhancing the typing experience with its higher-pitched auditory feedback and well-balanced tactile stimulation. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth, linear action with an expressive sound or a tactile experience with a more complex acoustic profile. Each has its unique advantages, so you'll enjoy distinct benefits from either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, your choice should depend on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth, clacky typing experience with a vibrant sound profile that enhances every keystroke, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force makes it suitable for extended typing sessions without fatigue, making it ideal for writers, programmers, or anyone who appreciates a fluid typing style. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit more feedback with each press, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro's tactile bump gives a satisfying response without being overwhelming. Its snappy and bouncy feel lends itself well to gaming and typing alike, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds. Ultimately, both switches feature a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, so your decision should hinge on whether you value the smoothness of linear switches or the tactile feedback of tactile ones. Consider your personal typing style, what activities you'll be engaging in most, and choose the switch that resonates with you for the best overall experience.
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