Huano Caramel Latte vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to individual typing preferences, and two standout options in the linear category are the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro. The Huano Caramel Latte is a favorite for its medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, which delivers a delightful, bright, and clacky sound profile, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable typing experience that enhances productivity. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches shine with their solid and responsive keystroke, characterized by a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out that provides tactile feedback and resonant clacks, appealing to both typists and gamers. While the Caramel Latte focuses on a clacky sound and smoothness, the Matcha Green Pro emphasizes a bouncy feel complemented by pronounced acoustics. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your unique typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the top housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, significant differences stand out. The Caramel Latte utilizes polyketone (POK) for its top housing, a material renowned for its low coefficient of friction (0.04) which facilitates a smooth keystroke experience. This contributes to a combination of smoothness and durability, as POK is exceptionally strong and shows remarkable wear resistance in comparison to other materials like POM. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which delivers a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of the plastic. These diverse materials lead to distinct auditory experiences while typing.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Caramel Latte and the V3 Matcha Green Pro feature nylon. This classic material is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile because it is softer and absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Consequently, both switches will have the same auditory richness associated with their nylon bottom housings, creating a cohesive sound profile that enhances user experience when actuating the keys. However, the overall experience and auditory qualities will be shaped by the differences in each model's top housing.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials affects the overall performance and sound profile of each switch. While the Caramel Latte's POK top housing allows for a smoother keystroke, the Matcha Green Pro's polycarbonate top housing provides a higher-pitched auditory feedback. Despite having similar nylon bottom housings, which both promote a deeper sound, the distinct characteristics of the top housings mean that pressing down on the switches will yield different auditory responses. Therefore, although the bottom housings contribute to the overall experience, the uniqueness of the top housing materials plays a crucial role in defining how each switch sounds and feels, resulting in varied yet fulfilling typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Caramel Latte features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro requires a heftier 55 grams to register a keystroke, making it the heavier option of the two. Regarding bottom out forces, the Caramel Latte also remains lighter at 55 grams compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro's 63 grams. This variance in weight can greatly influence typing experience; the Caramel Latte's lighter actuation might be more suitable for users who prefer longer typing sessions without fatigue, whereas the greater push feel of the Matcha Green Pro appeals to those who seek more resistance and a satisfying typing experience. Thus, individuals can select based on their personal preference for lightness or heavier feedback in their keyboard experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, the Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the shorter Caramel Latte may be the better choice, as it allows for quicker actuation, which is often preferred by gamers. However, if you appreciate a more pronounced key press with a bit more depth, the V3 Matcha Green Pro's 3.8 mm travel distance will provide that slightly heartier feel. In summary, the Caramel Latte is the shorter switch, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro is the longer one, catering to different preferences in usage.
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 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green 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 known for its bright and clacky sound profile, making it produce a sharp and snappy auditory response when pressed. This creates an engaging and lively typing experience, which many find pleasurable. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switch also exhibits a clacky nature but adds depth with a resonant quality, resulting in a higher-pitched, immersive auditory experience. Users will experience not only the crispness of clacky sounds but also a more pronounced, clear sound that enhances the interaction with each keystroke. Both switches contribute to a satisfying acoustic environment, though the Matcha Green Pro leans more toward a resonant sound.
When comparing the feel of these switches, the Caramel Latte offers a smooth typing experience that many users enjoy for its effortless keystrokes. It possesses a medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, lending itself to a comfortable typing experience for extended periods. The V3 Matcha Green Pro, in contrast, provides a more dynamic feel, characterized by a bouncy, spring-like response that delivers enthusiastic feedback with every press. With its creamy and silky characteristics, this switch enhances the overall typing experience by providing smooth key travel, combining both comfort and tactile pleasure. While both switches offer a smooth experience, the Matcha Green Pro also embodies an engaging rebound sensation that sets it apart.
Overall, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches provide distinct yet enjoyable experiences, tailored for different preferences. The Caramel Latte focuses on a delightful auditory experience alongside a smooth feel, appealing to those who appreciate a clacky sound without compromising comfort. The Matcha Green Pro, meanwhile, delivers a more complex experience with its resonant sound and responsive bounciness, ideal for users looking for that extra tactile feedback and engaging interaction with each keystroke. Ultimately, both switches promise substantial satisfaction, depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a balance of both when typing or gaming.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound. If you favor a lighter keypress with a smooth and buttery feel, the Caramel Latte's medium-light actuation force of 55 grams will make each keystroke feel easy and effortless, complemented by a bright and clacky sound that adds a playful element to your typing experience. This switch is ideal for casual use, typing long documents, or even just enjoying a satisfying auditory feedback without a heavy actuation requirement. On the other hand, if you’re someone who prefers a more substantial and solid touch combined with a responsive keystroke, the V3 Matcha Green Pro might be your best choice. With its medium actuation force of 63 grams, it offers a bouncy, creamy typing experience and delivers a satisfying sharp bottom-out sound that appeals to both typists and gamers alike. Choosing the Matcha Green Pro means embracing a resonant sound profile and a bit more resistance, which might enhance focus and clarity during intensive typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches have unique qualities that cater to different styles; therefore, knowing whether you prefer a lighter, more melodic experience or a robust, tactile one will guide you in making the most satisfying selection.
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