Huano Caramel Latte vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and Akko Penguin represent two distinct approaches to typing feel and sound that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Latte, a linear switch, is recognized for its smooth actuation, featuring a medium weight of 50g at bottom out and a bright, clacky sound profile that adds an exhilarating auditory element to each keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and those who relish a more dynamic typing experience. Conversely, the Akko Penguin switch introduces a tactile element with a rounded bump, designed specifically for quieter environments. With a similar medium weight, the Penguin provides satisfying feedback without the noise, making it ideal for office settings where concentration is key. While both switches offer unique benefits—smoothness versus tactile feedback—choosing between them ultimately depends on your typing style and environment. 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
43g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
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 used in the Huano Caramel Latte and Akko Penguin switches showcase distinct characteristics that define their typing experiences. The Caramel Latte employs a POK material for its top housing, renowned for its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. This allows for a smoother actuation when typing, enhancing the overall responsiveness of the switch. In contrast, the Akko Penguin features a traditional nylon top housing, known for its softer texture that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. While nylon is effective in sound absorption, resulting in a duller, rounder tone, the POK material's robustness and relatively higher friction might create a more pronounced "clacky" auditory response during operation. Thus, while both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences, they cater to different preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Akko Penguin utilize nylon, marking a point of similarity between them. Nylon's characteristics bring a consistent depth and resonance to both switches, leading to a similar sound profile that is warmer and more muted compared to harder materials. Here, the impact of the material is felt more prominently when bottoming out the keys, as nylon’s softer nature absorbs some of the impact, ensuring that typing is quiet yet fulfilling. This shared nylon bottom housing creates a coherent feel between the two switches, ensuring that if users appreciate the bottom-out sensation of one, they are likely to enjoy that aspect in the other as well.
In essence, the comparison highlights the interplay of different materials in the Huano Caramel Latte and Akko Penguin. The POK top housing of the Caramel Latte offers a distinct advantage in terms of smoothness and durability, fostering a sharper sound profile when releasing keys—traits that avid typists might favor. Meanwhile, the common nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures a solid base experience, resulting in a fuller, more rounded sound that delights users who value acoustic richness. These contrasts in top housing materials enrich the user’s choice, allowing personal preference to dictate which switch is the better fit for their typing style.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, there are some notable 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, providing a medium-light feel. In contrast, the Akko Penguin has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams, but a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while both switches offer a relatively similar typing experience, the Penguin's heavier bottom out force may provide a more substantial feel at the end of the keypress. For those seeking prolonged typing comfort, the Caramel Latte may be preferable due to its slightly higher actuation force, making it feel more responsive without overwhelming the fingers over extended use. Overall, the Caramel Latte can be characterized as the heavier option due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Penguin, which is lighter in actuation but heavier in bottom out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the Penguin measures at 3.3 mm, the shorter of the two. This difference of 0.3 mm may seem minimal, but it influences the overall typing feel and responsiveness. The shorter travel distance of the Penguin can cater to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Caramel Latte's slightly greater distance may appeal to those looking for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding responsiveness and the sensation of depth while typing.
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 Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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 switch delivers a bright and clacky auditory profile that is distinctly more pronounced, making each keystroke feel satisfying but also potentially louder in shared environments. This lively sound can be enjoyable for typists who appreciate that feedback, yet it may be intrusive in quieter settings. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch prioritizes noise minimization with a muted sound profile that produces a softer, more discreet keystroke, making it an ideal choice for office environments or other scenarios where noise reduction is important. Together, these switches represent opposite ends of the auditory spectrum, with the Caramel Latte providing an engaging sound experience and the Penguin offering a more subdued, neutral approach.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte is known for its super smooth typing experience that is characterized by a medium weight of 50g, which may translate to a pleasant balance between responsiveness and control, though the specific nuance of this feel isn’t elaborated upon. The Akko Penguin, conversely, features a polished and refined typing experience with a rounded tactile bump that provides gentle feedback with each press, enhancing the interaction without overwhelming the user. The mild and subtle characteristics of these switches contribute to a comfortable typing experience, making the Penguin well-suited for prolonged use without causing fatigue, while still achieving a smoothness that typists generally favor.
In summary, the Huano Caramel Latte and Akko Penguin switches each cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Caramel Latte offers a clacky and bright sound with a smooth typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy audible feedback during their typing sessions. The Penguin, meanwhile, emphasizes noise reduction and tactile feedback with a polished feel that is suitable for long periods of use without creating distractions. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to individual preferences regarding sound signature and tactile feedback, as both switches promise a satisfying experience tailored to different environments and typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the specific use case and personal preference that best fit your typing style and environment. If you prefer a lively, smooth, and slightly clacky experience with a lighter actuation force that provides a satisfying feedback on every keystroke, the Caramel Latte will likely serve you well, making it a suitable option for casual gaming or everyday typing where auditory feedback is desirable. However, if you find yourself in a quieter environment, like an office, and require a more muted sound profile without sacrificing the satisfaction of tactile feedback, the Penguin is your ideal choice. Its medium weight and polished feel ensure comfort during extended typing sessions while delivering just the right amount of tactile bump without introducing unwanted noise. Ultimately, choosing between them hinges on whether you prioritize sound and smoothness or a more subdued yet tactile experience.
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