Huano Caramel Latte vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience. The Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko Rosewood, both linear switches, offer unique traits that cater to different user needs. The Caramel Latte is renowned for its medium weight of 50g bottom out, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience combined with a bright, clacky sound profile that many typists appreciate for its tactile feedback and acoustic enjoyment. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood stands out with its deep, thocky sound, enhanced by a factory-applied layer of lubricant, which contributes to a more muted yet equally pleasant auditory experience. While both switches share linear characteristics that deliver seamless keystrokes, the choice between them often hinges on whether one prefers a brighter sound or a deeper acoustic signature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko Rosewood, it is crucial to note that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This commonality ensures that both switches deliver a deep and fuller sound profile, characteristic of nylon's softer composition. With its sound-absorbing properties, nylon contributes to a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. As such, users of both switches can expect a similarly muted sound signature when interacting with the respective key switches, providing a consistent typing feel and sound dampening effect across both models.

In contrast, the top housing of the two switches reveals a significant divergence in materials. The Huano Caramel Latte is crafted from POK, or polyketone, which is noted for its lower coefficient of friction and superior durability compared to other plastics. This material lends a smoother feel, producing a more pronounced clackiness, while also showcasing impressive wear and shock resistance. Meanwhile, the Akko Rosewood employs a nylon top housing, which, while also an established material in switch construction, does not offer the same level of smoothness inherent to POK. Instead, the nylon top enhances the depth of sound but may compromise the overall tactile experience, resulting in a softer and less pronounced feedback during keypresses when compared to the Caramel Latte.

Ultimately, the distinction between the top housings of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko Rosewood determines their respective performance characteristics. While both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing—ensuring a similar auditory experience—their differences in top housing materials influence the overall feel and sound profile during usage. Those who prioritize a smooth and clacky response may gravitate toward the Caramel Latte, while users who prefer a softer and more muted acoustic experience might favor the Rosewood. Thus, while each switch possesses unique attributes, their shared nylon bottom housing ensures that users can find redeeming qualities in both options.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Rosewood features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. As such, the Rosewood will generally feel lighter and may be more comfortable for extended typing sessions, while the Caramel Latte offers a slightly heavier feel, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter switch that facilitates prolonged use, the Akko Rosewood would be the better choice, while the Huano Caramel Latte might appeal to users seeking a firmer push.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, the Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Rosewood measures at 4 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the shorter option, offering a slightly more responsive feel that might appeal to gamers seeking quicker key presses. In contrast, the Rosewood, with its longer travel distance, caters to users who prefer a deeper, more substantial keypress that can feel more satisfying to some. Thus, if you favor a nimble response, the Caramel Latte would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a hearty depth in their typing experience might lean towards the Rosewood.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is characterized by a bright, clacky tone, which can create an engaging auditory experience during typing. This liveliness in sound can add a fun factor, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more spirited keystroke. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switch offers a deeper, thocky sound that delivers a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. This thocky quality can evoke a sense of satisfaction, especially for users who appreciate a solid, muffled tone that feels more substantial. While both switches produce distinct auditory experiences, the ultimate sound quality will also hinge on the keyboard structure, material choice, and keycap design.

When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch features a medium actuation weight of 50g, which contributes to a smooth typing experience. This allows for a relaxing and enjoyable typing rhythm, making it appealing for users who prioritize seamless keystrokes. Conversely, the Rosewood switch provides its own unique feeling, enhanced by a factory-applied thin layer of lubricant. This lubricated surface results in an exceptionally smooth operation as well, but it could potentially offer a different tactile sensation that some typists may find more refined or premium. While the Caramel Latte is known for its fluidity, the Rosewood’s added lubricant enhances that smoothness, catering to those who enjoy a silky touch throughout their typing experience.

In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Akko Rosewood linear switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that can cater to various user preferences. The Caramel Latte promotes a bright and clacky auditory presence paired with a medium weight, while the Rosewood provides a rich thocky sound and smooth, lubricated feel. Users may find that both switches deliver satisfying typing experiences, albeit in different styles. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a lively, spirited sound or a deep, satisfying tone, as well as whether you favor a straightforward smoothness or the enhanced fluidity brought by lubrication.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte and the Akko Rosewood linear switches, your choice should reflect your typing preferences and requirements. If you love a medium-light feel with a bright, clacky sound that enhances the tactile feedback of each keystroke, the Caramel Latte is your go-to switch; it will provide satisfaction in both typing and gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you prefer a light touch with a deep, thocky sound that exudes a more muted yet satisfying auditory experience, the Rosewood is the better option; its smooth actuation combined with factory lubrication delivers an incredibly refined typing feel right out of the box. Ultimately, consider what factors are most important to you—whether it's weight, sound, or overall typing experience—to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more