Huano Caramel Latte vs. Dareu Sky V3

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Sky V3 are two exceptional linear options that cater to distinct typing preferences. The Caramel Latte switch is often celebrated for its medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, which, combined with its bright and clacky sound profile, creates a delightful typing experience that many find satisfying and enjoyable. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a robust tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 offers a medium-light weight with a neutral sound signature, balancing comfort and precision seamlessly. Its subdued characteristics make it a versatile option suitable for both gaming and professional work environments, appealing to a broad spectrum of users. While both switches provide smooth keystrokes ideal for various typing tasks, their unique sound profiles and weight preferences cater to different styles. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

Dareu Sky V3 Linear

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Sky V3 present distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the switching experience. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which boasts a high coefficient of friction of 0.04, translating into an exceptionally smooth feel during keystrokes. This material's impressive durability is underlined by its superior wear resistance—14 times stronger than POM—and a shock resistance that exceeds nylon by 2.3 times and POM by 1.4 times. In contrast, the Sky V3’s use of polycarbonate in its top housing creates a sharper, more resonant sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This difference in materials not only affects the tactile experience when typing but also influences the audible results, as polycarbonate’s clarity enhances key sounds while POK delivers a more subdued yet clacky auditory feedback.

Examining the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, a classic material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon contributes to a fuller auditory experience as it absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and less pronounced sound when pressed. In this aspect, both the Caramel Latte and Dareu Sky V3 achieve a similar auditory depth due to the shared use of nylon in their bottom housing. This commonality means that users can expect comparable foundational sound characteristics from both switches, even if their top housings provide different auditory enhancements.

The interplay between the top and bottom housing materials is crucial in shaping the overall experience of each switch. With the different top housing materials, users of the Caramel Latte will enjoy a smoother keystroke with a slightly more muted sound profile thanks to the POK, while Sky V3 users can expect crisper and sharper feedback facilitated by polycarbonate. However, beneath it all, the nylon bottom housing guarantees both switches maintain a similar depth of sound, ensuring that while their high-frequency responses might differ due to the top materials, the core auditory experience remains enriched and rounded. This balance allows keyboard enthusiasts to select switches tailored to their preferences while still benefiting from the familiar qualities brought forth by nylon.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Caramel Latte has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Sky V3 is lighter at 40 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch and less fatigue during extended use. However, the bottom out force for the Sky V3 is unknown, while the Caramel Latte registers a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a firmer feedback when the key is fully pressed down. This means that while the Caramel Latte provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heftier bottom out, the Sky V3's unknown bottom out force leaves users uncertain about its final resistance. Therefore, for those seeking a lighter overall switch, the Sky V3 would be preferable, while for users who appreciate a firmer feel, the Caramel Latte stands out as the heavier option.

Travel distance

The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This distinction means that users will experience a shorter keypress with the Caramel Latte, which could appeal to gamers or those who prefer quicker response times and a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Sky V3 offers a more traditional feel, providing a deeper keypress that some users might find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, choosing between the two depends on personal preference: those who favor speed may prefer the Caramel Latte's shorter distance, while those who appreciate a fuller typing experience may lean towards the Sky V3's longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is known for its bright, clacky sound profile, making it quite distinctive and lively. This auditory characteristic provides a satisfying feedback that many users find enjoyable, particularly in a casual typing setting. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is characterized by a neutral and subdued sound signature. This means that while it produces sound, it is more muted compared to the Caramel Latte, making it potentially more suitable for quieter environments such as an office where discretion is key. The difference in sound profiles caters to different preferences; if you enjoy a more vibrant typing experience, the Caramel Latte will stand out, while the Sky V3 will appeal to those who prefer a more reserved audio backdrop as they type.

When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Caramel Latte is recognized for offering a super smooth typing experience, allowing for fluid keystrokes overall. This smoothness is often highly valued by typists who appreciate a consistent and continuous actuation without bumps or interruptions. Conversely, the Sky V3 linear switch provides a mild typing feel, delivering a gentler experience that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness. This milder feedback can be welcoming for newcomers who are still acclimating to mechanical keyboards, as it embodies approachable characteristics that cater to varied preferences. Ultimately, the Caramel Latte’s smoothness and the Sky V3’s mildness position them as appealing options depending on the typing experience one seeks.

Considering all the comparisons, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switches present unique attributes that cater to different user preferences. The Caramel Latte stands out with its engaging sound and smooth feel, ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky V3 offers a more subdued audio profile and mild tactile feedback, making it versatile and comfortable for a wide range of users. Choosing between the two will ultimately depend on whether one prioritizes an expressive sound and smoothness or a neutral sound and gentle feel in their typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Huano Caramel Latte and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the contexts in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you value a slightly heavier feel with a medium-light bottom-out force and enjoy a bright, clacky sound profile that adds a bit of character to your typing experience, then the Caramel Latte switches are likely the better choice for you. They provide a super smooth typing experience that can be particularly engaging for typists and gamers alike, especially if you appreciate tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral typing experience that accommodates a variety of activities, including professional work, the Sky V3 switches excel in delivering comfort and precision with their mild sound and feel. Their subdued sound signature makes them an excellent choice for settings where noise levels need to be managed, such as a shared office environment or late-night work sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your specific needs—be it a more vibrant sound and tactile feel with the Caramel Latte or a versatile, understated experience with the Sky V3.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Caramel Latte Linear

$3.00

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky V3 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more