KTT Ash Gray vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Ash Gray is celebrated for its well-balanced tactile feedback, delivering a substantial yet unobtrusive bump with each keystroke, making it ideal for those who seek a tactile feel without being overwhelmed. Its design promotes a light touch and a crisp actuation, categorized as 'Easy-to-press,' 'Mild,' and 'Neutral,' appealing to typists who appreciate a responsive, engaging experience. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte boasts a super smooth keystroke, utilizing the latest molds for an exceptionally balanced sound profile; it strikes a perfect middle ground, offering neither a quiet experience nor an overly resonant one. Those who prefer a fluid, uninterrupted typing experience might gravitate towards the Strawberry Latte for its seamless linear action. 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
38g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Huano Strawberry Latte, significant differences emerge in their top housing composition, despite similarity in their bottom housing. The Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing that contributes a higher-pitched, sharper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. Polycarbonate's translucence also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it aesthetically appealing for those who prioritize visuals as much as sound. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes POK, or polyketone, for its top housing. Though POK excels in smoothness and durability, boasting exceptional wear and shock resistance, it does not achieve the same auditory brilliance. While both materials contribute positively to the switch experience, their inherent characteristics set them apart acoustically.
Turning to the bottom housing, both the KTT Ash Gray and Huano Strawberry Latte utilize nylon, a material known for its sound-dampening qualities. Nylon contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, absorbing some of the vibrations and creating a more subdued auditory experience than harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing means that both switch types deliver a comparable bottom-out sound and feel, allowing for a consistent typing experience. The impact of the nylon on sound absorption will provide a rounder, softer auditory feedback with both switches, ensuring that users will enjoy a more muted yet pleasant keystroke experience.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and Huano Strawberry Latte highlight different strengths—polycarbonate’s clarity versus POK’s durability—their combinations with nylon as a bottom housing material result in a unified experience regarding sound dampening. Users will appreciate how the differing top housings influence the release sound of the switch, with the Ash Gray contributing a crisper tone upon key release and the Strawberry Latte offering a smoother, clackier sound. This integration of materials ensures that, even with contrasting top housings, the overall user experience balances unique acoustic profiles with familiar elements of softness and depth.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we can see distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, influencing the typing experience they provide. The Ash Gray has an actuation force of 38 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Strawberry Latte's 40 grams. This difference may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, making the Ash Gray the better choice for those seeking comfort during prolonged use. However, when it comes to bottom out forces, the Ash Gray has a higher force of 53 grams compared to the Strawberry Latte's 45 grams. This means that while both switches offer a relatively light actuation, the Ash Gray requires a stronger push to fully depress the key. Consequently, typists who appreciate a more substantial feedback and a greater sense of resistance might lean towards the Ash Gray, while those who favor a lighter feel could opt for the Strawberry Latte. Overall, the Ash Gray offers a balanced experience with a medium-light feel, while the Strawberry Latte caters more to users who enjoy a slightly lighter action throughout.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences. The Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Strawberry Latte features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Ash Gray is more suitable for those who appreciate quicker response times, appealing to gamers and users who lean towards shorter travel distances for efficiency. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile feel for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Ultimately, if users are looking for a more responsive typing experience, the Ash Gray would be the better choice. However, if a more substantial depth is desired, the slightly longer travel of the Strawberry Latte would be preferable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 KTT Ash Gray switch presents a neutral profile, striking a balance that is suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in the office. Its moderate sound level ensures that it won’t be disruptive while still providing enough auditory feedback to satisfy typists. Although there isn't specific information on the sound characteristics of the Huano Strawberry Latte switch, its description suggests a balanced sound profile as well — not too quiet yet not overly resonant — indicating that it would likely perform similarly in terms of volume and presence. Given that the sound experience of both switches is influenced by the keyboard setup, users can anticipate a reasonable acoustic experience with either option.
In terms of feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch delivers an easy-to-press tactile experience. The gentle resistance and light actuation force make it comfortable for extended typing sessions, ensuring that users won't strain their fingers over long durations. Moreover, the Ash Gray offers a mild tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience without overwhelming the user. As for the Huano Strawberry Latte, while its tactile qualities are unspecified, the known smoothness implies a potentially softer and fluid typing experience, aligning it with the easy-going action found in the Ash Gray switch. However, since the tactile nature is not described, it remains uncertain how closely they might compare in this regard.
Overall, both the KTT Ash Gray and Huano Strawberry Latte switches cater to different preferences but exhibit qualities that could appeal to a wide range of users. The Ash Gray stands out for its tactile feedback and easy actuation, making it suitable for those who enjoy a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, while the Strawberry Latte's smoothness and balanced sound suggest it would be an appealing choice as well, the absence of specific tactile descriptions leaves some aspects unknown. Users seeking a versatile switch may find satisfactory results with either option, depending on their typing preferences and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate tactile feedback without feeling overwhelmed, the Ash Gray switch would serve you well. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams provides enough resistance to enhance your typing precision while maintaining a gentle touch, making it ideal for prolonged sessions at home or in a work environment. The neutral sound profile further complements a versatile use case, ensuring that it fits comfortably into both professional and casual settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter, and lighter typing experience, the Strawberry Latte with its 45 grams bottom-out force might be your better choice. Its ultra-smooth operation, combined with a balanced sound, is particularly conducive for gaming and rapid typing, where every keystroke needs to flow seamlessly without distraction. In essence, choose the Ash Gray for a balanced tactile feel and moderate resistance, or opt for the Strawberry Latte for a silky, effortless experience that allows for maximum speed and fluctuation in your typing style.
Mentioned in this article
