TTC Brother vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between different feels and sounds that can significantly influence their typing experience. On one hand, the TTC Brother switch shines as a preferred choice for those who thrive on auditory feedback, thanks to its light 37g actuation force and satisfying crunchy sound signature. This clicky switch provides a tactile bump that strikes an ideal balance—distinctive enough to enhance each keystroke without overwhelming the user. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a smooth and linear experience, appealing to those who appreciate fluid motion without auditory distractions. With its balanced sound profile and the advanced molds used in its design, the Strawberry Latte ensures a typing experience that is both efficient and subtly engaging. Ultimately, each switch caters to different preferences, making your choice depend on whether you value tactile feedback and sound or prefer a more understated, seamless typing experience. 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
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
17.5mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and Huano Strawberry Latte switches, it is evident that both employ different materials for their top housings, yet share the same material for their bottom housings. The TTC Brother utilizes a polycarbonate top housing renowned for its rigidity, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer plastic enhances resonance and clarity, making it particularly well-suited for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte employs POK material, which, while also designed to enhance the switch's performance, is distinguished by its smoothness; it has a notable coefficient of friction that allows for a more fluid keypress. Thus, while the TTC Brother is optimized for sound clarity, the Strawberry Latte prioritizes a smooth tactile experience.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which plays a critical role in shaping the overall auditory experience. As a classic choice in switch design, nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound compared to stiffer materials. This shared bottom housing means that regardless of the differing top materials, users can expect the same foundational auditory characteristics when they bottom out the key, resulting in that rounded sound signature attributed to nylon. Hence, even though the top housing materials contribute uniquely to their individual identities, the bottom housing provides a consistent foundation.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials between the TTC Brother and the Huano Strawberry Latte allow each switch to shine in its own right, while the similarities in their bottom housing ensure a shared acoustic quality. Users of both switches can enjoy distinct sound profiles when pressing down, owing to the softer nylon bottom, while experiencing varied auditory responses upon releasing the keys due to the contrasting natures of polycarbonate and POK in the top housings. Each switch's design thus reflects a harmonious blend of tactile feedback and auditory feedback, shaped by the specific materials used, delivering a multifaceted typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Brother switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, while the Strawberry Latte is slightly lighter at 35 grams. This means that the Strawberry Latte may offer a bit more ease for long typing sessions or gaming, appealing to users who prefer a lighter touch. However, the Brother switch lacks a specified bottom out force, making it difficult to compare that characteristic directly. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a clearly defined bottom out force of 45 grams, which can provide a more substantial feel when fully pressed down, catering to those who enjoy a heavier typing experience. Consequently, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the Strawberry Latte is your choice, while the TTC Brother remains ambiguous in terms of bottom out force but is slightly heavier in actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the Brother features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Strawberry Latte has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. As a result, the Brother switch is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel ideal for gamers who favor quick keystrokes. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more deliberate typing experience, which some users might find more satisfying. Hence, when selecting between these two, if you prefer a snappier response, the TTC Brother would be the better choice, while the Huano Strawberry Latte might be more appealing if you enjoy a deeper keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 TTC Brother clicky switch truly shines with its distinctive crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. This auditory feedback is both satisfying and precise, delivering a clear click that resonates well during typing. It strikes the right balance, providing an engaging auditory experience without overwhelming the overall keystroke. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch offers a more balanced sound profile that doesn't lean toward either end of the spectrum; it maintains a level of sound that is neither too quiet nor excessively resonant. This makes the Strawberry Latte a versatile choice, ensuring it won't intrude upon a quiet working environment while still giving some audible feedback.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother excels with its easy-to-press action combined with a distinct stepped tactile feedback. With a lightweight actuation force of just 37g, it allows for effortless key presses, reducing fatigue even during long typing sessions. The tactile bump is present, offering a noticeable sensation that enhances the typing experience without being excessive. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte is super smooth, designed for a seamless keystroke experience, which could appeal to those who prefer a linear feel. This smoothness eliminates any bumps or resistance, making each keystroke fluid and quick, ideal for fast typists and gamers alike.
In conclusion, both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offer unique experiences suited to different preferences. The Brother appeals to those who cherish auditory and tactile feedback with its engaging clicky sound and stepped feel, making it a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Strawberry Latte provides a smooth and balanced typing experience, making it a solid option for those who prefer linear switches. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, but each has its own merits that cater to different typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for feedback, sound, and typing experience. If you enjoy a tactile, clicky typing experience that not only provides satisfying auditory feedback but also demands minimal effort to type — making it excellent for long typing sessions — then the Brother is an ideal choice. Its lighter actuation force and unique crunchy sound create a playful yet efficient typing atmosphere that can be particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a lively atmosphere when typing or gaming. Conversely, if you prefer a smooth, linear experience with minimal interruptions in your keystrokes, the Strawberry Latte is the go-to option. It offers a balanced sound signature with a slight resistance that can be comforting for users who focus on fast-paced gaming or lengthy writing tasks without the distraction of clicky sounds. In light of these factors, consider your typing style and sound preference when making your selection, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard experience is tailored to your personal taste.
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