KTT Cream Yellow vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cream Yellow and the Huano Strawberry Latte both offer unique characteristics that can cater to different typing preferences. The KTT Cream Yellow is renowned for its distinctively clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which not only provides resonant audio feedback but also delivers a bouncy typing experience courtesy of its extended spring. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a bit of auditory engagement while typing and prefer a lively feel. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte stands out for its exceptionally smooth operation, utilizing the latest molds from Huano to achieve a balanced sound profile—offering a middle ground that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize smoothness and a subtler auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
The KTT Cream Yellow and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches showcase distinct housing materials that contribute differently to their overall sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing is specifically designed to create a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to the stiffer properties of polycarbonate. This translucency not only enhances the acoustic characteristics but also makes the switch particularly favorable for RGB lighting, allowing for a visually appealing aesthetic. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which, while possessing a slightly different sound profile, offers unique attributes such as superior wear resistance and smoothness due to its lower friction coefficient. The POK material provides a clackier sound and a smooth typing experience, which may cater to different user preferences compared to the brighter, more resonant tone of the Cream Yellow’s construction.
Both the KTT Cream Yellow and Huano Strawberry Latte utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which plays a role in shaping the switches' sound profiles and tactile feedback. The classic nature of nylon contributes to a deeper, fuller sound, as its relatively softer composition absorbs sound waves better than harder materials. This shared choice of nylon ensures that both switches deliver a rounded and softer bottom-out sound when pressed, crucial for users who prioritize a more muted auditory experience when typing. The similarities in bottom housing mean that users could achieve comparable tactile feedback and sound dampening from both switches, despite the differing qualities of their respective top housings.
In essence, while the KTT Cream Yellow and Huano Strawberry Latte both incorporate nylon in their bottom housings for a consistent sound experience, their top housings diverge significantly in material and resultant acoustics. The polycarbonate top of the Cream Yellow favors a clear and resonant audio profile that enhances the overall sound clarity, especially in RGB contexts. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte’s POK top complements its smooth typing action with a more substantial clack, offering a unique appeal. Thus, the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials leads to distinct yet harmonious sound signatures, with the bottom housings anchoring the deeper tones while the top housings shape the sharper and more nuanced sounds produced in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cream Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, positioning it as a light-weight option. This difference means that those who prefer a less forceful touch for extended typing sessions or gaming might lean towards the Strawberry Latte, while users who enjoy a more substantial resistance may find the Cream Yellow to be more satisfying. Overall, if you're seeking a lighter switch to facilitate longer use, the Huano Strawberry Latte would be the preferable choice, whereas the KTT Cream Yellow offers a heavier, more tactile experience for those who favor a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.1 mm places the Cream Yellow as the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, as it allows for a more rapid actuation. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte, with its greater travel distance, caters to those who enjoy a more substantial feedback feel when pressing keys, delivering a more immersive typing experience. Although both switches offer linear characteristics, the choice between them ultimately hinges on the user’s preference for responsiveness versus depth in keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow 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 comparing the sound of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch to the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the contrast is quite noticeable. The Cream Yellow is known for its distinctively clacky sound, characterized by a sharp, snappy audio feedback that provides an engaging auditory experience. This clacky nature comes from its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which enhance the resonance. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte features a more balanced sound profile, falling somewhere in between quiet and overly resonant. While it is not specifically noted for any particular sound characteristics, the combination of its super smooth operation and the refined molds from Huano suggests a pleasant auditory experience but lacks the pronounced clackiness of the Cream Yellow.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch stands out for its pronounced bouncy sensation. The lengthened spring contributes to a lively typing experience, offering a robust rebound when keys are pressed. This sensation gives users feedback that can make typing feel more dynamic and engaging. On the other hand, the feel of the Strawberry Latte switch remains somewhat undefined in the provided information. However, it is known for its super smooth operation, which typically indicates that it will deliver an enjoyable typing experience, albeit without the specific characteristics of bounce that the Cream Yellow offers.
In summary, the KTT Cream Yellow and Huano Strawberry Latte switches cater to somewhat different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Cream Yellow excels in providing a clacky sound profile and a bouncy feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy audible and tactile feedback. The Strawberry Latte, while less defined in its sound and feel characteristics, promises smooth operation and a balanced auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches can produce enjoyable results, albeit with distinct approaches to sound and tactile feedback, giving users varying experiences based on their typing style and auditory preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more tactile and auditory experience while typing, the Cream Yellow is an excellent option due to its clacky sound profile and bouncy feel. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate the satisfying feedback of a medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, especially if you find yourself typing for extended periods and want that lively rebound sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a lighter touch, the Strawberry Latte may be the better fit for you, offering a lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams and a more balanced sound profile that isn't overly resonant. This makes it a solid choice for those who value quiet yet responsive switches and might benefit from prolonged typing sessions without the strain that heavier switches can impose. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths, and your decision should reflect what you prioritize in your keyboard experience, whether it's the audio feedback and bounciness of the Cream Yellow or the smoothness and subtlety of the Strawberry Latte.
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