Huano Elf vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Elf and the Huano Strawberry Latte can significantly affect your typing experience. The Huano Elf is celebrated for its unique POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a deep sound signature. With a medium-light feel, it provides a satisfying typing sensation that many users find appealing for both gaming and typing tasks. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is characterized by its super smooth operation and balanced sound profile—neither too quiet nor overly resonant—making it an excellent option for those who appreciate a smoother, more consistent keystroke. While both switches fall into the linear category and offer distinct advantages, choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. 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 Elf Linear

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Huano Strawberry Latte, it becomes evident that both share a significant similarity in their top housing, as both use POK material, or polyketone. This choice of material contributes to the performance attributes of both switches, as it is known for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK provides a seamless keystroke experience that facilitates quick and responsive typing. Furthermore, the extraordinary wear resistance—14 times stronger than POM—and superior shock resistance—2.3 times greater than Nylon and 1.4 times more than POM—means that both switch varieties are robust and designed to last, thus delivering a satisfying, consistent user experience.

In contrast, the bottom housing materials for both switches are the same as well, employing nylon which is a traditional material in switch designs. This choice yields a unique auditory profile that distinguishes the feel and sound of the switches when typing. The nylon bottom housing is softer compared to other plastics, absorbing sound and creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, lending itself to a more pleasant tactile experience as users engage with the switches. This bolsters the overall output of both the Huano Elf and Strawberry Latte, ensuring that despite their stylistic differences, users can anticipate a similarly muffled, rounded auditory feedback.

Ultimately, while both the Huano Elf and Huano Strawberry Latte employ the same materials for both their top and bottom housings, it is this unification that influences their overall function. The seamless integration of POK and nylon results in switches that not only share performance characteristics but also appeal to users looking for a smooth, durable, and acoustically pleasing typing experience. Variations in sound and feel during keypresses can be primarily attributed to the unique interplay between the top and bottom housings, yet the homogeneous material selections ensure that, regardless of specific model, the switches retain their high-quality performance attributes.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the actuation forces reveal some interesting differences. The Elf switch features an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Strawberry Latte is slightly lighter at 40 grams. This difference in actuation force suggests that the Strawberry Latte might be more suitable for those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force of the Elf switch is currently unknown, while the Strawberry Latte has a defined bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that while the Elf's overall feedback during typing remains uncertain, the Strawberry Latte provides a more substantial feel with a clear bottoming out response. Thus, in terms of typing experience, the Strawberry Latte can be considered both the lighter and the heavier option, given its lighter actuation force compared to the Elf but a heavier bottom out force. Overall, users seeking a lighter switch for comfort may gravitate toward the Strawberry Latte, while those desiring a sturdier feel may take an interest in the Elf, depending on its bottom out characteristics.

Travel distance

The Huano Elf linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch both exhibit a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning they offer identical performance when pressed. This equal travel distance ensures that users will experience a similar tactile feedback and bottoming-out sensation when engaging with both switches. Consequently, whether opting for the Elf or the Strawberry Latte, users can expect the same responsiveness and feel in their typing experience, resulting in consistent performance across both switch types.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Elf switch is known for its deep sound signature, which contributes to a more pronounced auditory experience during typing. This quality is enhanced by its POK top housing, specifically designed for improved acoustics. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound profile. It's not too quiet nor overly resonant, making it versatile across different setups. While both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, the Elf leans towards a deeper, more impactful sound, whereas the Strawberry Latte maintains a subtler yet still satisfying audio character.

When it comes to feel, the Huano Elf switch is characterized by a medium-light actuation force, allowing for a satisfying, effortless typing experience. This makes it approachable for both casual typists and those seeking comfortable feedback during extended use. The Strawberry Latte, in contrast, is touted for its smoothness, attributable to Huano's latest molding technology, which reduces friction and enhances the overall typing experience. While both switches emphasize a pleasant tactile sensation, the Elf leans towards a more pronounced resistance, whereas the Strawberry Latte focuses on an exceptionally smooth actuation.

In summary, both the Huano Elf and Strawberry Latte switches offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences. The Elf provides a deeper sound profile with a medium-light feel, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic experience. In comparison, the Strawberry Latte focuses on a balanced sound and exceptionally smooth actuation, making it an excellent choice for users looking for a seamless typing feel. Both switches aim to deliver satisfying experiences, but your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prefer the depth of sound and slightly more resistance of the Elf or the smoothness and balance of the Strawberry Latte.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and the kind of experience you’re seeking. If you value an acoustically rich typing experience with a medium-light feel, the Elf switch could be your perfect match. Its unique POK top housing is designed to enhance sound signature, making it ideal if you enjoy deep sounds while typing. On the other hand, if you're after a smoother keystroke with a bit more resistance, the Strawberry Latte, with its balanced sound profile and a bottom-out force of 45 grams, would likely be more suitable for you. This switch provides a satisfying tactile feedback without being overly strenuous, making it great for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches have their distinct characteristics: the Elf is your go-to for enhanced acoustics and unique sound, while the Strawberry Latte offers a balanced typing experience with smooth action. Choosing between them depends entirely on your personal preference for sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more