TTC Flame Red vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often look for specific attributes that enhance their typing experience. The TTC Flame Red, a linear switch, stands out with its visually striking light diffuser, making it an excellent choice for those with backlit or RGB keyboards. Users appreciate the weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', which can provide a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte presents a different appeal, featuring a super smooth feel thanks to the latest mold technology from Huano. This switch strikes a balanced sound profile—neither too quiet nor overly resonant—making it versatile for both gaming and typing. While the Flame Red might attract those who prioritize aesthetics alongside impactful acoustics, the Strawberry Latte is ideal for users seeking a smooth tactile experience without excessive noise. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the TTC Flame Red and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches present a fascinating comparison in terms of sound profile and durability. The Flame Red’s top housing is made from nylon, a classic choice that provides a deeper and fuller auditory experience due to its softer composition. This material's ability to absorb sound effectively contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile, appealing to those who favor a more subdued typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte utilizes POK material for its top housing, which is not only smooth but also provides a different sound experience. With a slightly higher coefficient of friction, the POK material results in a clackier sound when typed upon, contrasting the muted tonality of the Flame Red. This fundamental difference between the nylon and POK gives each switch a unique auditory character, making the choice of material crucial to the user’s experience.
Interestingly, both the Flame Red and the Strawberry Latte share nylon as their bottom housing material, creating a level of consistency in sound profile when pressing the keys down. As noted, nylon is renowned for its ability to create a deep and full sound, which remains uniform across both switches for the bottom portion. This shared nylon bottom allows for a cohesive typing experience at the base, ensuring that regardless of the differences in their upper housings, users will still enjoy a similar bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, even though the top housings diverge in material, the user will still perceive a familiar resonance when pressing down on either switch, a testament to the enduring nature of nylon in keyboard craftsmanship.
Ultimately, whether one prefers the TTC Flame Red or the Huano Strawberry Latte may come down to personal preference regarding the top housing material. Users who value a deep sound and softer keypress might gravitate toward the Flame Red, whereas those who desire smoothness coupled with a more clacky sound signature might find the Strawberry Latte more appealing. Regardless of the choice, thanks to the shared nylon bottom housing, users will experience a comforting consistency in the quality of sound when fully bottoming out. This highlights an important aspect of keyboard design, where differing materials can yield varied results while still harmonizing through common components, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch to the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are clear differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Flame Red switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Huano Strawberry Latte easier to press, ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Strawberry Latte is also noticeably lower than that of the Flame Red, resulting in a softer feel when reaching the bottom of the keypress. Overall, those seeking a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the TTC Flame Red, while those favoring a lighter switch would find the Huano Strawberry Latte more appealing.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm highlights a contrast between the two switches, with the Flame Red offering a more traditional and deeper actuation that some users may prefer for a more satisfying tactile experience. Meanwhile, the Strawberry Latte, with its shorter travel distance, can cater to those seeking quicker response times, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who prioritize speed. Ultimately, if you appreciate the feel of a significant depth while typing, the Flame Red would be the better option, but if you favor a quicker actuation for fast-paced gaming, the Strawberry Latte is the way to go.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Flame Red switches produce a clacky sound profile that adds a lively character to your typing experience. This sound is generally neutral, making it suitable for various environments, whether for casual use at home or for professional settings. The sound produced by the Flame Reds is pleasant enough to please most users without being overly intrusive. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches offer a balanced sound profile, which can complement a wide range of tasks. They strike a harmonious balance—not too quiet, yet not excessively resonant—making them an appealing choice for those who seek a more muted auditory experience.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Flame Red excels with its weighty smoothness. Users will appreciate the mild and polished characteristics of these switches, providing a gentle typing experience that feels refined and enjoyable. The polished finish enhances key travel, resulting in reduced friction, which users often find particularly satisfying. The Strawberry Latte switches, while known for their super smooth operation, lack specific descriptors in the provided information, leaving room for uncertainty regarding their precise tactile qualities compared to the Flame Reds.
Overall, both the TTC Flame Red and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches will deliver satisfying results, but they cater to slightly different priorities. The Flame Red excels in providing an engaging sound alongside a refined typing experience with its polished feel, making it an excellent choice for RGB setups due to its impressive light diffusion. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte offers a balanced auditory experience that may appeal to users seeking a less intrusive sound. Both switches share an emphasis on smoothness, though their individual auditory characteristics set them apart. Ultimately, selecting between them will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you’re someone who enjoys a light touch while typing and prefers a smooth, almost effortless experience, the Strawberry Latte’s 45-gram actuation force makes it an excellent fit. These switches offer a polished feel that can enhance your overall typing comfort, perfectly suiting those who value a gentle keystroke while still achieving a satisfying sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more heft in your keystrokes, the Flame Red’s 54-gram bottom-out force may be more appealing. Not only does the Flame Red provide a weighty smoothness that can enhance your typing accuracy, but it also shines in aesthetics with its fantastic light diffusion, making it particularly well-suited for RGB setups. In essence, choose the Strawberry Latte for a lighter, smoother typing experience, especially if you spend long hours typing, and opt for the Flame Red if you want a slightly more robust feel combined with stunning visuals for your keyboard.
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