TTC Flaming Pink vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Flaming Pink and the Huano Strawberry Latte offer unique yet similar experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Flaming Pink switch is renowned for its smoothness and responsiveness, providing a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the overall typing experience while keeping the noise level bright but not overwhelming. This makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a balance between gaming performance and everyday typing comfort. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte switch is celebrated for its super smooth action, utilizing the latest molds from Huano to deliver a balanced sound profile that strikes a perfect harmony between being lively and unobtrusive. While both switches fall into the linear category, their distinct auditory characteristics and tactile feedback make them appealing options depending on individual preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and the Huano Strawberry Latte offer intriguing variations in their top housing materials, each contributing distinct characteristics to the overall performance of their switches. The Flaming Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency, which results in a sharper, crisper sound profile, particularly beneficial for RGB lighting setups. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing. While POK is another robust material, it boasts a higher coefficient of friction than polycarbonate, leading to a smoother feel during typing. Both materials serve to enhance sound and aesthetic qualities but approach the task from different angles—polycarbonate leans towards clarity and resonance, while POK emphasizes durability and smoothness.
When we turn to their bottom housings, both the TTC Flaming Pink and the Huano Strawberry Latte employ nylon. Nylon is a classic choice for switch housings, delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. In this regard, both switches share a harmonious quality that contributes to the rounder and more muted sound experience typical of nylon. This similarity means that regardless of the differences in their top housing materials, the bottom housing characteristic remains consistent across both models, emphasizing a rich auditory experience during use.
Overall, the combination of different top housing materials and the shared nylon bottom casing creates a unique sound profile for each switch. The Flaming Pink’s polycarbonate top provides a clear and resonant sound when keys are released, which contrasts with the smoother, more muted qualities of the Strawberry Latte's POK top. Yet, the encompassing durability and sound absorption offered by the nylon bottoms ensure that both switches deliver a pleasing typing experience. The nuanced differences in sound and feel highlight how the properties of each material interact, proving that even with varied top housings, both switches can deliver satisfying results that cater to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, but the Flaming Pink is the heavier option. The Flaming Pink has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Strawberry Latte features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter touch for long typing sessions or gaming might find the Strawberry Latte more comfortable and easier on the fingers over extended use. Conversely, those who enjoy a slightly firmer feel might gravitate towards the Flaming Pink switch for its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, offering a more substantial typing experience. In summary, the Flaming Pink switch is heavier while the Strawberry Latte switch is lighter, making them suited for different user preferences in typing dynamics.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch both feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys equipped with either of these switches, users will experience identical travel, resulting in a comparable tactile feedback and keystroke feel. With both switches having equal travel distances, typists and gamers alike can expect similar performance in terms of response and actuation, making either option a reliable choice for those seeking consistent key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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 Flaming Pink switch offers a bright yet not overly loud sound profile, which makes it suitable for both gaming and typing without being intrusive. It provides a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the typing experience without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte is characterized by a balanced sound profile; it strikes a good middle ground, being neither too quiet nor excessively resonant. This neutrality allows it to fit well in various environments, ensuring that while it doesn't draw too much attention, it still delivers an enjoyable auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Pink switch is known for its smooth, responsive action, which provides a pleasant typing experience whether you're gaming or completing everyday tasks. The linear nature of the switch allows for uninterrupted key presses, contributing to a seamless typing rhythm. Similarly, the Strawberry Latte linear switch is described as super smooth, benefiting from the latest molds from Huano. This smoothness ensures that users can maintain a consistent and fluid typing experience, making it comfortable over extended periods of use.
Overall, both the TTC Flaming Pink and Huano Strawberry Latte switches offer excellent qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Flaming Pink is celebrated for its smoothness and satisfying sound, the Strawberry Latte provides a similar smooth feel with a balanced auditory profile. Users can expect a premium typing experience from either switch, making them both great options for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a light and responsive switch that provides a smooth typing experience with a pleasantly satisfying sound, the Flaming Pink is an excellent choice. It’s particularly well-suited for both gaming and everyday typing, as it strikes a nice balance between feedback and comfort, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more dynamic keystroke. On the other hand, if you prioritize ultra-smooth keypresses and a slightly softer bottom-out force, the Strawberry Latte may be your best bet. Its balanced sound profile is great if you like a switch that maintains sound clarity without being too intrusive, thus making it easier to type for longer periods without fatigue. Ultimately, your choice should align with how you want your keyboard to feel and sound during use, whether you lean towards the more responsive Flaming Pink or the silky smooth Strawberry Latte.
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