KTT Glimp vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp 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 KTT Glimp and the Huano Strawberry Latte both stand out as excellent linear options, catering to different preferences. The KTT Glimp is celebrated for its medium-light actuation force, which provides a satisfying typing experience that is neither too stiff nor overly soft. This balance makes it ideal for those who appreciate a responsive feel without overwhelming resistance. Its clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element, making every keystroke feel more engaging. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is known for its superior smoothness, employing the latest molds from Huano to create a seamless typing experience. While it strikes a balanced sound profile—neither too quiet nor overly resonant—it offers a slick, almost whisper-like keystroke that can be particularly appealing for users who prefer a subtler auditory feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the KTT Glimp’s tactile feedback and enjoyable sound or the Strawberry Latte’s unparalleled smoothness comes down to personal preference. 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
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the Huano Strawberry Latte, it is evident that both switches leverage distinct materials in their top housings, which affect their sound profiles. The Glimp employs polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This material, especially when clear, enhances RGB lighting aesthetics, allowing light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which, while smooth and durable, offers a sound profile that leans towards a clacky tone with a slightly softer edge compared to polycarbonate. However, both materials excel in creating high-quality auditory experiences, with the difference in sound characteristics arising from their unique mechanical properties.
In terms of bottom housing, both the KTT Glimp and the Huano Strawberry Latte utilize nylon, renowned for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile. Since nylon is a softer plastic, it effectively absorbs sound, creating a more muted and rounded auditory experience. The similarity in bottom housing leads to comparable acoustic feedback when typing, allowing users of both switches to enjoy a satisfying keystroke sound. Both switches, due to their nylon bottoms, will resonate with users who prefer a more subdued and softer sound, providing consistency in tactile feedback regardless of the differences in the top materials.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials in relation to their shared nylon bottoms creates a nuanced sound profile for each switch. The KTT Glimp's polycarbonate top enhances brightness and clarity in sound, whereas the Huano Strawberry Latte’s POK top offers smoothness coupled with a clacky tone. Though the effect of each material's qualities is intermingled, the overall typing experience remains distinct, shaped primarily by the top housing's contribution. This indicates a need for users to carefully choose based on their descriptive sound preferences and the aesthetic appeal offered by each switch's design.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Glimp features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, placing it firmly in the light category. This means that the Glimp requires slightly more effort to actuate and bottom out, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Strawberry Latte allow for extended typing sessions with less fatigue—ideal for both work and long gaming sessions. Overall, the Glimp's heavier forces may appeal to those who enjoy a firmer tactile feedback, while the Strawberry Latte caters to those seeking a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Glimp and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, a notable difference emerges. The KTT Glimp features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Glimp may be better suited for users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience, providing a sense of depth with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those looking for quicker response times, making it a potentially more advantageous choice for gamers seeking fast action. The preference between these switches ultimately comes down to whether one values the deeper feel of the Glimp or the swift responsiveness of the Strawberry Latte.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Glimp has an MSRP of $3.84 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glimp for $3.45.
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 KTT Glimp switch has a distinctly clacky profile that produces a sharp and snappy auditory response with each keystroke. This crisp and bright sound can enhance your typing experience, especially for users who enjoy an engaging acoustic feedback. The Glimp's fairly clacky nature positions it to be lively in zippy typing sessions. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is characterized by a balanced sound profile that straddles the line between subtlety and resonance, making it a middle ground option that is not overly loud or quiet. This neutrality can appeal to users seeking a less intrusive sound while typing, especially in shared environments. However, keep in mind that sound perception is subject to other factors like your choice of keyboard and keycaps, and thus a personal preference will play a significant role.
When evaluating feel, the KTT Glimp offers a creamy typing experience that combines smoothness and a mild actuation force, leading to a comfortable and enjoyable session. The keyboard's tactile feedback ensures that each keypress feels significant without being overwhelming, making it suitable for various users, from beginners to seasoned typists. Its mild nature enhances this aspect, as the switch sits comfortably in a middle-ground zone that is approachable to almost everyone. The subjective feel of the Strawberry Latte, however, is currently unknown, leading to an incomplete comparison in this area. Individual experience with the switch based on personal preference can influence the overall typing feel.
In conclusion, choosing between the KTT Glimp and Huano Strawberry Latte switches depends on your sound preference and typing experience. The Glimp offers a clacky sound for a more dynamic auditory experience, complemented by a creamy sensation and mild actuation for comfort in typing. The Strawberry Latte, while lacking specific tactile descriptors, presents a balanced sound profile, which may cater to those desiring a more neutral auditory experience. Ultimately, while the Glimp provides clear advantages in sound and feel, the Strawberry Latte may still appeal if a more subdued auditory signature aligns better with your environment and individual taste.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Glimp and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a medium-light actuation force and enjoy a more pronounced typing experience with noticeable sound and tactile feedback, the Glimp switch is an excellent choice. Its clacky sound profile and creamy feel make it ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing, whether you’re crafting long texts or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and an ultra-smooth typing experience, you may find the Strawberry Latte more appealing. With its light bottom-out force, this switch can provide a fluid typing feel that is easy on your fingers, making it suitable for long typing sessions without fatigue. Its balanced sound profile makes it versatile for both home and office environments. Ultimately, assess your typing habits and preferences to determine which switch aligns best with your needs, ensuring an enjoyable and efficient experience with your mechanical keyboard.
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