Gateron Glory Red vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Gateron Glory Red and the Huano Strawberry Latte, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Glory Red is celebrated for its lightweight design, offering a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy effortless typing and a more relaxed feel during extended use. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte impresses with its exceptionally smooth keystroke and balanced sound profile, delivering a satisfying auditory experience that strikes a middle ground—neither too quiet nor overly resonant. While the Glory Red is perfect for those seeking a light and fluid typing experience, the Strawberry Latte appeals to users who appreciate a bit more character in their keystrokes without compromising on smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte switch, we see a significant difference in the top housings that affects the overall user experience. The Glory Red features a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic owes itself to nylon's softer nature, which helps absorb sound waves, resulting in a softer bottom-out noise. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte switch utilizes a POK material for its top housing. While POK is also designed to provide durability and smooth operation, its specifications suggest a sharper, clackier sound compared to the mellower tones of nylon. Therefore, users can expect distinctly different auditory experiences between the two switches when typing.
The bottom housings for both switches, however, present an interesting comparison. Both the Glory Red and the Strawberry Latte utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which enables them to share similar acoustic properties that contribute to a fuller sound profile during typing. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the feel and sound when a key is fully depressed, both switches effectively retain some commonality despite their diverging top materials. As a result, both switches would likely produce a satisfying tactile feedback, preserving the softer sound profile characteristic of nylon.
Moreover, the combination of distinct top housing materials with a shared nylon bottom housing introduces a hybrid sound experience in each switch. Users can expect the Glory Red to emphasize a deeper, more muted sound due to its nylon top, while the Strawberry Latte aims for a more explosive auditory output with its POK top housing. Ultimately, this unique pairing means that both switches cater to different preferences whilst still retaining some common auditory characteristics due to their identical bottom housings. This flexibility in sound production allows switch enthusiasts to choose the right switch based on personal preference while enjoying the familiar tactile feedback produced by nylon across both models.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, both switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their actuation forces and bottom-out forces. The Glory Red requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, while the Strawberry Latte has a lighter actuation force at 40 grams. This means that typists and gamers who prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions might favor the Strawberry Latte, as it offers less resistance. However, the bottom-out force of the Glory Red remains unknown, making it difficult to draw a complete comparison in that regard. The Huano Strawberry Latte, on the other hand, has a well-defined bottom-out force of 45 grams, which aligns with its actuation force, providing a consistent feel throughout the keystroke. Overall, the Gateron Glory Red is heavier in terms of actuation force, whereas the Strawberry Latte offers a lighter and potentially more comfortable experience for extended use.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making their performance in this respect identical. This equal travel distance means that users can expect a similar feel and response when pressing down on the keys, as both switches offer the same amount of movement from the top to the bottom. Given their matching specifications, those looking for consistent and uniform key travel in their typing experience will find both switches provide comparable results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 Gateron Glory Red switch strikes a good balance with a sound that is not overly loud, allowing for a pleasant typing experience without being disruptive. Users often appreciate it for its crisp actuation, which adds a tactile element to the auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a balanced sound profile as well, characterized by a blend of clarity and subtlety. It's not too quiet, which makes it versatile for various environments, yet it avoids excessive resonance that could be distracting. Both switches provide a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances the overall typing experience, but the exact nuances can vary depending on the keyboard build and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Red switch offers a smooth keystroke with a particularly pleasing travel distance, resulting in a fluid typing experience that many find enjoyable. This switch is designed for those who favor a lightweight feel, making it ideal for quick and precise typing. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is renowned for its super smooth actuation, attributed to the latest mold technology from Huano. This switch also provides a satisfying experience, ensuring that each keypress is effortless and consistent. Overall, both switches excel in providing a smooth feel, appealing to users who prefer linear switches which deliver uninterrupted keystrokes.
In summary, both the Gateron Glory Red and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Glory Red provides a pleasant sound and smooth keystroke with a lighter feel, while the Strawberry Latte delivers a well-rounded auditory experience and remarkable smoothness. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference, but either option will likely yield a satisfying typing experience, especially for those who appreciate linear switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Red and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a very light keystroke with a smooth travel distance for a comfortable typing experience, the Gateron Glory Red may be the best choice for you. Its effortless actuation makes it ideal for fast typists or gamers who desire quick responses without a heavy bottom-out force. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit more resistance with a bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Huano Strawberry Latte could be a better fit. This switch provides a balanced sound profile and smooth feel, making it suitable for those who enjoy a mix of tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction while typing. Overall, consider how much force you prefer when bottoming out, as well as the type of sound and feel you want from your switches, to make the most informed decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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