TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear can significantly impact your typing experience, and two intriguing options worth comparing are the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte. The TTC Gold Brown Pro, a tactile switch, is designed for users who appreciate a delicate tactile bump, providing just enough feedback to enhance typing without overwhelming the user with noise or distraction. Its low-pitched and silky characteristics offer a subdued auditory experience, making it an excellent choice for those who work in quiet environments or seek a smooth, focused typing feel. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is a linear switch that prioritizes seamless keystrokes over tactile feedback, allowing for swift and uninterrupted typing. With a balanced sound profile that strikes a chord between being too loud and too muted, it satisfies individuals who favor a fluid keypress without the interruptions of tactile bumps. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Gold Brown Pro for those who enjoy nuanced feedback and a whisper-like sound, and the Strawberry Latte for those who crave a rapid and smooth typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte, a distinct contrast can be seen in the top housings. The Gold Brown Pro utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer and more translucent plastic known for enhancing sound clarity. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize vibrancy in their typing experience. Its translucency also serves a dual purpose; it allows RGB lighting to shine through effectively, adding an aesthetically pleasing element to any keyboard setup. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is crafted from POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which provides a smooth and slightly softer sound with notable wear resistance. While POK does not match polycarbonate's crispness, it excels in delivering a smooth and clacky typing experience, appealing to users who may prefer a different tactile feedback.
Both switches, however, feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience. Nylon is renowned for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In this instance, the bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. Since both the Gold Brown Pro and Huano Strawberry Latte use nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a consistent experience when it comes to the overall acoustics and tactile response at the key's lowest point. This shared characteristic ensures that, despite differences in their top housing, both switches will deliver that signature soft feel typically associated with nylon materials.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ in terms of composition for the Gold Brown Pro and Huano Strawberry Latte, users can still achieve satisfying results by understanding how each housing's qualities influence the sound profile and tactile feedback. The polycarbonate top of the Gold Brown Pro offers clarity and resonance when releasing a key, which contrasts with the smoothness of the POK in the Strawberry Latte. Nonetheless, both switches harmonize well due to their common nylon bottom housing, allowing keyboard enthusiasts to enjoy a robust and immersive typing experience characterized by depth and warmth—ultimately leading to an enjoyable and distinct keyboard experience regardless of material differences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we notice distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Gold Brown Pro requires a force of 45 grams to actuate, providing a firmer feel, while the Strawberry Latte has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Brown Pro is unknown, whereas the Strawberry Latte features a bottom out force of 45 grams, which indicates a consistent resistance at the key's maximum travel. If both switches had similar bottom out forces, users could expect similar resistance when fully pressing the keys, but with the current data, the Strawberry Latte is lighter, offering a gentler touch compared to the heavier feel of the Gold Brown Pro, which may cater to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, users should consider their personal preference for typing dynamics when choosing between the two switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the Gold Brown Pro measures 3.8 mm, while the Strawberry Latte offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Gold Brown Pro provides a more pronounced depth when pressed, making it potentially more appealing for users who appreciate a tactile feedback sensation. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Strawberry Latte caters to those who prefer a quicker response time, often favored by gamers seeking swift key actions. Therefore, if you prioritize a more responsive feel, the Strawberry Latte would be the better choice, while the Gold Brown Pro may satisfy users looking for a more substantial, tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 Gold Brown Pro switch delivers a satisfying thocky sound that resonates with a low-pitched tone, creating a pleasing auditory feedback without overwhelming noise. This makes the Gold Brown Pro ideal for both home and office settings, where discretion and focus are valued. On the other hand, while the specifics of the Huano Strawberry Latte's sound profile are not detailed, it is noted to have a balanced sound that is neither overly loud nor overly muted. This suggests that the Strawberry Latte provides a harmonious auditory experience, which could align closely with the more subdued nature of the Gold Brown Pro, offering a moderate level of noise that won’t disrupt a quiet environment.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Brown Pro excels with its polished and silky smooth characteristics. The typing experience is refined, minimizing friction and enhancing the overall enjoyment of each keystroke. The mild and subtle nature of the switch’s tactile feedback makes it accessible to a wide range of users, from beginners to seasoned typists. However, the specific tactile qualities of the Strawberry Latte switch are not provided, leaving an uncertainty about how it compares directly. Given that it is designed with modern molds and emphasizes smoothness, one can infer that it would likely offer a pleasant typing experience, albeit differing in tactile feedback from the Gold Brown Pro.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch stands out for its gentle feedback and low-key sound profile, making it a great choice for users seeking a discreet yet satisfying experience while typing. The Huano Strawberry Latte, with its balanced sound and smooth action, may also cater to those who value an enjoyable typing experience, albeit with less certainty regarding its tactile sensation. Both switches promise a quality typing experience, and while the tactile nature may differ, individuals can expect a pleasant feel and sound with either option, allowing for personal preference to guide their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you appreciate a tactile switch that provides subtle feedback without being intrusive, the Gold Brown Pro is an excellent choice. Its gentle tactile bump and low sound profile make it ideal for those who work in quieter settings or for long periods, allowing you to focus on your tasks without distraction. The polished and silky feel further enhances the overall typing experience, making it suitable for both casual and extensive typing sessions. Conversely, if you prefer a linear switch that offers a smooth and steady keystroke with a light bottom out force, the Strawberry Latte is the way to go. Its balanced sound profile and ultra-smooth action cater to those who might enjoy gaming or high-speed typing, where swift key presses and swift actuation are paramount. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal typing style and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard—whether it's the refined subtlety of the Gold Brown Pro or the smoothness of the Strawberry Latte.
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