TTC Gold Brown vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown and the Huano Strawberry Latte present distinct options catering to different typing preferences. The Gold Brown is celebrated for its well-rounded performance, offering a tactile experience with a subtle bump that provides feedback without being overly pronounced. This makes it an appealing choice for typists who enjoy a balanced feel and a moderate level of resistance while typing, paired with a soft sound profile that avoids excessive noise. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte is designed for smoothness, utilizing advanced molding techniques to deliver a linear experience free from the tactile interruption found in the Gold Brown. Its sound profile is equally balanced, striking a middle ground between being noisy and silent, making it ideal for those who prioritize fluid keystrokes. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference: whether you desire a tactile response or a seamless typing experience. 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
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Huano Strawberry Latte, a notable distinction can be observed in their top housing materials. The Gold Brown utilizes polycarbonate, a plastic known for its stiffness and translucency, which enhances the sharpness and clarity of the sound profile produced by the switch. This characteristic makes polycarbonate not only a choice for superior auditory quality but also a favorable option for RGB lighting effects due to its ability to allow light to pass through effectively. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte employs a POK (polyketone) top housing. While POK is recognized for its smoothness and durability—with a significantly high wear resistance—it does not possess the same clarity of sound associated with polycarbonate. Nevertheless, both materials contribute to distinct auditory experiences that can be tailored to different preferences.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of both switches are identical, as they are both crafted from nylon. The nylon bottom housing is crucial in shaping the overall typing experience, delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. This type of material is known for its sound-dampening qualities, resulting in a softer, rounder auditory signature that absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. With both switches sharing nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a consistent auditory experience in terms of deeper sound characteristics when bottoming out, regardless of the top housing material's properties.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing will lead to distinct experiences when it comes to sound signature and tactile feedback. The sharper, crisper notes produced by the Gold Brown’s polycarbonate top may contrast with the smoother, more muted response of the Strawberry Latte’s POK top. However, as both switches feature the same nylon bottom housing, they share the common attribute of delivering a deeper sound profile when the key is pressed down. Thus, whether one prefers the clarity of polycarbonate or the resilience of POK, the nylon bottom ensures that both switch types provide a consistent and rounded auditory experience when engaged.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch with a 55-gram actuation force and a 63-gram bottom out force to the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, which has a significantly lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, there are notable differences in the overall typing experience they offer. The Gold Brown's heavier forces contribute to a more substantial feel, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push for a tactile feedback during typing, making it suitable for those who enjoy a robust typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte’s lighter resistance facilitates longer typing sessions without fatigue, ideal for users looking for ease during extended use, such as at work or during long gaming periods. Consequently, while both switches serve different preferences, the Gold Brown is considered the heavier option, whereas the Strawberry Latte is the lighter choice, catering to distinct user needs based on actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the TTC Gold Brown stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the TTC Gold Brown provides a more pronounced, deeper feel when pressed, which is preferable for those who appreciate a more tactile experience and might find it less abrupt. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Huano Strawberry Latte is more aligned with the preferences of gamers who benefit from quicker response times and faster actuation. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch with a more substantial depth to each keystroke, the TTC Gold Brown is the better option, whereas the Huano Strawberry Latte is ideal for those seeking quicker engagements and a lighter touch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 comparing the sound characteristics of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch to the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, both offer a balanced auditory experience suitable for different environments. The Gold Browns deliver a rounded sound profile that is notably softer than many traditional switches, striking a pleasant medium between audible feedback and tranquility—ideal for both casual and professional settings. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte switch also boasts a balanced sound profile that is neither too quiet nor excessively resonant. This suggests that while both switches won't disrupt a quiet workplace, the Gold Browns might offer a slightly more textured acoustic experience due to their tactile bump.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown switches stand out with their mild and buttery keystrokes, providing a gentle yet distinct tactile feedback that is universally approachable. The switch’s tactile bump is enough to offer satisfying feedback without being pronounced or uncomfortable, catering to a wide range of users—from novices to those seeking an upgraded typing experience. Additionally, the description of these switches as polished further emphasizes their smooth operation, reducing friction during key presses. In contrast, the feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte switches remains largely unknown, but if they are designed for smoothness as stated, this could suggest a fluid typing experience, potentially appealing to those who prioritize smooth key travel over tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Gold Brown and Huano Strawberry Latte switches offer balanced sound profiles, the Gold Browns provide tactile feedback that adds a rich dimension to the typing experience. Their mild, buttery feel and polished finish contribute to a refined, enjoyable keystroke. Meanwhile, the Strawberry Latte switches promise a smoothness that could cater to users who favor linear switches. Ultimately, both switches can serve well for differing preferences: the Gold Brown for tactile satisfaction and comfort, and the Strawberry Latte for effortless key travel, making them suitable options for a variety of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're looking for a balanced typing experience that offers tactile feedback without being overly pronounced, the Gold Brown might be the switch for you. Its moderate actuation force of 63 grams delivers a satisfying bump that many find enjoyable, especially for both typing and gaming. Additionally, its neutral sound profile makes it well-suited for use in various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. On the other hand, if you prefer a light touch with a smoother keystroke, the Strawberry Latte is a fantastic option. With its 45 grams of bottom-out force, this linear switch allows for quick and effortless typing, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming or users who favor a quieter, more fluid typing experience. Its polished feel and balanced sound profile means you can enjoy a seamless interaction without the tactile interruption. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what typing experience aligns best with your daily activities, preferences, and goals.
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