TTC Gold Pink vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Pink and the Huano Strawberry Latte provide distinct yet appealing options for gamers and typists alike. The Gold Pink, with its incredibly light 37g actuation force, is tailor-made for those who prioritize speed and agility in their typing or gaming experience. Users can expect a lively and responsive touch along with an enjoyable clacky sound that adds a bit of character to each keystroke. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a super smooth experience, drawing from the latest mold technologies, which results in a balanced sound profile—pleasantly audible without being overwhelming. While the Gold Pink excels in providing a feathery feel that’s perfect for rapid inputs, the Strawberry Latte aims for an exquisite smoothness that likely appeals to those who appreciate a quieter yet equally satisfying engagement. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink and the Huano Strawberry Latte, the distinction between their top housing materials is stark and significant. The Gold Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiff structure, which contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile. This rigidity enhances the clarity and resonance of the keypress, making it particularly suited for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte employs a POK (polyketone) top housing, which, while also designed for high performance, emphasizes smoothness with its low coefficient of friction. The POK material's durability and wear resistance mark it as a formidable competitor in the realm of key switches, ensuring longevity and a unique sound experience. Thus, users may notice contrasting sound qualities, with the Gold Pink leaning toward a bright and piercing tone, while the Strawberry Latte balances it with a smoother, slightly muted auditory effect.
The bottom housing of both switches, however, brings an interesting point of intersection in their composition. Both the TTC Gold Pink and the Huano Strawberry Latte utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which is a well-recognized material in the keyboard switch industry. Nylon's soft properties absorb sound effectively, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. This commonality means that when users engage with either switch, they will experience a similar depth to the keypress, as the nylon construction contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, despite the different top housing materials contributing contrasting characteristics, the shared nylon bottom housing creates a familiar auditory baseline that adds cohesiveness to the typing feel.
When the effects of the individual materials are considered together, it becomes clear how they interact to form a composite typing experience. As both switches favor the nylon bottom housing, the foundational sound profile remains consistent, while the distinct sound characteristics from the top housings contribute to varied outcomes. The Gold Pink's polycarbonate top may provide a brighter note upon release, while the Strawberry Latte's POK top may add a softer finish to the sound. This interplay of materials ultimately influences the experience—together creating a versatile selection of switches, each suited to different preferences yet intertwined through their shared nylon component, ensuring a harmonious typing experience overall.
Weight
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch both exhibit light actuation forces, with the Gold Pink requiring 37 grams to actuate compared to the Strawberry Latte's slightly lighter 35 grams. This means that users who favor a lighter touch will feel more comfortable with the Strawberry Latte. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that they provide a similar resistance when pressed fully down. This uniformity in bottom out force suggests that even though the actuation forces differ slightly, the overall typing experience regarding key travel and resistance at the bottom is comparable. The Gold Pink's heavier actuation might appeal to those who prefer a slightly more substantial key feel, while the lighter Strawberry Latte will be a better choice for users looking for reduced strain during extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Gold Pink the longer option, providing a more substantial feel with its additional depth, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte, with its 3.6 mm travel distance, caters to those who favor quicker response times and a more abrupt actuation, often appealing to gamers looking for efficiency in gameplay. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference; those who desire a more pronounced keystroke may opt for the Gold Pink, while those who prioritize speed might lean towards the Strawberry Latte.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch produces a clacky sound that can be quite satisfying for those who appreciate audio feedback while typing. This sound profile is indicative of a lively experience, allowing for an engaging connection between the user and their keyboard. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offers a balanced sound profile that falls in between quiet and overly resonant. It's designed to be pleasant without being distracting, making it a good choice for shared spaces while still providing auditory satisfaction.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Pink switch is characterized by a range of qualities including buttery smoothness, mildness, and a feathery lightness. These traits contribute to a highly comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue and making it ideal for extended sessions, whether for gaming or productivity. The polished nature of the switch further enhances its smoothness, resulting in a refined typing experience. Meanwhile, the specific qualities of the Strawberry Latte in this regard are unknown, but it is described as super smooth, which suggests it too aims for a seamless typing experience.
In summary, both the TTC Gold Pink and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience, though their sound profiles cater to different preferences. The Gold Pink excels in lively feedback along with a light actuation force that minimizes fatigue, while the Strawberry Latte strikes a balance in sound. While the feel of the Strawberry Latte isn't fully defined, its smooth operation hints at a similar effortless experience. Thus, if you prioritize lightness and a lively typing cadence, the Gold Pinks might be your choice, while those seeking a balanced sound that stays versatile across environments may find the Strawberry Latte appealing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, your specific preferences and typing style will guide your decision. If you lean towards a fast-paced typing experience with a lighter touch, the Gold Pink is your go-to choice, excelling in rapid typing and gaming scenarios. Its buttery and feathery feel, combined with a clacky sound, delivers a lively but mild feedback that can enhance your performance, especially during extended sessions. On the other hand, if you're after a smoother and more balanced experience, the Strawberry Latte might be more suitable for you. It offers a polished, super smooth keystroke with a balanced sound profile that isn't overly loud, making it ideal for quieter environments or collaborative spaces. Ultimately, both switches share the same bottom-out force, but their unique characteristics cater to distinct typing nuances—choose the one that aligns best with your personal satisfaction and typing needs.
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