TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Red Pro and Huano Strawberry Latte stand out as two appealing linear options, each catering to different preferences. The Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility and ease of press, providing a smooth typing experience suitable for gamers, office users, and casual typists alike. With a neutral sound signature, it strikes a balance that keeps it unobtrusive in any environment. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte, known for its exceptionally smooth feel, capitalizes on the latest mold technology to deliver a luxurious typing experience. Its balanced sound profile ensures it won't be overly loud, while still providing enough auditory feedback to satisfy typing enthusiasts. These characteristics make both switches desirable, whether you prioritize adaptability or a silky smooth keystroke. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
18.5mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly affects their sound profiles. The Gold Red Pro features a polycarbonate top housing known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch, especially when RGB lighting is applied, making the lighting effects more vibrant and pronounced. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte uses a POK (polyketone) top housing, which, while also yielding a distinct audio experience, emphasizes smoothness and durability rather than brightness. Although both materials stand out for their unique attributes, the Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate is geared towards producing clear and crisp sounds, while the POK material in the Strawberry Latte contributes to a smooth, clacky typing experience.
Both switches, however, deploy nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a common ground for their acoustics and typing feel. Nylon is known for its softer properties, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile as it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing materials means that both switches will evoke a similar sound upon bottoming out, providing a consistent experience in terms of producing rounder sound qualities when pressed. Despite the differences in top housing materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that users will enjoy a satisfying tactile response and an overall subdued sound signature at the bottom-out point.
In summary, while the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte feature distinct top materials that influence their sound output—sharpness from polycarbonate and smoothness from polyketone—they converge in using nylon for their bottom housing, creating a common auditory experience. This interplay ensures that although each switch possesses unique acoustic qualities, the essential characteristics provided by the nylon bottom promote compatibility in feel and sound during typing. Consequently, users looking for a diverse auditory experience can find satisfaction in both switches, as they retain similar qualities at key press moments, diversifying sound profiles effectively.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The TTC Gold Red Pro has an actuation force of 43 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Strawberry Latte's actuation force of 40 grams, which is considered light. This means that the Gold Red Pro may provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a heavier touch. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro remains unknown, while the Strawberry Latte has a defined bottom out force of 45 grams. This difference suggests that the Strawberry Latte switch offers a more tactile endpoint when pressed fully down, potentially enhancing the typing experience for those who like a clear feedback at the bottom of their keystrokes. Ultimately, if someone prefers a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions, the Huano Strawberry Latte would be the better choice, whereas those looking for a stronger push feel might lean towards the TTC Gold Red Pro, despite the uncertainty regarding its bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the Gold Red Pro features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Strawberry Latte has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Strawberry Latte the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times and a more immediate feel when pressing keys. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro, with its longer travel distance, may be favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced actuation and feedback while typing, providing a sense of depth that some users prefer. Ultimately, the difference in travel distances can influence the overall typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their preference for responsiveness versus a more substantial feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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 Red Pro linear switch boasts a neutral sound signature that strikes a balance between being neither too pronounced nor overly muted. This switch produces a deep, thocky sound profile characterized by a low-pitched resonance, resulting in a satisfying auditory feedback when pressed. It’s versatile enough for various environments, providing a pleasant experience whether in a shared office or during late-night gaming sessions. While specific details about the sound profile of the Huano Strawberry Latte are not provided, it shares a balanced sound profile that avoids being excessively quiet or overly resonant, suggesting that it would likely provide a similar auditory experience to the Gold Red Pro. Therefore, both switches present suitable options for users seeking a harmonious sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Red Pro is known for its polished design, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. It offers a mild typing sensation that caters well to a broad audience, making it approachable for both new users and seasoned typists. The subtle resistance of the switch adds to this gentle experience without overwhelming the user. In contrast, there's no specific information available about the feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte, leaving its tactile characteristics unknown. However, it's worth noting that the smoothness suggested in its design might imply a comparable feel to the Gold Red Pro.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch showcases itself as a versatile option with a well-rounded auditory and tactile experience, making it suitable for a wide array of applications. While the shared attributes of balanced auditory profiles suggest that the Huano Strawberry Latte may offer similar results in that regard, its absence of detailed tactile descriptions leaves some uncertainty. Ultimately, both switches cater to users looking for a smooth and accessible typing experience, making either a commendable choice for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch should depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a switch that provides versatility and a smooth tactile experience without being too loud, the Gold Red Pro may be your best bet. Its polished feel and neutral sound signature make it ideal for various environments, from gaming to office work, allowing you to type seamlessly without distractions. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly light bottom-out force and appreciate a super smooth feel, the Strawberry Latte could be the right fit. Although it doesn’t have a specific bottom-out force listed, its reputation for a balanced sound profile suggests it could provide a satisfying experience without being overly noisy. In short, choose the TTC Gold Red Pro for a versatile and broadly accommodating typing experience, and go for the Strawberry Latte if you lean towards a smoother, light touch. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to distinct typing styles, so your choice will hinge on what aspect you prioritize more in your daily use.
Mentioned in this article
