TTC Gold Silver vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Silver and the Huano Strawberry Latte each offer unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The TTC Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness, featuring a shortened travel distance that delivers a decisive bottom-out with every keystroke. This switch creates a tactile experience defined by a smooth journey from initial press to bottoming out and a low-pitched, thocky sound that many typists find satisfying. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte showcases an exceptionally smooth actuation, stemming from the latest mold technology, boasting a balanced sound profile that provides just the right amount of resonance without overwhelming the senses. While both switches cater to those who prefer linear action, the TTC Gold Silver emphasizes speed and precision, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming and rapid typing, whereas the Strawberry Latte offers a more subdued yet smooth experience, suitable for casual typing and prolonged use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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 TTC Gold Silver and the Huano Strawberry Latte, the differences in housing materials significantly influence the overall sound profile and user experience. The Gold Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing which is known for producing a clearer, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This characteristic makes polycarbonate an optimal choice when RGB lighting is present, as its translucency allows for effective light diffusion. Conversely, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a top housing made from POK (polyketone), which, while also promoting a positive auditory experience, does so with an emphasis on smoothness and durability. The POK material has a higher coefficient of friction than standard materials, contributing to a different tactile feedback that is described as being both clacky and strong.
In stark contrast to the differences in their top housing materials, both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, leading to similarities in sound characteristics. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, creating a fuller and rounder sound profile when typing. This adherence to using nylon allows for an overall consistency in auditory experience between the two switches despite the differences in their top housing materials. Consequently, both the Gold Silver and the Strawberry Latte switches deliver a deep and comforting sound during use, highlighting how the same bottom housing material can create parallel experiences, even amidst variations in their top housing structures.
The interaction of the different materials in the two switches leads to a unique sound experience depending on whether the focus is on the bottom-out sound or the release sound. While the Gold Silver's polycarbonate top lends a crisper sound upon key release, the Strawberry Latte's POK top contributes to a smooth and clacky noise. Meanwhile, the identical nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches retain that deep, full-bodied sound during the keystroke. Such material variations suggest that although each switch may feel and sound different, both can achieve impressive auditory results by leveraging the inherent qualities of their respective materials in a complementary manner.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Silver switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Strawberry Latte features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams. This implies that the Strawberry Latte is easier to press, making it a more suitable option for users who prefer a lighter touch, especially during extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Silver switch is currently unknown, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons regarding the firmness experienced when pressing the key all the way down. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte's bottom out force is measured at 45 grams, indicating a stronger feel when the key is fully pressed. As such, users looking for a lighter actuation and a tactile experience should consider the Strawberry Latte, while those who prefer a heavier actuation may be inclined toward the Gold Silver, despite the uncertainty surrounding its bottom out force. Overall, the direct comparison highlights the Gold Silver as the heavier option and the Strawberry Latte as the lighter one, influencing the choice based on personal preference for typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the differences are slight yet significant for users who prioritize responsiveness and typing feel. The Gold Silver has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option between the two, while the Strawberry Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is marginally longer. This difference in travel distance may appeal to different types of users; those who favor quicker actuation and responsiveness might gravitate toward the Gold Silver, while those who appreciate a deeper keystroke might prefer the Strawberry Latte. In summary, if you prefer a shorter and more responsive feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is the better choice, whereas those who enjoy the sensation of a slightly deeper keystroke should consider the Huano Strawberry Latte switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch produces a sound profile characterized by its thocky and low-pitched qualities, creating a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. This blend results in a deep, rich sound reminiscent of a soft thud or knock when pressing and releasing the key, making it enjoyable for both solo typing sessions and shared environments. While it's not described as overly resonates, the switch balances a neutral sound profile that caters well to various settings, whether at home or the office. On the other hand, the specific sound qualities of the Huano Strawberry Latte switch are not detailed; however, it’s noted for having a balanced sound profile, suggesting a versatile auditory experience that may suit users looking for a moderate sound without excessive resonance.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Silver excels with its polished, silky, and smooth typing experience. The materials used in its construction and potentially enhanced by factory lubing yield a key travel experience that minimizes friction, allowing for seamless operation. Its mild and subtle resistance offers a gentle typing sensation that is approachable for users of all levels. Meanwhile, the feel of the Strawberry Latte switch isn't specified; thus, it's challenging to make a direct comparison. However, the emphasis on its smoothness suggests it may also provide an enjoyable typing experience, potentially aligning with the ease of use found in the Gold Silver.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Silver and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches cater to users' desires for smooth typing experiences, though the sound profiles differ significantly, with the Gold Silver providing a more defined thocky resonance. While the Strawberry Latte remains undefined in terms of specific sound and feel descriptions, its balanced sound suggests it may reflect similar typing ease without being overbearingly resonant. Ultimately, users can expect smoothness and responsiveness from both switches, making either a solid choice depending on personal auditory preferences and tactile feelings.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Gold Silver and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you favor rapid responsiveness and a smooth keystroke experience complemented by a resonant sound signature, the TTC Gold Silver is the ideal choice for you. Its remarkable speed and polished feel make it excellent for gaming or typing where quick actions are essential. Conversely, if you seek a balanced sound profile and a gentle bottom-out experience with light actuation force, the Huano Strawberry Latte might be more suited to your needs. Its smooth feel is perfect for long typing sessions, especially in quieter environments where you want to avoid disturbing others. Ultimately, your decision should reflect not only your performance needs but also your comfort and enjoyment during use.