TTC Ice vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Ice and Huano Strawberry Latte both offer compelling options for enthusiasts, particularly for those who prefer linear switches. The TTC Ice is celebrated for its crystal-clear transparent design, providing not only a visually appealing aesthetic but also a smooth and responsive typing experience. Its satisfying bottom-out sound enhances the overall feel, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte stands out with its ultra-smooth operation, which utilizes advanced molds from Huano to deliver a balanced sound profile—neither too quiet nor excessively resonant. This makes the Strawberry Latte an attractive choice for users seeking a refined auditory experience while typing or gaming. While both switches cater to the needs of gamers and typists alike, they each bring unique characteristics to the table. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and the Huano Strawberry Latte, a notable difference can be observed between their top housings. The TTC Ice features a polycarbonate top housing, which is praised for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigid structure of polycarbonate lends itself to a clearer resonance, enhancing the auditory experience, particularly when utilizing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is equipped with a POK (polyketone) top housing. Known for its smoothness and durability, POK materials contribute to a clacky and enjoyable sound profile but may not achieve that same pitch or clarity as polycarbonate. Although the sound profiles differ, both materials are designed to offer a satisfying and engaging typing experience, albeit through different sonic characteristics.
Conversely, the bottom housing of each switch reveals a stronger disparity in sound and feel. The TTC Ice utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which mirrors the acoustic qualities of the top housing, resulting in a consistently sharper sound profile throughout the switch actuation. This uniformity creates a cohesive auditory experience, where the bottom-out sound is also clear and resonant. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte's nylon bottom housing introduces a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, producing a rounder and less piercing sound when bottoming out. This means users of the Strawberry Latte may enjoy a more subdued and tactile sound, offering a different but equally engaging experience when typing.
Ultimately, the blending of different materials in each switch results in unique sound profiles that complement each other. In the case of the TTC Ice, both the top and bottom housings are made from rigid polycarbonate, resulting in a consistent crispness and clarity throughout the switch’s operation. Meanwhile, the combination of POK and nylon in the Strawberry Latte allows for a coexistence of clacky highs with mid-range depths, as the bottom housing softens the impact of the tops’ higher pitch. Both designs demonstrate that, while material differences can lead to distinct acoustic experiences, a well-balanced interplay of these materials can yield satisfying results in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch to the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we can see distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which provides a medium resistance that some users may find more satisfying for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte offers a lighter experience with an actuation force of only 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Strawberry Latte more suitable for those who prefer quick and effortless keystrokes, particularly beneficial for extended use in work or casual gaming without fatigue. Thus, the TTC Ice switch is the heavier option, while the Huano Strawberry Latte is the lighter choice, catering to different preferences in typing feel and effort.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Ice linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, providing a consistent experience when pressing down on a key. This equal travel distance means that users can expect a similar tactile response and actuation force, which can contribute to a satisfying typing experience. Since both switches share this travel specification, there is no discernible difference in terms of the distance traveled from the top to the bottom, allowing for an equivalent feel across both switch types.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 Ice switch is known for its satisfying bottom-out sound, which adds an enjoyable auditory layer to the typing experience. This sound can be refreshing for users who appreciate a subtle yet noticeable feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch boasts a balanced sound profile, which strikes a fine equilibrium between not being overly resonant and not too quiet. This balance makes it versatile for various environments, ensuring that it won’t distract in quieter settings while still providing enough auditory feedback for a satisfying experience.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice switch is celebrated for its smooth and responsive characteristics, making it an excellent choice for heavy typists and gamers alike. The feeling of each keystroke is consistent and satisfying, contributing to an effortless typing experience. In comparison, the Strawberry Latte switch is also recognized for its super smooth action, utilizing the latest molds from Huano to enhance its performance. Both switches provide an exceptional linear experience, ensuring that users will enjoy a seamless typing flow whether using one or the other.
In conclusion, both the TTC Ice linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offer noteworthy qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Ice is distinguished by its satisfying bottom-out sound and smooth, responsive feel, the Strawberry Latte shines with a balanced auditory profile and similarly smooth action. Regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a premium typing experience that emphasizes comfort and performance, making either option a solid choice for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, consider what aspects of typing and gaming you prioritize. If you value a medium bottom-out force and appreciate a smooth, responsive feel paired with a satisfying sound during your use, the TTC Ice switch is the ideal choice for you. Its gorgeous transparent design not only enhances aesthetics but also provides a premium typing experience, making it versatile enough for both hardcore gaming and everyday typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 45 grams, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch might be more to your liking. Its smooth operation and balanced sound profile cater to those who favor a more relaxed and comfortable typing experience, making it great for long hours of use without fatigue. Thus, your choice should hinge on whether you lean towards a slightly firmer, more tactile feel with the Ice switches or a softer, easier pressing experience with the Strawberry Lattes. In the end, both switches bring unique qualities to the table, so select the one that aligns best with your personal preferences.
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