Gateron Ink Red vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Red and the Huano Strawberry Latte offer distinctive yet appealing characteristics for different types of typists. The Ink Red, recognized for its lower actuation force and satisfying smoothness, caters to users who enjoy a feather-light typing experience. With a crispy and clacky sound profile, this linear switch feels effortless to type on, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a neutral and polished sensation in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte stands out with its ultra-smooth operation, benefiting from the latest mold technology to provide a balanced sound profile that strikes a perfect harmony—neither too quiet nor overly resonant. This switch may appeal to users looking for a refined typing feel without excessive auditory feedback. Overall, while both switches offer smooth linear action, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches, one notices a distinctive divide in both sound characteristics and tactile feedback. The Ink Red utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top and bottom housings, creating a consistent sound profile described as pointed and high-pitched, producing a clacky sound that appeals to many enthusiasts. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a POK top housing known for its smoothness and durability due to its low coefficient of friction and impressive strength. This means while the Ink Red focuses on a sharper auditory experience, the Strawberry Latte provides a similar clack but builds on a foundation of robustness and silky feel, suggesting that users looking for the clack might find pleasant similarities in sound, even if the materials differ.

Diving deeper, the bottom housing materials of the two switches present another contrasting narrative. The Gateron Ink Red's bottom housing, made of the same proprietary INK blend, reinforces the higher-pitched clacky sound profile. Conversely, the Huano Strawberry Latte utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer composition. This inherent softness allows the nylon to absorb more sound, yielding a rounder auditory experience, which can fundamentally change the user's tactile sensation when typing. Thus, while both switches may produce a clacky sound overall due to their vocal top housings, the bottom housings will significantly influence the depth and fullness of sound upon bottoming out.

Ultimately, when considering the relationship between the two switches' housing materials, it is essential to recognize how the combination of top and bottom materials impacts overall performance. With the Ink Red's dual INK blend setup, users can expect a consistent auditory output with a sharp, lively feel throughout the keystroke. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte, with its POK top and nylon bottom, delivers a more complex sound experience that balances smoothness and depth. Despite the differences, if aiming for similar results, users may find that the Ink Red's consistent sound profile provides a sharper auditory experience, while the Strawberry Latte's blend of materials allows for a nuanced, fuller sound that caters to those who prefer a softer touch with a rounded sound profile, demonstrating the importance of material selection in achieving desired switch characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Red and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, significant differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Ink Red switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium weight category. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Consequently, the Strawberry Latte offers a more effortless keystroke, making it a favorable choice for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming, while the Ink Red's heavier weights might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the Huano Strawberry Latte is the way to go, whereas the Gateron Ink Red provides a firmer typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Ink Red boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional standard and provides a deeper, more substantial feel when pressed. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to users who favor quicker response times typical in gaming scenarios. While both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, the Ink Red will deliver a heftier and more deliberate keystroke, which some may find preferable for typing or general use. Meanwhile, the Strawberry Latte's shorter travel distance can be appealing to those seeking speedy execution in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two hinges on personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Red switch presents a unique auditory experience characterized by its chirpy qualities, which introduce a subtle squeak during key presses. This creates a lively sound profile that, while not overly loud, ensures an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch features a balanced sound profile that manages to strike a middle ground—it's not particularly quiet nor overly resonant, potentially offering a more versatile option for different environments. Both switches' sound characteristics, however, can be significantly influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning users can achieve a desired sound regardless of which switch they choose.

When considering the feel, the Gateron Ink Reds are renowned for their silky, mild, and polished sensations. This combination results in a particularly smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance during keystrokes and providing a refined finish through either the materials used or factory lubing. This makes the Ink Red ideal for users who prefer a gentle and approachable feel. Unfortunately, specific descriptors for the Huano Strawberry Latte's feel are not available, leaving its tactile experience somewhat unclear. Thus, while users can expect a smooth experience from both switches, the exact nuances of the Strawberry Latte remains a mystery.

Overall, both the Gateron Ink Red and the Huano Strawberry Latte offer appealing qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ink Reds shine with their distinct sound profile and smooth tactile experience, making them highly suitable for those with lighter typing styles. The Strawberry Latte, though less defined in terms of feel, presents a balanced sound that can adapt to various settings. Ultimately, regardless of the switch you choose, you can expect satisfactory performance with smoothness being a commonality that will enhance your typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Ink Red and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches will largely depend on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a switch that offers a medium bottom-out force (60 grams), the Ink Red will provide a satisfying balance of tactile feedback and smoothness, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. Its chirpy sound profile and silky feel can enhance your typing experience, offering a nice auditory element without being overly noisy. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter typing experience, the Strawberry Latte’s 45-gram bottom-out force might be more appealing. This switch excels with its exceptional smoothness and understated sound, making it a great option for those who prioritize a softer touch, especially for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you: if you enjoy that medium resistance with a bit of character, go for the Ink Red; however, if you want effortless key presses and a more subdued sound, the Strawberry Latte could be your ideal match.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more